Staff Spotlight - Dr. Dawn Kelly - Relief Veterinarian

Dr. Kelly graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Prior to going to vet school she spent a year at the University of Glasgow in Scotland where she studied Veterinary Science after graduating from MSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.  Dr. Kelly has a large extended family here in Montana and enjoys spending time with family, reading and going to movies.

The following will give you a little more insight into Dr. Kelly’s personality:

What is the most exciting change you’ve seen in veterinary medicine?  Better pain control methods with fewer side effects.

Who was your most memorable patient?  Cole, a golden retriever…HBC with femur and pelvic fracture…sweetest dog ever!


What makes a good veterinarian?  Common sense, empathy and patience.

What was the best professional advice you ever received?  Document communication with owner.

What would you advise a new graduate?  Stay calm but efficient in an emergency.

Are you a cat, dog or exotic person?  Dog and cat.

Do you have a bad habit?  Impatience.

What do you consider the greatest threat to the profession?  Rising school debt.

Which animal health needs are currently unmet?  Inexpensive, comprehensive diagnosis.

What changes in veterinary medicine do you hope will occur in the next 100 years?  Veterinary hospitals set up more like human hospitals.  Central lab, radiology with surrounding individual doctor offices.


What part of your work do you enjoy most?  Interpreting diagnosis and problem solving.

What would you have liked to do if you hadn’t become a veterinarian?  Human Doctor.

Key to balancing your roles in personal, family, career and health matters:  Say no every once in a while.

Dream job:  Travel guide around the world.

To relax:  Go to movies in almost empty theater, massage, reading.

Are roller coasters deadly or exciting:  Exciting.

Thunderstorms cool or scary:   Cool.

Favorite quote:   “Breathe, life is not an emergency”.

If you could meet one person in the world, who would it be:   Ann Rice.

As a child, desired career:  Doctor.

Greatest experience ever:  Traveling around Europe by myself.

Most humiliating moment:  Falling in front of gym full of people.

Favorite thing to do on a weekend:  Read and go to a movie.

Are you a morning person:   No.

Are you a righty, lefty, or ambidextrous:  Right.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live:  Victoria, BC.

I don’t want to go anywhere without my:  Book.

Nickname:   Dawny.

Pets:   2 cats – Ink and Mobe.

Hobbies:   Reading, Skiing, Movies.

Book you’re currently reading:  The Hunger Games Series, Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter.

Favorite meal:  Alaskan King Crab & Steak.

Favorite snack:  Rice Krispie Treats.

Favorite beverage:   Iced Tea.

Chocolate or vanilla:   Vanilla.

How do you eat an oreo:  Take apart and eat the middle first.

Dream car:   Atudi TT.

What is your favorite book?  Anything by Sara Douglas.

What is your favorite song(s)?  Nights in White Satin – Moody Blues.

Favorite tv shows:  Bones.

Favorite movies:   Singing in the Rain.

Favorite type of music:   Anything except Rap.

Favorite holiday:  Thanksgiving.