We had a mini Q & A with our newest doctor to introduce him to our clients. We are excited to have him join the team!
Dr. Bookstaff hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended The Ohio State University, completing his Bachelor of Science in Zoology before graduating from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Following his graduation from veterinary school, he completed a yearlong rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts before relocating to Chicago and working as an Emergency Veterinarian in 2016. Dr. Bookstaff has a background in research and has presented collaborative work at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Research Forum. When not treating patients, Dr. Bookstaff enjoys travel, playing tennis, exploring new areas of the city with friends.
* Where are you from? Tell us about your pets!
I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and that is where my parents still live. I have one dog named Riley - she is a 2 year old lab mix that I rescued from PAWS last September. She is currently vacationing with my parents back in Cincinnati and is loving having a yard to chase her ball.
* What interested you in veterinary medicine?
I grew up loving animals and had every pet imaginable as a child. As I got older and entered college, I started getting involved with volunteering at zoos and participating in wildlife rehabilitation and became really interested in the medical aspect of animal care.
* What is the most common question you get asked once someone finds out you are a veterinarian?
It is usually along the lines of "How old are you?!" or "Can I show you pictures of my cat/dog?"
* What is the most unique/coolest/strangest animal you have ever treated?
When I was doing my internship in Boston I had someone bring me a boa constrictor in a pillow case through the ER. I had to bring it to the exotics specialty veterinarian to figure out how to treat it (and handle it).
* What is your favorite thing about Chicago?
I love that there is always something going on and always something to do in Chicago, no matter what day of the week it is. I also love the variety of restaurants here.
* What would you be if you weren't a veterinarian?
That's a tough one but my favorite job before becoming a veterinarian was working as a barista at a coffee shop. It was equal parts relaxing and stressful, depending on the time of the day. Plus, I was always able to make myself extra drinks if we were slow.