Supporting you, your practice, and your patients
Building on a foundation of trust and shared passion for animals, you can rely on us to consistently deliver high-quality care and transparent communication.
Building on a foundation of trust and shared passion for animals, you can rely on us to consistently deliver high-quality care and transparent communication.
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Our state-of-the-art hospital is fully equipped with the newest and most innovative technologies. Our teams include board-certified specialists in all the major fields of veterinary medicine, as well as experienced emergency vets available 24/7.
We make the referral process smooth and stress-free with timely updates, clear treatment plans and ongoing collaboration. You’ll never have to chase down information, as we’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Amy is your direct connection to our hospitals. Rely on her for referral support, collaboration opportunities, and connecting with the right specialty or ER team.
Amy Calderon
Our board-certified specialists and emergency doctors deliver engaging, practical learning sessions through:
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With exceptional training and credentials, we are the team to turn to when you want the best specialty or emergency care for your patients.
Dr. Paige Albers is a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, providing exceptional care to pets in the greater Bay Area.
For Dr. Albers, the most rewarding aspect of her job is establishing long-term relationships with pets and their families, including helping them understand their pet’s medical conditions and feel confident in their care.
Originally from San Jose, Paige is excited to work in Marin with the welcoming team and environment at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, including her basset hound Judy.
EDUCATION
Michigan State University
Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency
Cornell University
Small Animal Rotating Internship
University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Sabrina Barry is a Marin County native who grew up in the arms of Mount Tamalpais. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Physiology & Neuroscience at U.C. San Diego in 2000, and completed her veterinary degree at U.C. Davis in 2006. Dr. Barry then completed a one-year medicine & surgery internship at Washington State University, a one-year surgery internship at the Animal Specialty Group in Glendale, California, and a four-year surgery residency at Washington State University. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2013. Dr. Barry spent eight years as a Clinical Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, before coming home to California to join the PESCM team.
Dr. Barry is skilled at several branches of surgery including general surgery, oncologic surgery, minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Barry values the opinions of her patients’ human family members, and strives to keep family members well-informed and included in the decision-making process for their pet.
Education
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery
Animal Specialty Group – Los Angeles, CA
Specialty Internship in Surgery
Washington State University
Residency in Small Animal Surgery
Published Articles
Katie Broikos is an emergency veterinary doctor, providing life-saving care to pets in the Greater Bay Area.
Through diagnostics and treatments, she focuses on helping pet owners understand their pets prognosis and making the best possible decisions for their pets.
When not at the hospital, she enjoys going to the gym, thrift shopping, cooking and doing anything outside.
EDUCATION
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
Rotating Internship
Cornell University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
James Choi is an emergency veterinary doctor, providing life-saving care to pets in the Greater Bay Area.
He focuses on helping pet owners understand their pets prognosis and making the best possible decisions for their pets.
In his spare time, he you can find him watching and playing soccer, basketball and baseball. He has lived in Korea, Canada and China, and finds that growing up in diverse environments causes him to enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life.
EDUCATION
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
Rotating Internship
University of California, Davis
School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Alexander Chapple is a board-certified specialist in veterinary radiology, with specific interests in ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Originally from Sheffield, England, he graduated with Honours from the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, also completing an intercalated BSc(VetSci) in Physiology in 2017. After graduation, he undertook a 2-year rotating hospital internship at a busy tertiary equine referral hospital in Newmarket, England, followed by a short period in small animal general practice in rural North Yorkshire. He then hopped across the pond and completed a 4-year traditional-track diagnostic imaging residency at the University of California, Davis, passing his ACVR certifying board exams in 2025, and subsequently joining the PESCM team in late 2026.
Whilst clinical practice is his passion, he also has a strong interest in clinical research, helping author a variety of publications in multiple peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of work he can often in the great outdoors, seeking the perfect cup of coffee, or doting on his dog Dandelion.
EDUCATION
European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Registered resident
University of California, Davis
Residency in veterinary diagnostic imaging (traditional track).
