Dr. Kimberly Burns, DVM - Associate Veterinarian

Background: Dr. Kimberly Burns grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and is thrilled to return home after completing her veterinary education. Her love for animals began early—she spent her childhood riding horses and doing everything she could to persuade her mom to let her adopt every rescue she met. Initially drawn to the problem-solving nature of medicine, she discovered her passion for veterinary care while volunteering at a local animal shelter, where she realized she could combine her interest in science with her deep love for animals.Dr. Burns earned her Bachelor of Science from DePaul University in 2020, double-majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences and Psychology. She first joined Countryside Veterinary Center in 2022 as a Veterinary Assistant and is over the moon to return—this time as a doctor. Her veterinary journey took her to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts, followed by clinical rotations at Tufts University.

Professional Passion: During veterinary school, Dr. Burns served as a teaching assistant for clinical pathology, sparking her enthusiasm for laboratory diagnostics and its vital role in identifying disease. Her professional interests reflect her curiosity, hands-on nature, and love of complex cases. She has a strong interest in surgery and emergency medicine, appreciating the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to help animals in their most critical moments.She is equally passionate about internal medicine, enjoying the process of connecting the dots in challenging cases and uncovering the “why” behind a pet’s illness. Her background in clinical pathology strengthened her love of diagnostic work, and she especially enjoys using lab data to guide treatment. She also has a growing interest in animal behavior, believing that understanding how pets think and communicate leads to better experiences for both patients and their families.

Pets & Personal Interests: Dr. Burns shares her life with her boyfriend, a pilot, and four very well-traveled companions. Her dog, Nani, and her cat, Mrs. K, were both rescued from the Caribbean during her time in St. Kitts. Her other two cats, Elsie and Leo, have been with her since her undergraduate years and have accompanied her through every academic milestone and cross-country move. Together, her pets have lived in the Caribbean, in Massachusetts for clinical rotations, and now back home in Illinois.Outside of the clinic, Dr. Burns loves traveling, spending time outdoors, and diving into creative hobbies—whether it’s baking, photography, painting, or gardening.