Dr. Corrigan’s Journey Through Veterinary Emergency Medicine
In a world where careers often shift and evolve, Dr. Cathy Corrigan’s dedication to veterinary medicine stands out. Dr. Corrigan, an emergency veterinarian with nearly 40 years of experience, has left an indelible mark on the field and continues to inspire both her team and clients alike. Through her passion, resilience, and the impact she has made on countless pets and their families, Dr. Corrigan truly embodies Lakefield’s ethos that “everyone leaves a legacy.”
A Lifelong Calling
Dr. Corrigan’s journey into veterinary medicine started with a personal twist: her brother’s severe allergies meant no pets were allowed at home. But her love for animals found its way, leading her to volunteer at local veterinary hospitals from a young age.
After earning her degree from WSU, Dr. Corrigan initially tried general practice. But something didn’t quite click. She found her true calling in emergency medicine, where the pace and critical care environment aligned with her skills and passion. This switch, she recalls, was her first big leap in the field—one that has defined her career.
Milestones Along the Way
Dr. Corrigan’s career took another major step when she opened Emerald City Emergency Clinic in Seattle, which, for years, was the only facility of its kind serving pets in the area. Emerald City soon became known for its willingness to treat exotic pets, something rare in the region at the time. Dr. Corrigan’s commitment to both quality care and inclusivity within veterinary medicine led the clinic to flourish.
Through years of dedication, Dr. Corrigan established a reputation for high standards of care and for training paraprofessionals, offering them a path to grow in their roles. Her clinic’s success eventually led her to a new chapter with Lakefield Veterinary Group. “I initially sold the practice to retire,” she laughs, “but that didn’t quite work out as planned.” Her journey continued as she joined Uptown, where she revamped their emergency service, implementing a model that ultimately allowed Uptown to thrive.
Creating Impactful Moments
When asked about the moments that stand out, Dr. Corrigan shared both the joy and gravity of her work. “Helping clients through a pet’s final goodbye, with compassion and understanding, is one of the most important things we do,” she says. Whether it’s a life-saving procedure or a difficult decision, her role goes beyond medicine. The heart of her work is providing peace and clarity to pet owners in critical moments, helping them make the best choices for their pets’ well-being.
Dr. Corrigan also finds joy in moments like delivering live puppies via C-section or helping clients find solutions for their pets’ health when faced with financial challenges. It’s these instances—each small yet powerful—that make her feel most fulfilled.
Giving Back with World Vets
In 2022, Dr. Corrigan joined World Vets on a mission to the Galapagos Islands, where she provided free spay and neuter services for local pets. Reflecting on the trip, she said, “These dogs and cats are deeply loved, and that compassion extends to all the animals and endangered species there. It was inspiring to witness.”
For Dr. Corrigan, the experience was an extension of Lakefield’s core value of “Do the Right Thing.” She encourages others to participate in similar opportunities: “It’s a marvelous experience with incredible people. You won’t regret it.”
A New Legacy with Lakefield
Today, Dr. Corrigan serves as the Area Medical Director, overseeing a network of practices in the Puget Sound area. Her current focus is on building a collaborative network that combines general practice, urgent care, and emergency services into a cohesive system, offering comprehensive care across facilities. “Coordinating care across these facilities lets us truly focus on patient-centered medicine,” she shares.
Through her journey from single-practice ownership to a multi-location leadership role, Dr. Corrigan has found fulfillment in guiding teams toward a shared vision of excellence. She considers herself lucky to be part of Lakefield, where she can focus on creating sustainable growth for her teams and leaving a legacy of compassionate, innovative veterinary care.
Dr. Corrigan’s story, like many others at Lakefield, is a testament to how a lifelong dedication can evolve, deepen, and leave a lasting impact on those around us. Through her commitment, she shows that leaving a legacy isn’t just about where you end up—it’s about the lives you touch along the way.
