Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Undergraduate Degree: Animal sciences (WSU)
Area of Interest: Zoo medicine
Caitlin Fitzpatrick has charted her own path toward a career in zoo medicine. After completing WSU’s honors accelerated 7-year program with a degree in animal science and a minor in zoology, she is now pursuing her dream of becoming full-time zoo clinician board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine.
“Ever since I was little, I loved animals, but especially the zoo,” she said. “I loved seeing the bond we could make with wild animals and the relationships we form for the betterment of our world, their health, and endangered species survival.”
After graduation, Caitlin plans to apply to the national match program for a rotating internship — the first step toward her ultimate goal of a zoo residency. And while she’s serious about her career, she has a lighter side, too: her teenage “rebellion” was getting her motorcycle license, a choice that still makes her mom shake her head.
Caitlin said WSU has prepared her not just with knowledge, but through teamwork.
“Medicine is a team sport, whether you are working in the ER, the OR, or on the farm,” she said. “We cannot perform our duties to our patients without an experienced team we trust. WSU taught me that Cougs help Cougs, both in the hospital and out of it.”
When she’s not in the classroom or clinic, you might find her weightlifting — a hobby that doubles as training for the heavy animal transports she’ll one day manage. Her favorite Pullman spot? Brused Books, where she enjoys wandering the aisles and getting lost among the shelves of old stories.
At home, Caitlin shares life with her 4-year-old goldendoodle, Leo — her “little lion,” named after her favorite animal.