CardioBird

Veterinarian Spotlight #12:

Dr. In-Young Choi, Our Featured Veterinarian

We are delighted to introduce Dr. In-Young Choi as this month’s featured veterinarian. Dr. Choi is the Chief Director of LuvPet Animal Hospital (Times Square, Yeongdeungpo) and CEO of LuvPet Korea Co., Ltd., a company specializing in pet industry distribution. He also serves as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at MetaDx Inc., a company developing AI-powered diagnostic solutions for canine oncology. As a leading veterinary expert, he actively practices and lectures in the field of companion animal behavioral medicine.

He has served as a Board Director of the Seoul Veterinary Medical Association and as President of the Yeongdeungpo District Veterinary Association, and was awarded the Animal Welfare Commendation by the Mayor of Seoul in recognition of his contributions to the profession.

Dr. Choi is a full member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and an official evaluator for the AKC CGC（American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen）Program. He is also the author of books including Veterinary Technician: All-in-One Study Guide and Hello, Is This Your First Time with a Dog?, both of which promote a more informed and compassionate approach to pet ownership.

In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Choi is active in media outreach. He has appeared as a veterinary panelist or MC on major television networks such as MBC, SBS, and TV Chosun, and frequently connects with the public through radio programs and his weekly column in Donga Weekly.

Bio: 

• Board Director, Seoul Veterinary Medical Association
• President, Yeongdeungpo Veterinary Association (2018)
• Chief Director, LuvPet Animal Hospital (Times Square)
• CSO, MetaDx Inc.
• CEO, LuvPet Korea Co., Ltd.
• Full Member, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

Affiliations & Achievements:

• 2022 Animal Welfare Award – Mayor of Seoul
• Behavioral Medicine Research Team, Seoul Veterinary Medical Association
• Certified by a Japanese Animal Behavior Training Program
• Official Evaluator, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program
• Received the 2014–2015 Korea Franchise New Brand Grand Prize

Publications:

• “Veterinary Technician: All-in-One Study Guide” (2022)
• “Hello, Is This Your First Time with a Dog?” (2018)
• “Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Companion Animals” (Co-author, 2016)
• “Puppy Care Step Book” (Co-translator, 2015)

Media Appearances

• MBC Video Star, SBS Animal Farm, TV Chosun Signal
• MyPetTV (SK B TV 85)
• Host of “Curious My Pet Doctor”
• Host of “My Dog Life”,
• Host of “Bridge”
• YTN, MBC Every1, JTBC, KBS, SBS CNBC, and many more Radio appearances

Lectures and Public Engagement:

• Lecturer, Animal Culture Festival hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korean Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA)
• Behavioral medicine instructor at Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Companion Animal Playgrounds (Sangam, Boramae, Nakseongdae, and Sillimcheon Riverside)
• Lecturer, companion animal behavior at K-PET Fair and events organized by Royal Canin Korea
• Behavioral science lecturer, SsangYong Tivoli Camping Event
• Behavioral medicine seminar for adoptive families at Yong-in City Animal Protection Center

 

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words?

A : Passionate, humble, golf.

Q2 : At what age, did you decide to become a vet?

A : I once had a beloved poodle. One day, no matter how much I called her, she wouldn’t respond. She couldn’t eat, barely lifted her head, and was clearly very ill. On the way to the animal hospital, I felt incredibly powerless—I had nothing to offer her. At the hospital, I remember crying out, “Please save my dog!” That moment changed everything. Although I had previously dreamed of becoming an oriental medicine doctor, from that day on, I decided to become a veterinarian.

I still carried some of my original aspirations, so I wrote my Master’s thesis on veterinary acupuncture. My goal is to be the voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Q3 : What do you like the most for being a vet?

A : Finding the root of a silent animal’s suffering and healing them is incredibly fulfilling. Although it can be stressful to interpret their needs without verbal history, the bond built with the pet owner adds meaning and satisfaction to every case.

 

 

Q4 : One sentence that describes your value as a vet.

A : A veterinarian is a bridge between people and their companion animals. We enhance and protect the unique bond they share, ensuring the health and happiness of both.

Q5 : Can you share one memorable moment in your career as a vet?

A : Last year, a regular client came in for routine parasite prevention. While examining her lovely Maltipoo, she suddenly asked, “Aren’t you overwhelmed—running a clinic, teaching, and appearing on TV?” I sensed something deeper behind the question. I smiled and shared that I restore my energy by walking, cycling, or golfing—hobbies I love.

After a pause, she confided that she was going through a difficult time: depression, loss of motivation, and recent personal setbacks. The only joy she had left was walking her dog in the mornings.

I gently encouraged her to try things like walking along the Han River or cycling with no destination, and suggested she consider counseling. I told her it’s okay to cry in the car sometimes—it’s a healthy release. She teared up and thanked me. That moment reminded me that being a veterinarian means caring for both pets and people.

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

A : Orthopedics and behavioral medicine.

 

 

Q7 : What do you like the most about CardioBird?

A : It’s an excellent diagnostic tool for solo veterinary clinics to help prevent anesthesia-related incidents. The AI-generated ECG reports provide strong clinical guidance and also increase pet owner satisfaction when shared.

 

 

Q8: Surely you have a dream. What do you hope to accomplish through your career or in life?

A : I hope to help create a better future for young veterinarians.
That’s why I’m speaking up and working to encourage thoughtful, responsible decisions within our field.
Recently, some educational institutions have moved forward with projects in the name of public interest, without fully considering the voices of the veterinary community. This has placed a growing burden on students and young professionals, while adding unnecessary competition to an already saturated clinical field.
This isn’t just about one new center—it affects the overall balance of the veterinary ecosystem. It can lower the quality of care, disrupt fair pricing, and put pressure on the survival of private clinics. Public institutions should aim to support and collaborate with veterinarians, not unintentionally compete with or replace them, as we work toward a more sustainable future together.