River City Six: Dr. Kelly Westfall
Urgent Pet Care is an emergency veterinary clinic with locations in Papillion (73rd & Giles) and Millard (4257 S. 144th St.). Dr. Kelly Westfall is a veterinarian at Urgent Pet Care (urgentpetcareomaha.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
Urgent Pet Care was established to make caring compassionate after-hours emergency care more readily available in Omaha and the surrounding areas. Although we are primarily walk-in based, we also receive transfers from local veterinary clinics to provide overnight monitoring for critical pets. We strive for the highest quality care, while taking care of each pet as if he or she were our own.
How did you get started in the business?
When I was younger I tried to imagine what career would make me excited to get up every morning. No options were more fulfilling than working with animals, and I pursued a degree in veterinary medicine. I did not envision myself working in emergency medicine, but after shadowing an emergency veterinarian, I fell in love with the fast-paced, challenging environment as it allows me to have the biggest impact on the lives of pets and their families.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
The biggest challenge, which I face daily in emergency veterinary medicine, is the sadness that goes along with critical pets. I have learned to let the successes and wonderful patients give me the strength to be there for people during difficult times.
Tell us a little about your family.
I currently live with my two turtles (Yertle and Myrtle) and my two cats (Jessie and Sahara). I have an amazing, strong, independent mother, Tammy Miller, and loving, intelligent sister, Theresa Westfall. My family means the world to me.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I have been practicing martial arts for 17 years now at the American School of Karate and Judo. In my free time I enjoy teaching and mentoring youth in both martial arts and life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mother always told me while growing up to fully commit myself to my education and pursuing my dreams so that I would not have to struggle like she did. I took this to heart while watching my mom, a single mother, raise two children after my father passed away. It gave me the strength and drive to set and achieve my goals.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
My super power would be to speak every language in the world fluently.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I have always been interested in physics, mathematics, computers, and emerging technologies. At one time, I thought about pursuing research in nanotechnology and how it can be used in medicine. The idea of using microscopic engineered machines to fight diseases at a molecular level is fascinating to me, and I believe it will play a significant role in medicine in the future.
What is your favorite movie?
The Last Samurai.
What is your favorite TV show?
Supernatural.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They can reach me via our website at urgentpetcareomaha.com, through our Facebook page, by phone at (402) 597-2911, or email me at drwestfall@urgentpetcareomaha.com.