Today we’d like to introduce you to Galleet Khouban.
Galleet, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a veterinarian.
Scientists estimate that there are two million animal species in the world – and I can (legally) treat 1,999,999 of them. However, there is one species that I am unable to treat, homo sapiens – the human being.
While animals are the bread and butter of my career, believe it or not, I am also responsible for their human counterparts. Most pets I see often have a human attached to them. A human who wants to make the best decisions to keep their pet healthy and happy. And my goal has always been to maintain the human-animal bond and do right by both parties.
But let me rewind for just a moment, my story began when I was four years old watching Discovery Channel and begging my parents for a pet lion. When my parents didn’t comply with my very reasonable request, I demanded my father play the part of the lion and I would be the “dampezeshk” (veterinarian in Farsi). My poor father endured many things with me as his doctor, the least of which included a botched liver transplant and a heart valve replacement surgery.
Fast forward 16 years when I was accepted into the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where I would graduate from the best veterinary program in the world.
Soon after graduation, I joined the team at Animal Specialty & Emergency Center where I completed a rigorous small animal rotating internship. Over the past four years, I have practiced emergency medicine as well as general practice at an emergency and urgent care facility in Los Angeles.
When the pandemic began, I noticed a void in the veterinary medical field. So many pets were unable to receive the veterinary care they so desperately needed, either due to a lack of available appointments with their own veterinarians or due to concerns of possible exposure to COVID-19.
I knew I wanted to help – and this is where my company, GallVet, was born. GallVet began as a passion project that grew to fill a need in our community during the pandemic. I offer quality veterinary medical care to my patients in the comfort and safety of their own home. My clients don’t have to worry about how to get their angry cat into the cat carrier or their frightened dog onto the slippery linoleum floor at the vet hospital. With GallVet, we can help your pet where they feel safest – at home.
As every day progresses, I learn more about my community and the needs of the people and pets and I work to find a way to continue to help.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Veterinary medicine is always rewarding and often challenging, but it has not always been kind. After four years of undergraduate training, a plethora of entrance exams, finding guinea pig poop in my pockets, horse urine on my shoes, one dog bite and the associated tetanus shot, too many cat scratches to count, hundreds of sleepless nights, tears and sweat, and four grueling years of veterinary school – I was finally rewarded with the title of ‘doctor’. I’ve been on-call in the middle of the night, worked 48 hours straight with no sleep, suffered from imposter syndrome, and been berated by my attending physicians. I’ve broken hearts when I share sad news to my clients and I’ve had my heart broken when my patients suffer despite all the best intentions.
But all of this pales in comparison to what I am now able to do as a veterinary physician. The daily highs on the job are payback on my emotional investment. I am stronger because of all the times I fell and had to get back up. I am immensely grateful that I not only had the opportunity to make those mistakes, but I had brilliant teachers and colleagues who helped me learn from them.
Please tell us about GallVet.
I know that quality veterinary medical care requires a comfortable and trusting relationship for the pet and their pet parent. I also know that not every veterinarian is right for every family.
That’s why, when a client first reaches out for an appointment, we have an initial phone call to determine their concerns and ensure we are a good fit. Then we put together a plan and set up our first visit. I do everything in my power to help my client and their pet.
Whether someone brings a wiggly kitten for her first vaccines or whether they need me to help their 16-year-old Labrador cross the rainbow bridge, I am there to hold their hand as we make every decision together. Veterinary medicine should not be cookie-cutter, it should be personalized and tailored for each individual. GallVet offers veterinary services that fit your family and your lifestyle, so you can be well-informed and happy with the decisions you make.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would be kinder to myself. Every day is a challenge and a blessing – mistakes will be made and lessons will be learned. I would remind myself that I am only human and try as I might, I can’t be perfect all the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: GallVet.com
- Phone: (310) 845-6689
- Email: DrG@GallVet.com
- Instagram: @Gall_Vet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gallvet/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gallvet-los-angeles-2?osq=gallvet
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