Dr. Sarah Cook grew up in the Pacific Northwest where she spent her summers on the Puget Sound and exploring the outdoors. She loves learning about new things, which ultimately led to her passion for veterinary pathology as there is always something new to explore or a puzzle to solve.
Sarah attended Santa Clara University from 2004-2008 where she obtained a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Science and was first introduced to laboratory research by working in an entomology laboratory. After working in a number of small animal veterinary practices in the greater Seattle area she attended Tuft’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in MA to obtain a master’s degree in Animal Public Policy, building a unique foundation and viewpoint from which to enter veterinary school. She completed her veterinary medicine training at Washington State University in 2014 with particular interests in pathology, cardiology, and internal medicine and from there continued on to do a rotating small animal internship in medicine and surgery, also at WSU. It was during this time where she fully realized her interest pursuing specialization and board certification in anatomic pathology. Sarah completed her anatomic pathology residency training in 2018 at UC Davis and subsequently transitioned into a PhD program at UC Davis in Integrative Pathobiology, which she is currently working towards completion with a focus on feline viral diseases, specifically feline infectious peritonitis.
Diagnostic pathology never disappoints, and every day or new case is an opportunity to learn something new. Although the diversity of cases, species, and diseases is part of what drew Sarah to this field, she is particularly interested in cardiovascular, ocular, and viral diseases. Sarah strongly believes in an integrated pathology service approach where open communication with submitting clinicians, support staff, as well as other specialists is encouraged. Building these relationships and promoting communication elevates the quality of the pathologic findings and interpretation as well as, ultimately, benefits the patient.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys the outdoors, especially water activities, cooking, and going wine tasting in the nearby Napa or Sonoma regions.