Dr. Kristi Kobluk

DVM, DACVAA
Board certified specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia


"Mentoring is important as I reflect on my time in vet school, learning anesthesia was a very small part of our curriculum but everyone in clinical practice anesthetizes patients daily."

Dr. Kristi Kobluk is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist currently working at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

After graduating, Dr. Kobluk completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles Hospital in Los Angeles, California. She then pursued a residency in anesthesiology at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine from 2019 to 2022.

In August 2022, Dr. Kobluk achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (DACVAA). She joined a multi-specialty center in New York as an anesthesiologist in June 2023.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kobluk has gained diverse experience in veterinary medicine. Her professional journey includes roles such as a veterinarian at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, a student representative for VCA, and various research and teaching positions during her academic years.

Dr. Kobluk's expertise lies in anaesthesia and pain management for animals, and she is part of the Anesthesia & Pain Management department at her current institution. 

Get to Know Your Mentor

We asked Kristi a few thoughtful (and a few fun!) questions to help you get to know her as both a clinician and a human. From her proudest career moments to the one piece of equipment she can’t live without – this is your backstage pass into what drives her, how she works, and why she’s excited to mentor other vets.

What aspects of anesthesiology do you find most unique and fulfilling?


I enjoy maintaining the species diversity, as a veterinary anesthesiologist I have the opportunity to work with all species. Also, I get to work closely with most services within the hospital and help doctors/residents/interns and technicians develop the best perianesthetic plan for their patient.

Why is mentoring such an important part of your work, and how has it shaped your career?


Mentoring is important as I reflect on my time in vet school, learning anesthesia was a very small part of our curriculum but everyone in clinical practice anesthetizes patients daily. I recall my vet school experience and believe that is why mentoring is important. It has shaped my career to understand where others are coming from and to always be mindful/patient to ensure all members of the team are on the same page. Also, I know anesthesia can be intimidating and stressful, so I always try to remain calm and be approachable.

Can you share a pivotal experience that made you feel truly confident as an anesthesiologist?


I do not have one experience per say that made me feel confident. I think completing a busy/demanding residency provided me the backbone to be able to face any difficult case in my career. Passing boards also helped solidify that I can do this.

In no more than three words each, share: your favorite thing about anesthesiology, your least favorite thing, and the biggest misconception in anesthesiology.


Favourite: Pharmacology and physiology (really see how physiology changes when administering different drugs).
Least: Drug/supply shortages.
Misconception: Anesthesia is dangerous.

Tell us two truths and one lie about your veterinary career.


Watched my first surgery when I was 4 years old (colic surgery performed on a pony).
5 vets in my family (including myself).
I anesthetized a giraffe.

What’s the one piece of equipment in anesthesiology you couldn’t live without?


End tidal CO2 (capnography).

How do you define work-life balance, and what does it mean for you personally?


Work-life balance is being able to fulfill personal and work obligations without too much stress. I enjoy working out, going out to eat, traveling and spending time with my dogs/family.

What’s the most memorable case you’ve ever worked on?


Thoroughbred mare dystocia. The foal was stuck in the birth canal with only the head sticking out. We induced the mare and took her to surgery to pull the foal. While the mare was on her back for surgery, another team intubated the foal and ventilated the foal until it could be pulled. It was truly a multi-service collaboration that included anesthesia, equine surgery, large animal internal medicine, critical care, and theriogenology. The mare and foal both survived and were later discharged.

What’s been your proudest clinical or academic achievement so far?


Passing boards.

Whether it’s prepping a critical patient for surgery or managing a smooth recovery, Kristi brings both precision and heart to every case. As a board-certified specialist with years of clinical experience and a passion for teaching, she’s here to help you build confidence where it matters most – in the anaesthesia room.

Ready to learn from Dr Kristi?
If you want to master anaesthesia with more confidence, fewer mistakes and expert support along the way - this is your next step.