I entered college in 1997 in the Dept. of Veterinary Medicine in CBNU. After graduating in 2002, I began working at an animal hospital and then joined University of Miyazaki’s veterinary hospital as a researcher in 2005. In 2009, I opened Grace Animal Hospital and later completed a doctoral course at CBNU, also serving as an adjunct professor in animal behavior there for about two years. Currently, I am the head of a feline hospital, an executive director of the Seoul Veterinary Medical Association, and an advisor to the Korean Society of Feline Medicine. I have been running a YouTube channel for six years, published four books, and engage in various media activities including broadcasts and radio shows, such as “Cat’s Pleases.”

  My interest in feline ethology emerged naturally through my work as a veterinarian specializing in cats. After over a decade of involvement with the Korean Society of Feline Medicine, my focus naturally shifted towards the intersection of feline science and ethology. In 2017, I was invited as a feline ethology expert on the show “Dear Pet, We Need to Talk,” which led to further media appearances. This solidified my role as a feline behavior specialist. Initially, my hospital treated all pets, but over time, it evolved to focus exclusively on cats.

  I feel fortunate because opportunities in broadcasting and writing have been beyond my control. I approach every opportunity with a willingness to try new things. All my experiences—whether as a veterinarian, broadcaster, a YouTuber, or an author—have enriched my life. They intertwine to shape who I am, with accumulated experiences providing valuable insights and synergy across different activities like broadcasting, writing, and lecturing.

  One memorable experience involved treating a cat with severe health issues that was causing its owner immense stress and panic, as the cat was like a child to them. By successfully treating the cat, I was able to alleviate the owner’s anxiety and depression as well. This experience underscored the profound connection between treating pets and supporting their owners, highlighting that our work as veterinarians often extends beyond animal care to encompass emotional healing for people.

  Pets are highly dependent on their owners and can be significantly affected by their owners’ psychological states. If pet owners are feeling depressed or lethargic, they may struggle to provide proper care for their pets, which can lead to health problems of their animals. Therefore, it is crucial for pet owners to maintain their own health and happiness, as this directly impacts the well-being of their pets. Adopting a pet comes with a responsibility to ensure that both the owner and the pet are in a good emotional state.

  One of my proudest achievements has been appearing on the influential show “Cat’s Pleases” which has helped shift public perceptions. The impact of media is profound, and through the show, I aimed to convey messages about coexistence and mutual respect. I wanted to emphasize that living happily is not about going it alone, but about understanding and meeting each other’s needs. A key value I wanted to promote was the importance of coexistence not just for domestic cats but also for stray cats.

  The rewarding aspect of being a veterinarian is that, despite the challenges, there are far more moments of joy. Handling life and healing both animals and people offer a unique sense of fulfillment. Veterinary medicine evolves rapidly, thus a strong sense of responsibility and continual learning are essential. If you have an interest in becoming a veterinarian, I encourage you to pursue it. You will not regret it. Age is irrelevant when it comes to pursuing what you want. Just dive in, do your best, and remember that every experience has a value. Start now, and do not worry about the outcome. Every step is part of your journey.

  Concluding the interview with Dr. Na, reflecting on his career and achievements offers many lessons and sources of inspiration. His career extends beyond the role of a veterinarian, significantly contributing to deep understanding and communication between pets and their owners through his work as a broadcaster and author. His expertise in feline ethology showcases his profound insight and passion for pets. His appearances on broadcasts, written works, and various lectures instilled a new perspective and awareness about pets in many people can positively impact their lives beyond mere information provision.

  Dr. Na emphasizes that his role goes beyond merely treating pets. He mediates the relationship between pets and their owners, deeply understanding how the psychological state of the owner significantly affects the pet’s health. This aspect is often overlooked, yet he conveys the crucial message that the happiness of pets is ultimately achieved when their owners are healthy and happy. Through his diverse experiences, he disseminates this message widely, providing substantial help and inspiration to many.

  His diverse activities in broadcasting, writing, and lecturing play a crucial role in fostering harmony between people and animals, extending beyond mere professional achievement. He derives joy and fulfillment from his work and continues to positively impact many through his commitment to learning and embracing challenges. Through his story, readers can remind of the importance of constant learning and the need to grow with passion and dedication.

  Ultimately, CBT reporter hopes that by following the advice of mentors like Dr. Na, readers can all forge their own paths and find ways to make a positive impact on the world. By learning from his experiences and internalizing his messages, readers aspire to achieve meaningful accomplishments in pursuit of our dreams and goals. His journey and efforts serve as a significant inspiration to all readers, and CBT reporter looks  forward to his future endeavors with great anticipation.