University of California, Davis
Residency in veterinary diagnostic imaging (traditional track).
Newmarket Equine Hospital
Two-year rotating hospital internship
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Post-graduate development phase
University of Glasgow
Intercalated Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Science) in Physiology with Honors of the First Class
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) with Honors
Dr. Elizabeth DiPaola is a veterinary neurologist & neurosurgeon, providing life-saving care for pets in the greater Bay Area.
She enjoys treating inflammatory brain diseases, as well as disc herniations (both medically and surgically) to improve the quality of life for the pets she has dedicated her career to.
Getting to know both her clients and patients, and supporting them through what can be complicated disease processes, brings her great professional satisfaction.
She is originally from Syracuse, NY, and practiced in Pennsylvania for a few years before escaping the cold weather and joining the PESCM team.
Outside of work, Dr. DiPaola spends time exploring the outdoors - especially with her Standard Schnauzer, Davey. She is also an avid Syracuse sports fan.
Education
University of Wisconsin
Neurology/Neurosurgery Residency
Oradell Animal Hospital
Rotating internship
Cornell University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
Bachelor of Science
Dr. Celine Feibleman grew up in Southern California and earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from UC Davis. While completing her undergraduate degree, she spent a summer in Glasgow, Scotland studying physics. After completing her undergraduate degree, she moved to the United Kingdom where she completed her veterinary degree. She then completed a rotating internship focused on emergency medicine and surgery at VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center.
In her spare time Dr. Feibleman enjoys photography, watching movies, dancing ballet, and hiking with her golden retriever, Lily.
Education
University of California, Davis
Bachelors of Science, Animal Science
Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Veterinary Degree
VCA Encina Veterinary Medical Center
Rotating internship in Medicine and Surgery
Dr. Fuerst is a Marin native and grew up in San Rafael. She earned a B.S. In Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego in 2009 and completed her veterinary degree at UC Davis in 2014, finishing in the top 10 in her class. She completed a rotating, followed by a small animal medicine internship and then went on to a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at The Ohio State University. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2019. She practiced in Southern California prior to returning home to her roots, joining PESCM in 2025.
Dr. Fuerst's passion is providing comprehensive, customized, and compassionate care to her patients and clients. She focuses on education; empowering the client to understand what is going on medically so that they can serve as their pet's advocate. She enjoys working together as a team to make the best individualized treatment plan for each pet.
Dr. Fuerst's interests, training, and skills within the realm of internal medicine are broad, but she particularly enjoys management of renal disease, gastrointestinal disease, endocrine disease, and minimally-invasive interventional procedures.
Dr. Fuerst is a life-long equestrian, living out her amateur hunter-jumper dreams part-time with a leased warmblood. She and her husband enjoy the outdoors, gardening, hiking, and camping, and finding ways to exhaust their goofy, energetic rescue dog- an Irish Setter named Rowan. She reserves a special place in her heart for elderly, balding, and toothless dogs and is a self-proclaimed cat-whisperer (the spicier, the better).
Published Articles
Serum aluminum concentrations in healthy cats and cats with chronic kidney disease.Abstract presented at the ACVIM forum (2019). Publication in progress.
Effect of Intravenous or Perivascular Injection of Synthetic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone on Stimulation Test Results in DogsJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2017)
Subcutaneous ureteral bypass device for treatment of iatrogenic ureteral ligation in a kittenJournal of American Veterinary Medicine (2015)
Dr. Marcella Harb is a board-certified internal medicine specialist. She was born in Northern California and has spent most of her life in this area. She earned a B.S. in Animal Physiology in 1988 and received her veterinary degree from U.C. Davis in 1992. Dr. Harb then completed a one-year internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York and a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at U.C. Davis before successfully completing a rigorous credentialing and examination process to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. In 1996 she left academia and joined a specialty practice in Santa Rosa, where she worked for eight years prior to joining our hospital in 2005.
