BVNS: What was your first job in the veterinary industry?
My first volunteer experience was at the Oakland Zoo, cleaning the enclosure of the giraffe’s and elands.
My first paid experience was with the WI Humane Society as a veterinary assistant.

Dr. Barker: Why did you get into veterinary neurology?
Because I love the logic of the nervous system and because there is always something new and exciting to learn.

BVNS:Where did you study?
Dr. Barker:I went to vet school and got my Master’s degree at UW-Madison. I did a one year rotating small animal internship at the University of Illinois and I did my residency at Tufts University.

BVNS:If you weren’t a neurologist, what would you be doing?
Dr. Barker:If I wasn’t a neurologist I would be a forester.

BVNS:What has been your most interesting/unique/memorable case?
Dr. Barker:During my residency I did a dorsal hemilaninectomy on a Newfoundland, who in addition to a badly herniated cervical disc, also had multiple serious systemic diseases. The surgery went well and Hershey went thru many weeks and months of physical therapy, as well as being treated for her other systemic illnesses. She recovered beautifully and I will never forget the first time she ran towards me after her surgery to nuzzle her whole head in my lap.