Dr. Taeseok Kim / Nuri Animal Hospital / Korea

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Veterinarian Spotlight #19:

 

Dr. Taeseok Kim

 

We are delighted to introduce Dr. Taeseok Kim as our featured veterinarian for this issue. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Kim specializes in advanced diagnostics, chronic disease management, and pain management for small animals. He is also an active member of the AVCR.

 

Bio：

  • 1997  DVM, Chungnam National University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1997–2000  First Lieutenant, ROKN (Republic Of Korea Navy)
  • 2000–2003 Veterinary Staff, Vetizen (Veterinary Start-up)
  • 2004–2007  Director, Chamsarang Animal Hospital, Suwon
  • 2021 – 2024 Contributed articles to [Health Kyunghyang] on “Health Stories for Companion Animals” 
  • 2021 Featured in Youtube channel, [Vet’s Voice] for Cushing’s syndrome, Senior dog chronic diseases and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
  • 2008–Present  Director, Nuri Animal Hospital, Dongtan (Blog：https://m.blog.naver.com/k2566339)
  • Present  Member, Association of Veterinary Clinical Research (AVCR)

 

Q1 :  How would you introduce yourself in 3 words

Dedication, Composure, Coffee Bean

(Let’s savor life with specialty beans and hand-drip coffee.)

 

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

It probably started when I was in the third grade. My parents were dairy farmers. One day one of our cows — a mother I was especially fond of — struggled through a difficult birth. I spent hours beside her, helping her. Watching that life-and-death moment unfold left a deep impression on me:  this kind of work must be truly meaningful.

Back then, in Korea, pets were often considered livestock rather than family members. Many families, including mine, would raise a dog for a short while and then sell it for money. I still remember our two dogs, both named Baduk, and how much it hurt when they were sold. At the time, I blamed my parents — but as I grew older, I came to understand the hardships they faced and the reality of those days.

In high school, biology became my strongest subject. That natural curiosity about life and living systems led me to the field of life sciences, and eventually, to veterinary medicine. Since then, being a veterinarian has been not just my profession, but my lifelong calling.

 

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

What I love most is that I get to meet so many pets and their parents — sharing in their joys, sorrows, and all the emotions that come with life. Through these encounters, I continue to learn and reflect on what life truly means.

Dogs and cats live only about a quarter of a human’s lifespan. Within that short time, they experience birth, growth, illness, aging, and death — a complete life cycle. As a veterinarian, being able to accompany them through each stage and help them with my medical skills is deeply rewarding. The lessons I gain from those experiences are truly invaluable.

 

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

“Do your best — and accept the outcome.”

 

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

I’ll never forget the first time I successfully performed a cesarean section.

An elderly couple rushed into the clinic, holding their Maltese tightly in their arms. The dog was in the middle of labor, but time had already passed dangerously, and the puppies were at risk of being stillborn. We immediately prepared for surgery and carried out the emergency C-section. Thankfully, everything went well — and when I handed the couple their healthy newborn puppies, the relief and joy on their faces were something I’ll remember forever.

 

Q6 : What is your expertise (pursuing focus)?

  • Advanced diagnosis and management of allergies and atopic dermatitis
  • Chronic disease management for senior pets
  • Acupuncture and laser therapy for musculoskeletal and neurological pain conditions

 

Q7 : What do you like the most about CardioBird?

CardioBird provides highly reliable and accurate ECG analysis results — a level of trustworthiness that truly supports veterinarians in making confident clinical decisions.

 

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

I hope to live as a person of calmness and trust.