Lara Brdecka DVM

Emergency

DVM
University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)

Professional Memberships
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

American Veterinary Medical Association

Dr. Lara Brdecka has been fascinated by animals since she was young and has had a lifelong love for animals. Her first word was “horse” and she started riding quite young. As a child, she would watch “Wild, Wild World of Animals” or Jacques Cousteau for hours. Growing up she also was the go-to cat and dog sitter for just about every animal in her neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dr. Brdecka grew to love the sciences as much as animals, so veterinary medicine was a natural path for her.

Get to Know the Expertise, Skill, and Heart Behind VSC

How did you become interested in emergency veterinary medicine?

I was drawn to emergency medicine in veterinary school when I joined the emergency vet club there. I started by doing on-call emergency work during my second year in practice and found those cases to be the most rewarding and enjoyable. After that, I took a position as an ER vet at an emergency hospital and haven’t looked back.

What motivates you?

I am motivated daily by the human-animal bond that I see at work with our patients and clients and at home by my family’s bond with our own animals. Sometimes there is a void in our hearts that only a fuzzy creature can fill and that bond can become so strong and lasting that to be able to preserve and strengthen it is a joy unto itself.

I enjoy all the different cases and presentations. I am especially inspired by the breadth of knowledge and talent I have to work within all of VSC’s emergency doctors and specialists. They motivate me to keep learning and growing as an individual and as a veterinarian.

What do you like to do outside of work?

After hours I enjoy time with my family and friends. My family consists of my husband, a son, two dogs (Fred and Libby), and an assortment of freshwater fish. I also enjoy cooking, any activity that involves being outside, and photography.

Reviews

“Our sweet Lilly Bean needed an abdominal ultrasound ASAP, and due to the time constraints caused by pending vacation travel plans, we could not wait for the next available appointment. Dr. Brdecka and the rest of the staff in the Emergency/Imaging departments were able to see us after just a short wait. After a few tests and minor procedures, we left with a diagnosis and a prescription that allowed us to keep our travel plans intact and had our girl on the mend. Thanks for the great service, and the caring professionals on your staff.”
~ Daniel

“Dr. Lara Brdecka did a great job! As always, we always had great advice and experiences at VSC!”
~ Lee