Katie Carlson, a fourth-year DVM student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, has received a national award for her commitment to feline health.

Carlson is the college’s American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) 2024-2025 Outstanding Senior Student Award winner. This distinction is awarded to a graduating senior who has emerged as a leader in the study of feline health. She was nominated for the honor by members of the Primary Care Service at the Veterinary Medical Center.

"Katie Carlson is very much a cat person and brings this with her when caring for patients,” says Dr. Kristi Flynn, associate professor and Primary Care clinician. “She is an excellent observer of animal body language and is very calm and respectful in her patient handling and care. Her approach is similar with clients in that she is patient and a good listener. Her clinical skills are excellent. She covers the pillars of preventive care with all her appointments and has solid clinical judgment when assessing concerns.”

As a recipient of the award, Carlson receives a certificate and a complimentary Recent Graduate Membership to the AAFP. The award is fitting as her dream to become a veterinarian began young and, coincidentally, with a cat.

“Growing up, my love of veterinary medicine started when I was 7 years old with getting to watch a relative perform surgery on a cat,” Carlson says. “Rather than being disgusted as most children would be, I was fascinated.”

Following graduation next month, she plans to stay in the Twin Cities area and work in small animal general practice. Caring for cats—including her own two “spoiled” felines—will be a key part of that work.   

“In my career, I want to be an advocate for feline health and wellness with a focus on client education,” Carlson says.