Dr. Harb has published a number of articles related to internal medicine and enjoys all aspects of this diverse field. She has a strong compassion for people and pets, as well as a love for science and medicine. Her goal as an internist is to provide the best possible care for each pet while at the same time recognizing the unique needs of each of her clients.
In her (limited) spare time you may find her running, embroidering, singing, or volunteering at her children’s school and church. Achieving raising two great kids who are now young adults, while balancing a veterinary career is the best achievement one could ask for.
Published Articles
Education
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science, Animal Physiology Emphasis
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Animal Medical Center New York City
Rotating Small Animal Internship
University of California, Davis
3 Year Internal Medicine Residency
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Dr. Talli Hogen is a California native. She studied environmental sciences and anthropology at UC Berkeley followed by Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, receiving her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. After pursuing an Emergency and Critical Care Residency at the University of Missouri and ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2017. After 4 years as a Critical Care Specialist in private practice in Los Angeles, she moved to Salt Lake City to complete postdoctoral research in hemorrhagic shock and heart failure at the University of Utah’s Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute. She then spent two more years enjoying the beautiful snowy mountains and colorful desert landscapes of Utah, and in 2024 finally moved back to the Bay Area (where she always secretly wanted to be) and to her new veterinary home at PESCM.
She loves the challenges and the rewards of managing animal patients in the intensive care unit, as well as helping their owners give their pets the best possible veterinary care.
Dr. Hogen’s professional interests include sepsis, hemorrhagic shock, cardiac emergencies, transfusion medicine, and CPR.
When not at work, she spends her time trail running, skiing, hiking, exploring new coffee shops, traveling, and taking her handsome mutt “Kramer” on outdoor adventures.
Education
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelors of Arts, Environmental Sciences, magna cum laude
University Of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia Beach Veterinary Specialists (now Blue Pearl)
Small Animal Rotating Internship
University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital & ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals Los Angeles
Emergency & Critical Care Residency
University of Utah Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship
Dr. Jerome Joseph is a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist. His professional interests include locoregional anesthesia, anesthetic management of patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly those undergoing interventional cardiac procedures, and the management of critically ill patients.
Helping to keep patients comfortable by effectively managing their pain and seeing the immediate difference it can make is his greatest reward. He is adept at troubleshooting anesthetic complications and working through complex problems before they become serious.
“I was drawn to PESCM by the opportunity to work alongside a highly collaborative team that values high-quality patient care. I was excited by the chance to work in an environment where I can continue to grow, while contributing to the growth of my colleagues, and providing excellent patient care.”
Dr. Joseph grew up in Canada and has lived and trained in several different cities, leading to an appreciation for experiencing new places and meeting new people. He’s always happy to swap travel recommendations or hear about everyone else's favorite destinations.
Outside of work, he can be found enjoy hiking with his black lab (Tums), exploring new coffee shops, traveling, and distance running. Interestingly, Tums was part of the teaching colony at UC Davis until Dr. Joseph adopted him. Tums keeps life interesting by never passing up the chance to grab an unattended snack, and his main goal at the dog park is to collect as many pets from strangers as possible.
Dr. Grace Kallenberg is a veterinary emergency and critical care professional, providing life-saving care to pets in need.
“Like most criticalists, I gravitate toward the sickest patients in the room, whether those requiring complex management of a multifactorial disease process, or an all-hands-on-deck immediate stabilization scenario. I enjoy working with post-operative patients, as well as patients with medical mysteries requiring collaboration between many different services.”
Dr. Kallenberg takes the trust pet parents place in her very seriously. She appreciates their ability to help guide the correct decisions and treatments for their pets – and is gratified when that trust is rewarded with positive outcomes for very sick pets.
In addition, the team aspect of veterinary medicine is what keeps her showing up every day. In partnership with her talented and hard-working colleagues, she relies on each member’s strengths to get through challenging times or cases.
