Dr. Betsy Clarkson, DVM - Partner

Dr. Clarkson was born and raised in Southwest suburban Chicago, where she enjoyed raising dogs, cats, fish and various small “fuzzies”. She obtained her BS in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1994 and went on to complete her DVM at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. While in veterinary school, she enjoyed volunteering at the U of I Wildlife Ward, a student run wildlife rescue and rehabilitation clinic. She also completed an externship at The Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, NY. Dr. Clarkson spent her first two years after graduating in Charlotte, North Carolina working at a dog and cat general practice. She returned to her family and friends in Chicago in May 2000 to pursue her interest in emergency medicine.

She joined the the team at MBEAH in September 2000 working part time. In October 2004, she partnered with Dr. Poliakoff in purchasing the practice from Dr. Nye and Dr. Brown. She enjoys seeing exotic pets at both MBAEH and MAEH, and has a particular interest in the areas of emergency and critical care medicine, dentistry and surgery. In her spare time, Dr. Clarkson enjoys her 2 dogs and guinea pigs, traveling, gardening, reading and can often be found sampling some of Chicago’s restaurants and nightlife searching for the best sushi and the perfect chocolate martini.

Dr. Dianne Poliakoff , DVM - Partner

Dr. Dianne Poliakoff completed her DVM degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. During her studies at U of I, Dr. Poliakoff, a native of Chicago, decided to pursue her interest in exotics. In 1994 she spent time volunteering at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. She completed an externship at Midwest Bird & Exotic Animal Hospital in her 4th year of vet school. While attending U of I, she dedicated 4 years of service to the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. It was here that she was able to experience hands-on training in surgical procedures, medical treatment, and rehabilitation of wildlife and exotics. During Dianne’s senior year she was given the award for “Outstanding Achievement in Emergency and Critical Care”. Once she had completed her doctorate, Dianne came to work part time at Midwest Bird & Exotic Animal Hospital. During this time she also worked in a part-time position at Family Pet Animal Hospital and full time at Animal 911 Emergency. 

In October 2004, Dianne and her colleague Dr. Betsy Clarkson decided to purchase Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital from Dr.’s Nye and Brown. In her spare time, Dr. Poliakoff enjoys piloting planes and scuba diving, and can often be found with Dr. Clarkson sampling some of Chicago’s restaurants and nightlife searching for the best sushi and the perfect chocolate martini.

Dr. Kathleen Wilson, DVM

Dr. Wilson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where she grew up with dogs most of her life. She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Tuskegee University, and completed her DVM from there in 2003. While in veterinary school, Dr. Wilson was most interested in behavioral medicine and the human animal bond. Upon graduation, she went on to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA Berwyn and Franklin Park Animal Hospitals in Illinois, where she gained much experience and interest in emergency medicine. After completing her internship, Dr. Wilson spent the next two years working as a small animal general practicioner and an emergency veterinarian. She joined Midwest Animal Emergency Hospital in December of 2006, and has been enjoying the experience of treating dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Dr. Wilson shares her life with her dog Alexander and in her spare time she loves to travel. Her motto is: There is a whole world out there just waiting for me to explore!!!

Dr. Samantha Lieberman, DVM

Samantha is a January 2008 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She grew up on the Jersey Shore, and graduated from Rutgers University in 2000 with a BS in Animal Science and Science Education. Initially unsure of her ultimate goal, Samantha spent four years teaching middle school science in central New Jersey before applying to vet school. Samantha lived on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts for vet school and spent a year at Washington State University. While in St.Kitts, she was a volunteer at the local zoo and was a member of the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Throughout vet school, Samantha had wonderful externships at Kruger Park in South Africa, Oregon Zoo in Portland, OR, and UW Lab Animal Medicine Program in Seattle, WA. Samantha has a particular interest in the variety of species that an exotics practice has to offer. She is also enjoying the dogs and cats seen on emergency hours. Her free time is spent traveling to visit family and friends, shopping, reading, and watching reality tv.