Meet the Palm Beach Equine Clinic Team: Dr. Liz Barrett

Where are you originally from, and where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
I am originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada. I completed my undergraduate degree and veterinary school there. I then did my surgery residency at Auburn University in Auburn, AL.

What does a typical day look like for you at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
Most of my time at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is spent splitting the surgery on-call with Dr. Weston Davis and Dr. Robert Brusie. When I am there, you are most likely to see me doing colic surgery. Outside of those responsibilities, I work for Shane Sweetnam at Sweet Oak Farm as a staff veterinarian. I oversee all aspects of those horses’ routines and preventative care spending time at their farm and at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). I also enjoy the challenge of performance evaluations.

Dr. Liz Barrett
**Photo courtesy of Liz Barrett**

What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
I really enjoy performance horse issues. The cases that interest me the most are those dealing with horses that are competing at the top level of their sport. I like helping maintain the horses so they are able to compete at that high level comfortably. On the flip side, it’s also extremely rewarding to be able to take a colicky horse that is in pain and fix them by performing the surgery they needed to survive.

What is one of the most interesting cases you have worked on?
I recently had a case where the patient was brought in for evaluation of a wound on their side, and that led to discovering a retained testicle. I also get excited when I work with any horses that I have been fangirling over in the show ring.

What is one of your favorite things about working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
My favorite thing about PBEC is the camaraderie and team atmosphere. I like that there are plenty of specialists to consult with, and everyone really works together well. We have a great group of intern veterinarians who make working up cases enjoyable and after-hours emergencies run smoothly.

*Dr. Liz Barrett competing at WEF.*
***Photo by Bridget Ness Photography***

*Liz Barrett performing surgery.*
***Photo courtesy of Liz Barrett***.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become an equine veterinarian?
Only do it if you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else.

What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a decent juggler, I hate bananas, and I have my own 13-year-old gelding that I compete in the adult jumper division when I am feeling brave enough to venture into the show ring.