Veterinarian Overview
I love animals. This is probably not the first time you have heard this from a veterinarian, but I also cannot imagine my life without this love of creatures- large, small, furry, and feathery. My first distinct memory of truly bonding with animals was when I was 7 years old. I was born and grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel. I was a little girl wandering the streets of one of the busiest cities in Israel, gathering, chasing, and bribing animals my way, so that I would be able to pet them, love them, or rescue them. I will never forget the look of the many stray dogs and cats, helpless on the streets. No one paid them much attention, other than to shoo them off with disregard and anger. Then there was little Lital always there trying to nourish them back to health. On the weekends, my family and I would go to a Kibbutz, a nearby town in Israel, where we would pick our favorite fruits. When, yet again, search for me would commence. Guess where I was
playing, frolicking, and feeding the cows, sheep and goats. Those were my favorite moments I can remember growing up. I cherish these memories and will continue to keep them close to my heart. When I was 12 years old, my family and I moved to the United States. It was a huge move. Not only did we move to the US, we moved to Los Angeles! At least when people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I felt confident and knew that that answer always said I want to be a veterinarian. High school is where I felt I really got to pursue my dream of helping so many of those animals that had inspired me many countries away. When I started volunteering at the Los Angeles zoo, I worked with golden lion tamarins. Then, on the weekends, I began working at a veterinary clinic in North Hollywood. I remember assisting the veterinarian with all of duties, including holding animals for exams and procedures, using microscopes to look at cells, preparing the surgical packs, and assisting with surgery. My ambition continued from weekend work to summer work for over 7 years, including while attending UCLA. At UCLA, I also worked for several years in the laboratory animal medicine department. All of my experiences, hard work, and love for science allowed me to pursue my masters degree in biology, focusing on cancer research. During this time, I was a part of a team that developed multiple, widely used drugs for various cancers. I continued my research on cancer drugs at UCLA while applying to veterinary school. Then came my dream Id had since I was a little girl in Tel Aviv, I was accepted and attended UC Davis School of veterinary medicine. After graduation in 2007, I practiced at a hospital in Burbank for four years, then emergency medicine for a year as well. My interests and passions include, internal medicine, surgery, and dentistry, to name a few. My search for my veterinary home continued until I found Best Friends Animal Hospital. The day I joined in 2012, I knew was a place where practicing excellent medicine, working closely with my dearest clients and patients, and providing the best standard of care to my patients existed. In my spare time, I enjoy spending most of my time with my husband and son- hiking, cooking, enjoying the outdoor festivities and going to the movies. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, and my sincere love for both people and animals is demonstrated daily. So, when do I get to meet you.
