Dr. Taylor Quinn is Just Cats Clinic’s newest associate veterinarian, and we are thrilled to have her on the team. She comes to us with diverse experience, a unique professional background, and a passion for empowering pet owners in the care of their cats. The relationships we form with you and your feline family members are part of what makes our work so fulfilling. Take a few minutes to learn more about Dr. Quinn, as we take a closer look at her unique path to veterinary medicine, and her life outside the examination room.
The path to practitioner
Dr. Quinn’s journey to veterinary medicine was anything but typical. Unlike some, who always knew they wanted to be veterinarians, she explored a variety of career paths, before an epiphany during an interstate traffic jam helped her realize that her dream was to pursue the veterinary profession.
While growing up in Springfield, Virginia, Dr. Quinn grappled with the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She adored her childhood cats, but a career helping animals was not on her radar—yet.
A varied background—business, teaching, and more
Still not sure of her ideal career path, Dr. Quinn attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she majored in accounting and psychology, with a minor in marketing. She was on track to land a job at a reputable accounting firm but, as she prepared for a summer internship after her junior year, she realized she simply wasn’t excited about the prospect of an accounting career. So, after graduation, Dr. Quinn followed her intuition, and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. She enjoyed her time abroad and helping others learn a new language, and returned home determined to find her true passion.
She began working in the administrative field, and loved learning many new skills, such as event planning, volunteer coordination, and desktop publishing. Still, she knew that was not meant to be her long-term career.
An “A-Ha” veterinary moment on the I-495
Bumper-to-bumper traffic on Interstate 495 led Dr. Quinn on the path to veterinary medicine. She was sitting in a long line of cars, her mind was wandering, and she suddenly had the thought that changed everything—she loved animals and had always enjoyed science. A veterinary career would perfectly combine her two greatest passions.
After that epiphany, Dr. Quinn learned as much as she could about the veterinary profession. She began by shadowing two experienced veterinarians—one had cared for her childhood cats—at a small animal clinic in Farmville, Virginia, and loved the experience. She now knew what she was meant to do.
Dr. Quinn was determined to make her dream a reality. She threw herself into researching veterinary schools, took night classes at Northern Virginia Community College to fulfill the necessary prerequisites, and was accepted by the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She focused her studies on small animal companion medicine, earned her DVM degree, and eagerly looked forward to her new career.
A fondness for felines
Dr. Quinn considered practicing at a traditional clinic that served cats and dogs, but this time she was drawn to a different path by her fondness for felines. She decided to look at cats-only clinics, and connected with our Just Cats Clinic’s own Dr. Elizabeth.
When Dr. Quinn stepped through our door, she knew she was somewhere special. She was impressed by our state-of-the-art facility, knowledgeable and compassionate staff, and commitment to delivering the highest quality care for our feline patients. Dr. Elizabeth was equally impressed with Dr. Quinn, and asked her to join our team.
A proactive approach to caring for colleagues, clients, and cats
Dr. Quinn values teamwork, and takes a collaborative approach with her colleagues and cat owners to provide quality care for all cats.
“Owners play a huge part in pet care,” she says. “We see clients’ cats once a year, but they are with them every single day.” Dr. Quinn helps owners actively participate in their cat’s health, providing detailed explanations, answering questions, and demonstrating caregiving techniques at every appointment. She won’t tell you only that your cat needs monthly parasite prevention—she will take the time to explain why preventives are important, and show you how to apply the product, so you feel confident when you have to apply the product at home.
Dr. Quinn has varied areas of interest and certifications, which aligns with our commitment to provide continuing education on the most current research in feline care. Her special interests include:
- Cardiology
- Internal medicine
- Soft-tissue surgery
- Fear Free methods of care
- Compassionate end-of-life care, including the art of gentle euthanasia training, provided by the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy.
We appreciate Dr. Quinn’s dedication and passion for her work, and know she will have a positive impact on our clients and their precious cats.
A life outside the veterinary exam room
Our team members devote much of their time to helping animals, because they truly love what they do, but we all have passions outside the world of veterinary medicine. Dr. Quinn is no exception. We sat down with her, and asked about her life when she’s not wearing a white coat.
Question: What’s something about you that might surprise others?
Answer: I am a marathon runner. I ran the Richmond Marathon in 2011.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Any Korean/Asian food—mandu, kimbap, ddukbokki, sushi rolls, noodles, Panda Express.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Dolls. They really creep me out. Clowns, also.
Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
A: I like reading. My favorite genres are urban fantasy, mystery/suspense, general fiction, and non-fiction science or psychology. I also really enjoy baking.
Q: What would you like to accomplish in the next five years?
A: I really want to travel. I’ve always wanted to go to Vermont, because it looks pretty. I’d also love to go back to Korea. Also on my list—Seattle, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Dr. Quinn to the Just Cats Clinic team. Schedule your cat’s next wellness appointment, and say, “Hello.”
