58Brian Kersten Minnesota (briankerstenminnesota)
Joined 20 months ago from Minnesota
Brian Kersten Minnesota has established a distinguished career as a veterinarian, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and community service. Growing up on a farm in Appleton, Wisconsin, his early interactions with animals inspired a deep-seated passion for veterinary medicine. This passion led him to the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and graduated with high distinction in 1977. His educational achievements laid the groundwork for a notable career in veterinary care.
In 2021, he took a significant step by founding Mercy Veterinary Service in Baldwin, Wisconsin. This clinic was established to ensure pet owners facing economic difficulties could still access high-quality veterinary care. Specializing in small animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry, he has built a reputation for compassionate care, making a profound difference in countless pets' lives and their owners' lives.
Additionally, he serves the broader community as a relief veterinarian in Amery, Wisconsin. This role enables him to provide his services to various veterinary practices, helping maintain high animal care standards across the region and sharing his extensive knowledge with other veterinary professionals.
His journey into veterinary medicine began in earnest after completing his undergraduate degree when he pursued a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, which he obtained in 1983. His early career involved working in a mixed animal practice in Burlington, Wisconsin, where he acquired valuable practical experience. In 1985, he decided to broaden his impact by serving in Haiti for 2.5 years, where he engaged in relief and development efforts that benefited both people and animals. This experience reinforced his dedication to making a tangible difference in the world.
Upon his return to the United States in 1987, he settled in Baldwin, Wisconsin, where he eventually purchased a local veterinary practice in 2001. Under his leadership, the practice flourished, providing exceptional care until he sold it in 2016. Despite selling his practice, his passion for veterinary medicine remained undiminished, leading him to establish Mercy Veterinary Service five years later.
Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in charitable work. He volunteers at Today's Harvest Food Shelf, helping to combat food insecurity, and supports Mercy Corps, which aids communities in crisis worldwide. Additionally, his commitment to animal welfare extends to his volunteer work with Barefoot Crow Animal Rescue, where he provides essential care for rescued animals.
In his personal life, he is married and has four grown children, managing to balance his demanding professional responsibilities with a rich family life. His interests include playing the guitar, gardening, reading, and exercising—hobbies that provide relaxation and reflect his lifelong commitment to growth and learning.
Brian Kersten Minnesota's path from a farm boy in Appleton to a respected veterinarian and humanitarian is a testament to his dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of animals and people. Whether through his veterinary practice, clinic, or volunteer work, he makes a significant impact in his community and beyond. As he celebrates his 40th veterinary school graduation anniversary in 2023, his legacy of service and compassion inspires and resonates deeply within and outside his community.