American veterinarian Clair Park

Q. Even though completing
an internship and residency
isn’t required to work as a veterinarian,
what made you decide to start over
as an intern at a university hospital?

After completing eight years of education
in the U.S. and passing the national licensing exam,
I chose to work as a General Practitioner
at the hospital where I had worked as a student.

In many ways, I felt like I had everything I could ask for.

But at some point, I began asking myself,
“Am I truly doing everything I can for my patients?”

No matter how much I studied,
there was a gap between specialists
and general practitioners that felt impossible
to close on my own.

That realization led me to apply
for a surgical specialist program,
which meant starting with an internship
at a university hospital as a prerequisite for residency.

I realized that if I wanted every surgery
I perform to truly be the best possible option
for my patients, this was the only path forward.

Q. I understand that there are many
limitations for international veterinarians
working in the U.S. What has your
experience been like working there?

These days, because there’s a significant
shortage of veterinarians, obtaining visas
or permanent residency has become easier
for international vets than before.

Of course, getting licensed is still not easy,
but in terms of professional recognition,
treatment, and income, I believe
the U.S. offers the best environment.

So personally,
I don’t have much to complain about.

In fact, no other country has a
pet care market as large as the U.S.

The scale of that market means a lot.

It creates tremendous opportunities
for veterinarians to grow,
both academically and clinically,
and to pursue their goals in many different ways.

Q. Where does your love and
passion for animals come from?

Ever since I was young,
I loved animals so much that there
was hardly an animal I hadn’t raised.

I was always curious about
them and naturally drawn to them.

Even now, animals remain a source
of wonder and admiration for me.

But as a veterinarian, the affection
I feel for animals as patients goes
beyond simply “liking” them.

I believe it’s more about caring deeply for them
and feeling compassion for their suffering.

That sense of compassion is what drives me
to keep searching for the best
possible care for my patients,
even in the most difficult and complex situations.

Q. Congratulations.
Your YouTube channel,
American Veterinarian YouTube Channel,
has now reached 81,000 subscribers.

What meaningful advice would you like to share
with those who dream of becoming veterinarians
and see you as their role model?

Life as a general practitioner veterinarian
can be less rewarding than other medical professions
when compared to the time, cost, and effort invested.

If you don’t truly love animals or find genuine passion
in the work itself, it can be incredibly difficult.

You also have to face emotionally draining
 situations every day watching animals pass away
or seeing treatment declined.

That’s why I want people to understand
that loving animals alone is not enough
to choose this profession.

The path to becoming a specialist is especially long,
and many people end up giving up
because of the intense competition.

In moments like that,
I believe true happiness comes from
clearly understanding what you are striving
for and what values matter most in your life.

Q. What inspired you to start
organizing rescue dog volunteer
work as part of your fan meetings?

Every year, I’ve participated
in volunteer work at animal hospitals
and shelters in different countries.

Many people think about volunteering
for rescue dogs or cats at least once,
but often find it difficult to take the first step.

That’s why I wanted to give them
a small reason to get started.

In fact, many of my subscribers told me
this opportunity led them
to volunteer for the first time.

Even after the event, quite a few people
including veterinary students
have continued volunteering regularly.

Whenever I hear stories like that,
it makes me feel incredibly proud.

Q. You’re someone
who continuously challenges yourself
and works hard toward your dreams,
which is truly inspiring.

What personal values
do you hope to always uphold?

No matter the situation,
the patient must always come first.

As a veterinarian especially as a surgeon
every medical decision and action
I take should be centered around the patient.

I believe every decision should be
grounded in clear medical evidence,
with the patient’s best interest
as the highest priority.

Of course, there are many factors
 to consider, including each
owner’s circumstances and perspective.

Even so, I believe it is a veterinarian’s
responsibility to advocate for the best possible
option from the animal’s point of view.

Q. You seem to truly enjoy vast
natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Is there a place you’ve traveled
to that inspired you the most?
What emotions did you feel there?

One of the most unforgettable places
I’ve visited was the Galápagos Islands,
often called the birthplace of evolutionary
theory and a dream destination for nature lovers.

One evening, around sunset,
I was kayaking back to shore
when sea lions swam beside me
and started playfully grabbing at my paddle.

The sky was filled with vibrant sunset colors,
and a double rainbow appeared in the distance.

I remember thinking, Wow.

It truly felt like I was living inside a fairytale.

Q. Having experienced life firsthand
as a veterinarian in the U.S.,
how do you think it has changed you?

I moved to the U.S.

when I was in the second year
of middle school.

At first, I felt a bit intimidated,
but going through the education system
there gradually helped me build confidence.

On the first day of veterinary school,
one of my professors told us,
“Don’t think of yourselves as students.
From this moment on,
we are all colleagues in the same field,
and you are the primary doctor
for your patients.”

That mindset stayed with me.

As I went through the training,
I became more confident and learned
the professional mindset
and manner expected of a doctor.

I think that process helped me grow
not only as a veterinarian,
but also in my sense of self-worth.