In her spare time, Dr. Kallenberg enjoys running, skiing/snowboarding, surfing, baking, pickleball, eating (a lot), and travelling. She met her wife at Ohio State University, when they both had a blast participating in a STEM-major a cappella singing group. They share their home with an “old-lady” retired greyhound (Cannoli), and are awaiting the arrival of their new golden retriever puppy (Goldfish).
EDUCATION
Ohio State University
Residency Training
North Carolina State University
Rotating Internship
Ohio State University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Dr. Jennifer Kaae completed her veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. She then pursued a one year small animal medicine and surgery internship at Cornell University and a three year residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin. She completed the requirements for credentialing as a specialist in internal medicine and is certified as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. After finishing her residency program in Madison, Wisconsin in 2008, she moved to Northern California and joined the PESCM team.
Dr. Kaae is a native Californian. When not working as an internist, she enjoys hiking and gardening with her husband, and spending time with her cat, who was rescued from the Paradise fire.
In 2023 Dr. Kaae started the PESCM Community Blood Bank. As our caseload at the hospital grows, we need more quality blood products to help save lives. Now that the blood bank is up and running, healthy dogs and cats in the community are able to donate units of blood to save other pets.
Education
University of Pennsylvania
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Small Animal Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery
University of Wisconsin
Small Animal Residency in Internal Medicine
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Board Certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Published Articles
Early diagnosis of amanitin exposure (amatoxicosis) in a dog with a point-of-care diagnostic test.
Kaae JA, Bever CS, Poppenga RH.
J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2022 Nov;32(6):824-829. doi: 10.1111/vec.13235.
Epub 2022 Jul 23.
PMID: 35869756
Physical examination, serum biochemical, and coagulation abnormalities, treatments, and outcomes for dogs with toxicosis from amanitin-containing mushrooms: 59 cases
(2006-2019), JAVMA | MAR 1, 2021 | VOL 258 | NO. 5
Amanitin toxicosis in two cats with acute hepatic and renal failure.
Tokarz D, Poppenga R, Kaae J, Filigenzi M, Lowenstine LJ, Pesavento P.
Vet Pathol. 2012 Nov;49(6):1032-5. doi: 10.1177/0300985811429307.
Epub 2011 Dec 19.
PMID: 22184185
Hereditary factor VII deficiency in the Alaskan Klee Kai dog.
Kaae JA, Callan MB, Brooks MB.
J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):976-81. doi: 10.1892/0891-6640(2007)21[976:hfvdit]2.0.co;2.
PMID: 17939552
Dr. Jaeyoung Kim is an oncology specialist, providing life-saving care to pets in the greater Bay Area.
Helping families by preserving and improving their pets quality of life is what drives her every day.
“Precision medicine and targeted therapies are innovative approaches that have advanced human cancer care tremendously, and I am excited to see veterinary medicine following closely in those footsteps to offer more tailored treatments for pets and those that love them.”
Dr. Kim shares her home with a handsome, large grey cat named Cookie Kim. Cookie's favorite pastimes include luxurious sunbathing sessions and passionately reminding her whenever it is time for his next meal. Outside of the hospital, she can be found hiking, trail running, doing fitness classes with friends or unwinding on her mat with yoga.
EDUCATION
UC Davis
Medical Oncology Residency
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Internship
University of Florida
Internship
Seoul National University
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & PhD
Dr. Kayla Kleve grew up in Phoenix, Arizona with a lifelong dream of helping pets in need. She escaped the Arizona heat and earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Throughout undergrad, she worked as a veterinary assistant at an exotics and companion animal practice. Before veterinary school, she also completed two animal internships at Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida and at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Dr. Kayla then earned her veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. While in Veterinary school, she was President of the Feline Practitioners Club and helped spay/neuter feral cats.
Dr. Kayla has professional interests in emergency medicine, feline medicine, exotic animal medicine, wildlife medicine, and surgery. She has many interests in veterinary medicine and has a passion for providing compassionate care for any ailment or species.
