As a child, Susan Borenstein Baker dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. As a woman, however, she was discouraged by many people from entering the male-dominated profession.
After graduating from Brandon High School in 1975, she attended the University of Michigan for two years, but unwilling to let her dream die, transferred to Michigan State University, graduating from their school of veterinary medicine in 1983.
Now, as the newest inductee to the BHS Hall of Fame, Baker will speak to Brandon graduates at their commencement ceremony set for 2 p.m., May 27, at Meadowbrook, with a special message.
‘I will tell them to pursue their passions, no matter what obstacles are in their way,? said Baker. ‘If you work hard enough and long enough, you’ll have a positive outcome.?
Baker, 50, has been a veterinarian for 24 years and bought her own practice, the Rochester Veterinary Hospital, in 1986. She is one of four vets at the hospital and manages a total staff of 23, whom she is very proud of and which consists of all women. She notes the profession has changed from one of nearly all men to a field more and more dominated by women. This is not the only change.
‘What is wonderful about my profession is that it is constantly evolving,? Baker said. ‘There is more knowledge and more capability… It allows us to treat and care for pets at a higher level than ever before.?
At the full-service Rochester Veterinary Hospital, dogs and cats are cared for, as well as birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, rats, turtles, hamsters, and more. Animals receive routine wellness care and the vets also perform surgeries of all kinds.
‘We’re constantly busy and there is always something new and interesting,? says Baker. ‘A dog may eat the owner’s Docksider shoe and need emergency surgery between our regular appointments.?
The most difficult part of Baker’s job is when a pet must be euthanized. The most rewarding part is the satisfaction she receives from making pets better and seeing how happy that makes their family.
‘I like to maintain that human-animal bond,? Baker says.
Baker has been married to Ken Baker for 10 years, and has a daughter, Rachel, 18, and two stepchildren, Kim, who lives in Texas, and Jeff, a Maryland resident. She also has three furry family members? Zavar, a 4-year-old black lab; Mira, a 5-month-old yellow lab; and 12-year-old cat, Rocky.
When asked what she wishes she would have known when she graduated from high school, Baker responded, ‘I wish I would have known things really do work out for the best. I would have spent more time with friends and family.?
Baker works about 45 hours per week, but adds that she loves what she does and feels very fortunate.
She was surprised to have been named to the BHS Hall of Fame.
‘I’m a grain of sand in a big sea,? she says, smiling. ‘I’ve accomplished something here, but so many others have done more. It’s an honor.?