Dr. Emily Panther, DVM

What is your educational and work background?

I received my BA in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish from University of Iowa (Go Hawks!).  I then went on to complete my veterinary training at Iowa State University in May of 2019.

What made you decide to become a vet?

I think it’s written in my DNA. I honestly cannot remember a time when I considered being anything else.

Why did you decide to join the Companion team?

I love the family feel at Crawford. It’s a compassionate team that truly wants to provide the best care for patients and treats them as they would their own pets. 

What is the best thing about being a vet?

I absolutely love getting to be a part of the human-animal bond while practicing really cool science. It really is the best job!

What is one of the most common problems you’ve encountered in pets you treat?

I think obesity in pets is extremely widespread and it’s something many owners aren’t even aware of.

Do you have any special interests in vet medicine?

I really enjoy working on dermatology cases.

What is the most unusual pet you have helped treat?

In my clinical year at Iowa State there was a penguin from the local zoo that had eaten a dime. Getting to see the dime pulled out with an endoscope was really amazing!

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

I love the outdoors so I’m excited to explore all the nearby hiking and camping areas!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Driving slow in the passing lane.

Favorite place to eat?  

I’ve been known to frequent Culver’s more often than I should.

Favorite place to visit?

I’m all about hiking and love visiting the national parks out west. Zion National Park has to be my favorite so far. 

Favorite food?

I’m an avid potato fan. There are just so many ways to enjoy a potato. Hashed, fried, baked, twice-baked, mashed, potato salad…. The possibilities are endless. It’s really the choose your own adventure of foods.

Favorite movie?

Young Frankenstein (It’s Frahnk-en-steen!)

What are your favorite sports teams?

I love my Iowa Hawkeyes!

Name 3 things people might be surprised to learn about you:

I’ve hiked down and out of the Grand Canyon.

I’ve never broken a bone.

I once finished 3 large frozen pizzas in one sitting on a dare. I didn’t feel like eating for 2 days after.