Dr. Kayla has two cats, Lilo and Stitch who were found as orphaned kittens in the streets of Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, hiking, kayaking, crafting cat toys, volunteering with animal rescues, and wine tasting.
EDUCATION
U.C. Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Emergency Mentorship Program
Dr. Leah Kramer provides compassionate intensive care to pets in our ICU.
She practiced in Maryland and throughout California before joining the PESCM team. Her clinical interests include management of polytrauma, surgical emergencies, respiratory crises.
When not on the job, Dr. Kramer enjoys reading, live music, travel, and exploring the outdoors. She has a perfect Louisiana brown dog that accompanies her on all her adventures.
Education
Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists
Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care Residency
Greenbrier Veterinary Referral Center
Internship in Small Animal Internal & Emergency Medicine
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Tulane University
Bachelor of Science – Cell & Molecular Biology, Theatre
Dr. Peyton Li grew up in the East Bay Area and earned both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees at UC Davis. While originally interested in general practice, he discovered his passion for emergency medicine during a summer student work program at PESCM, and is extremely excited to return for its emergency doctor training program. His veterinary interests include critical stabilization, neurology, surgery, and leadership. In his spare time, Dr. Li enjoys working out, socializing with friends and family, exploring the Bay Area, and spending time with his dogs and cats.
Education
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science (BS)
University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Emergency Mentorship Program
Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, providing pets with heart conditions the care they need to live their best lives.
She specializes in medical management of advanced cardiac disease. Improving patient quality of life and providing owners more quality time with their loved ones is her focus.
“I have always had a soft spot for PESCM. I did ER relief work a few times after my rotating internship, and really enjoyed the entire team. To me, who you work with is one of the most important aspects of a job!”
In her spare time, Dr. Malcolm enjoys hiking, snowboarding and recently got into gardening. Her new hobby is shopping for clothes and house items mostly second-hand, and she recently discovered some neat consignment stores near her! She shares her home with three pets: 2 dogs, Charles and Hickory, and 1 perfect cat, Tilikum.
EDUCATION
Texas A&M
Cardiology Residency Training
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Geena Ng is a California native who received both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at University of California, Davis. Following veterinary school, she completed a rigorous rotating internship with an emergency and critical care focus at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of San Diego. Her clinical interests include emergency and critical care medicine, trauma, toxicities, and surgery. In addition to being an emergency veterinarian, she is a strong advocate of health and wellness within the veterinary profession and coaches current veterinary students as a mentor for their communication laboratories.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Ng enjoys quality time with her husband, 3 sassy cats, 2 naughty bunnies, and 2 adventurous rescue dogs. She loves baking, mixology, snowboarding, white water rafting, kayaking, and gardening.
Published Article
Education
University of California, Davis
Bachelor’s of Science
University of California, Davis – School of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in San Diego
Rotating Internship with focus in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
Roxeen Ng is an emergency veterinary doctor, providing life-saving care to pets in the Greater Bay Area.
Being an advocate for her patients is the most rewarding aspect of her job.
“Seeing my patients recover and being able to see their personality when they are feeling well again. I also love being able to help provide comfort and support to pet parents during these times.”
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and hanging out with friends and family.
EDUCATION
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
Rotating Internship
Royal Veterinary College, London
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Susan Ostapak is an experienced and caring veterinarian who is truly humbled to help humans take care of those who have no voice. She was born, raised and educated in Saskatchewan, Canada receiving her BSc and DVM at the University of Saskatchewan and as well has completed a fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Critical care at the University of California in Davis. Along with experience in Zoo Medicine, her interest in wildlife has led her to various research and conservation projects working with elk, tapirs, tortoises, muskox, black rhino and most extensively with lemurs in Madagascar.
Susan appreciates the problem-solving aspect of Emergency Medicine and feels privileged to work at PESCM within a community of smart and compassionate people. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, sharing their interests in traveling, skiing, hiking, biking and participating in “off the grid” adventures, as well as talking long walks with their “golden girls”.
