Meet Dr. Yuki Nakayama
20 Questions
Yuki Nakayama, D.V.M., V14
Assistant Clinical Professor, Clinical Sciences
Yuki works out of Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic and focuses on surgical skills training of veterinary students.
- How do you start your day?
I don’t have a graceful morning routine - I race against the clock to pack my kids’ lunches and get to work on time.
- What is on your bucket list?
Winning the Mega Millions. Any significant amount. It doesn’t even need to be the jackpot!
- What three words best describe you?
Engaging, goal-oriented, passionate.
- If you could time travel, what year(s) would you visit?
I would be too scared to see the world too far in the past or future. If I had to, it would be the 1980s to see the early parts of my childhood that I don’t have memories of.
- What is your hidden talent?
Whack-a-mole. Only one round though. I have quick reflexes but minimal arm strength/stamina.
- What book, movie, podcast, show would you recommend?
Wall-E.
- What is your dream vacation?
All expenses paid trip to Disney World with no lines, ideally once my kids are old enough to enjoy all the rides. Heck, let’s tack on Universal Studios while we’re at it.
- What or who has had the greatest impact on you?
Becoming a mom. It is simultaneously the hardest and most rewarding thing.
- What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Work smarter, not harder.” Wisest advice, yet I have a hard time following it.
- What is your least favorite word or phrase?
“We’ve always done it this way.”
- What is your favorite junk food?
Caramel. The hard, chewy kind that you worry will pull your tooth out from its socket.
- What is your theme song?
Bad Day by Daniel Powter.
- Dog or cat or ??
Cats. I like that they require you to earn their respect.
- Who would play you in a movie?
Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Recreation.
- What is your favorite season of the year?
Fall, it would be spring if it weren’t for allergies!
- What is your favorite color?
Blue.
- Early bird or night owl?
Night owl for sure, my emails often go out at 2am.
- What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who say “no offense” to excuse the offensive thing they’re about to say.
- What is your favorite type of surprise?
One that involves food.
- What or who makes you smile?
Seeing 4th year veterinary students in the clinic at the end of the year having transformed into a doctor.