Dr. Kara Lindberg became part of the WestVet Emergency and Critical Care team in July 2015. She says she cannot remember a time in life when she did not want to be a veterinarian. As a teenager, she volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center near her home in Roseville, Minnesota. Working alongside veterinary professionals and mentors cemented her decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

She also credits the support of her close-knit family. “My parents are the most tolerant people. They allowed my sister and me to accumulate many pets without much complaint. My mother, a medical laboratory scientist, inspired my interest in medicine while my father always encouraged me to be my best self.” In addition, she tells us that her siblings (one brother and one sister) are her best friends who pushed her to reach her goals. 

Dr. Lindberg graduated magna cum laude from Hamline University (Saint Paul, MN) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in early summer of 2014. She was selected for a one-year internship at WestVet (July 2014-July 2015) where it was quickly apparent that her natural affinity to medicine, her education and experience, and nurturing disposition was a perfect fit for our team. We were delighted when she accepted the position of Emergency Veterinarian at WestVet.

Working with the Emergency and Critical Care team allows Dr. Lindberg to explore her passion for veterinary medicine. “There is always something new to learn. The field is always expanding with new techniques, new treatments to consider, and new or emerging diseases. Plus, each patient is different, so even applying all of the medical knowledge, there can be surprises. It is a rewarding challenge for me to see what each patient can teach me.”

When she is not working, it’s hard to keep up with Dr. Lindberg, she may be practicing yoga, running, biking or traveling around the country or the world. One of her favorite things is to hike in the foothills with her dogs.

She has enjoyed living in the Treasure Valley. The lack of humidity and the rare mosquitoes combined with the abundance outdoor recreation and friendly people have made it feel like a place to call home.