Education
Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatchewan, Canada
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
U.C. Davis
Fellowship in Emergency & Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Karen Park is a graduate of UC Davis class of 2007. She is trained in both equine medicine, small animal emergency medicine, and acupuncture. On her off days, she runs a mobile urgent care service and provides acupuncture to horses and small animals. She loves riding her off the track thoroughbreds and spending time with her dog and family.
Education
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Equine Veterinary Associates
Internship, 2007-2008
PESCM, San Diego
Internship, 2008-2009
Acupuncture, large and small animal
Certification
Dr. Audra Pompeani is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up without ever having a pet. After college, she enrolled in graduate school, studying molecular biology with the expectation that she would pursue a career in research science. It was during that time that she adopted 2 kittens and discovered her passion for helping animals (and their owners).
After completing her doctorate, Audra moved to Philadelphia to study veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband relocated to the Bay Area in 2013, when she joined the team at PESCM. She remains particularly interested in feline medicine, emergency medicine, and the human-animal bond. Through her work in the ER, she has developed a passion for palliative and geriatric care and helping families navigate the end-of-life process with their pets as well.
Audra and her husband are committed to animal rescue and adopt special needs cats and senior chihuahuas. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, sports, comedy, music, crafts, and getting outside in the beautiful Bay Area.
Education
Carnegie Mellon University
BS, Biological Sciences
Princeton University
MA, PhD, Molecular Biology
University of Pennsylvania
Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
1-Year Rotating Internship
Kimberly Phung is an emergency doctor, caring for pets in the Greater Bay Area.
“The aspect of my job that I find most rewarding is being able to educate clients about their pet’s ailments so that they become better caretakers and being surrounded by amazing people who love this field as much as I do.”
In her spare time, Dr. Phung enjoys spending time with her dogs (Alexus & Toki) and exploring new cafes, shops and environments.
EDUCATION
Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
Rotating Internship
University of Arizona
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Rajeev enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery and loves seeing the increase in a patient's quality of life that a combination of soft tissue, orthopedic, and surgical oncology cases offer.
Dr. Rajeev is passionate about providing the very best care for her patients while collaborating and connecting with their families.
Outside of work, she loves to spend time in the great outdoors, spending time with family, and reading. She also enjoys artistic hobbies like pottery.
Education
Auburn University
Residency in Small Animal Surgery
University of Florida
Small Animal Rotating Internship
University of Georgia
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics
Publications
Dr. Carla Robin earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from U.C. Davis in 2006 after completing undergraduate studies at both U.C. Riverside and U.C. Davis. Carla has a strong and diverse background in the veterinary field, having worked with both small and large animals, as well as in a research setting. In 2006, Carla was selected for PESCM’s inaugural internship program; her special areas of professional interest include emergency and critical care medicine and anesthesia. Her personal interests include classic VW cars, horseback riding, and music. Carla and her family live with their elderly green iguana ‘Sydney’ and retired racing Greyhound ‘Tricky Vision.’
Education
U.C. Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Daniel Rothschild is a board-certified ophthalmologist, providing ophthalmic care to pets in the Bay Area.
Through his dedication and passion for ophthalmology, pets experience restored vision, greater ocular comfort and can get back to living their best lives.
He is excited to work with you and your family vet to give the best medical management and superior outcomes for pets with ocular conditions.
Dan grew up in Nevada City, California. While studying at UC Berkeley, his interest in science flourished. Following his undergraduate degree, he worked as a research associate in the laboratory of Dr. Chris Benz at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.
He currently has one cat and dog and is excited to be back in the bay area. In his spare time, he enjoys playing ice hockey as well as tennis.
Education
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Ophthalmology Residency
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Ph.D. Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences
University of California, Berkeley
B.S. Molecular Environmental Biology
Professional Memberships:
American Veterinary Medical Association
Dr. Elyse Salpeter is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Upon graduation, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship followed by a medical ophthalmology specialty internship, also at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She then spent a year at the University of Illinois researching the ocular surface microbiome and clinical ophthalmic pharmacology. Finally, she spent four years at the University of California Davis where she completed a residency in comparative ophthalmology.
Dr. Salpeter enjoys both surgical and medical aspects of ophthalmology. She is passionate about her patients and enjoys building relationships with clients and their pets to develop a team-based approach to patient care.
Originally from Canada, Dr. Salpeter loves exploring the Bay Area with her significant other and their Jack Russell Terrier named Carter when she is not working. Together, they love discovering local cuisine, community events, and the many hiking trails that can be found in the region.
Education
Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan
Veterinary Degree
Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan
Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery
Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan
Ophthalmology Specialty Internship
University of California Davis
Comparative Ophthalmology Residency
Dr. Erin Smythe-Morey earned her BS in Biology with a minor in US History from UC Davis in 2011 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 2015. She completed a one-year rotating internship at PESCM and has been there ever since as an Emergency Veterinarian and more recently, as the Medical Director.
Her clinical interests include fast-paced emergency medicine, toxicology, end-of-life care, and hospice care.
She lives in Sonoma with her husband (also a veterinarian), 3 young children, and 4 black cats. In her free time she enjoys crafting, gardening, and exploring the beautiful Bay Area with her family.
Education
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science, Biology
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Rotating Internship
Dr. Heather Spain is an East Bay native having grown up in El Cerrito. She earned her undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University in Neuroscience & Behavior in 2009, and completed her veterinary degree at UC Davis in 2014. Dr. Spain then completed a one-year rotating Medicine and Surgery internship at the University of Pennsylvania followed by a three-year Diagnostic Imaging Residency at Tufts University. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2018. Dr. Spain spent the year following her residency working as an associate radiologist at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston and an adjunct clinical instructor at Tufts University. She returned to the California coast in 2020 where she developed the Radiology Department at BluePearl Monterey. She is very excited to return home to the Bay Area and join the team at PESCM.
Dr. Spain enjoys all imaging modalities, but has a special interest in ultrasound, particularly of hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal disease. Though a steadfast “cat person” she loves working with all species including exotics and aquatics! In her time outside the clinic she enjoys hot yoga, racquetball, wine tasting, scary movies and spending time with family, especially her cat, Bellevedere.
Education
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery
Tufts University
Residency in Diagnostic Imaging
Dr. Ashton Story originally grew up in southeast Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida prior to obtaining her veterinary degree at the University of Florida. She then completed a small animal rotating internship at the Ohio State University, a surgical oncology internship at Texas A&M University and a four year surgical residency and master’s degree from the University of Missouri. In the final year of her residency, she obtained board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal). She stayed on at the University of Missouri for an additional year following residency as a clinical instructor for the small animal orthopedic service prior to joining the PESCM team.
Dr. Story performs general soft tissue procedures, surgical oncology as well as orthopedic surgery. Through residency, she developed a particular fondness for orthopedic surgical cases, and is excited to bring this passion to the patients of Marin County. In her free time, she enjoys running and cooking.
Education
University of Florida
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
The Ohio State University
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Texas A&M University
Surgical Oncology internship
University of Missouri
Small Animal Surgical Residency
Dr. Krupa Swaminathan was born and raised in Massachusetts and earned his bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Illinois. He then went on to earn his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis, thus completing his slow, westward migration. After graduation, Krupa spent 1.5 years in mixed animal practice, but soon realized his interest was in emergency medicine and is excited to join the team here at PESCM. His other specialty interests include ophthalmology, and surgery.
Outside of work, Krupa enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and his dog, Archie. He enjoys snowboarding, and photography. He is a huge Boston sports fan and loves spending his Sunday afternoons yelling at the TV while watching his beloved New England Patriots.
Education
University of Illinois
BA in Mathematics
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Emergency Mentorship Program
Dr. Alexander Tun received his Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College with a music major. He went on to earn his VMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Tun then completed his small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA, followed by a neurology specialty internship at the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, NY. He finished his residency in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery back at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced neurology at VCA SFVS from 2018-2020 before joining the PESCM team. His clinical interests include inflammatory and degenerative brain diseases. He has two cats, an orange tabby named Thomas and a Maine Coon mix named Jezebel.
Published Articles
Education
University of Pennsylvania
Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD)
Angell Animal Medical Center
Rotating Internship
VCA Animal Specialty Center
Neurology Specialty Internship
University of Pennsylvania
Neurology Residency
Dr. Blaise Waniewski studied zoology at San Francisco State University and immediately went on to earn his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. While in veterinary school he was president of the Feline Medicine Club and also held leadership roles volunteering for Mercer Clinic for the Homeless and Fix Our Ferals. Following veterinary school he continued his studies at Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin, completing a rotating internship focusing on emergency, surgery, medicine and oncology. Through the internship Blaise developed a fondness for both the challenges and rewards of practicing emergency medicine. Following his internship he continued to work as an emergency clinician in the Bay Area. In 2014 he took the opportunity to rejoin PESCM as a staff ER clinician and Senior Veterinary Associate.
On his days off, he enjoys permaculture farming, composting, playing the tenor saxophone, cycling and painting. He lives with his wife Sasha and daughter Zelda in San Francisco with the company of their 5 chickens, 2 cats and 1 dog.
Education
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Science – Zoology
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Small Animal Rotating Internship
Dr. Mari Waterman is a board-certified cardiologist who provides individualized cardiovascular disease management for her patients.
She is excited to work with you and your family vet to give the best medical management and superior outcomes for pets with heart conditions.
Cardiology care requires a team approach between clinical teams and pet owners to provide the highest quality of life possible for pets. You can rely on Dr. Waterman for the advanced care your pet needs.
She has lived in the Pacific Northwest, New York state, Virginia, and California. She and her family were excited to relocate to Marin in 2022.
When not working, she enjoys baking, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family at home. She has recently discovered audiobooks and uses them to multitask.
Her family recently adopted 2 rambunctious kittens and their older lab mix dog has not yet recovered.
Education
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Cardiology Residency
Animal Surgical and Emergency Center
Cardiology Specialty Internship
VCA Veterinary Specialists of Seattle
General Internship
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Dr. Shanel Xian grew up in the East Bay and earned her undergraduate degree in biology from UC San Diego. She spent a semester abroad at Lund University in Sweden before making her way back to Northern California to complete her veterinary degree at UC Davis.
Dr. Xian previously worked in general practice, human healthcare, and preclinical research before finding her passion in emergency medicine and completed an emergency mentorship program at PESCM. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and One Health. Dr. Xian values the individual human-animal bond and listening to her patient’s human family members as part of formulating a care plan.
In her free time, Dr. Xian enjoys cooking, weightlifting, paddling with her dragon boat team, and spending time with her family and orange tabby cat.
Education
University of California, San Diego
Bachelor of Science, General Biology
University of California, Davis
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin
Emergency Mentorship Program
Dr. Kelley Zimmerman is a graduate of the Royal Veterinary College. Upon graduation, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery rotation at the Louisiana State University, followed by a medical oncology specialty internship at Seattle Veterinary Specialists. She then completed a three-year residency in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania and achieved board certification in medical oncology within the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology).
Whilst she finds all aspects of practicing oncology rewarding, she has a particular interest in cancers of the immune system (lymphoma, histiocytic sarcoma, mast cell tumors) and maximizing her patient’s quality of life.
Kelley and her fiancé (both native Californians and both specialty veterinarians!) live with their flat coated retriever, Rowdy. They are pleased to be back home, providing care to their community.
Outside of the hospital, Kelley enjoys spending time with her family, reading, learning languages, watching wildlife, and traveling.
Education
Royal Veterinary College
Veterinary Degree
Louisiana State University
Rotating Internship in Medicine and Surgery
Seattle Veterinary Specialists
Oncology Specialty Internship
University of Pennsylvania
Medical Oncology Residency
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Medical Oncology
