VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center

Bios

• Phil Ries

  DVM

  Dr. Phil Ries graduated from the Ohio State University in 1988 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After which, he completed a one year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Ries spent a year as a general practice vet then completed a small animal internal medicine residency at Iowa State University. In 1994 Dr. Ries was certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine (ACVIM). As a veterinary internist, Dr. Ries' areas of interest include gastroenterology, care of the critical patient, endocrinology, infectious diseases and respiratory medicine. He joined the staff of VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1995.

• Nancy McLean

  DVM

  Dr. McLean obtained her veterinary degree from Purdue University in 2002. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine followed by two years as a general practice vet in Albuquerque, NM. In 2008 Dr. McLean completed a comparative veterinary ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee and became certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2008. Her areas of interest include cataract surgery, glaucoma and systemic diseases that affect the eye. Dr. McLean has been treating pet eye diseases at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 2008.

• Thomas Hribernik

  DVM

  Dr. Thomas Hribernik graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. He completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery followed by an internal medicine residency at Purdue University. Dr. Hribernik became certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1981. His professional interests span the breadth of internal medicine, including critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious diseases, immune diseases, respiratory disorders and urology. Dr. Hribernik joined the team at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2008.

• Carol Breslin

  DVM

  Dr. Carol Breslin earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 2000 after receiving a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of New Mexico. She spent six years in private practice in Denver, Colorado, as a general practice vet with a special interest in dentistry before completing one year of residency in dental and oral surgery at the Animal Dental Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Breslin joined the staff at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in 2008 and has a practice limited to dentistry and oral surgery. Her interests include maxilla/facial surgery, orthodontics (braces), root canals, crowns, bridges and implants.

• Dawn S. Nolan

  DVM

  Hello! Thank you for looking at my information! I am excited that you are interested in learning more about my practice as an associate at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center. I arrived in Albuquerque in February of 2007 for the position of Medical Director of the General Practice. I was a small animal Practitioner in Dallas, Texas for 8 year before I made the decision to move to New Mexico. I am originally from Connecticut and joined the US Navy out of high school. I graduated from Texas A & M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. I see all dogs and cats as part of my practice and enjoy the diversity of the different species. I have been and am currently involved in carious rescue organizations within the City of Albuquerque. This keeps me quite busy as I not only practice full time as a small animal clinician, but also find time to complete my Medical Director activities. My main focus for out General Practice has been to provide outstanding preventative medical care for out patients. Early detection of disease allows us the opportunity to improve the quality of life for your family member! We are well equipped to provide the very best of medical care from the juvenile to the geriatric years. We work hand and hand with our specialists to be sure that you receive the highest level of care that we have to offer. And, for those unexpected accidents, we have an emergency staff ready to help you 24/7. An exciting passion of mine is caring for the feline species. The cat has not, historically, received the same level of care as their canine counterparts and I feel this is a true disservice to this regal and fascinating species. I am passionate about making our feline friends comfortable and happy throughout their lives. They deserve and require annual physical exams to keep their current health status at the fore front! Not only is this a physical evaluation, but also, an environmental one_are there any troubles with the litter box or housemates? Yep, we talk about that too_and provide you with valuable resources to help you deal with many potentially frustrating situations. I am honored to be considered the Cat Advocate for our hospital. Our practice has recently obtained a Gold Status Feline Friendly Practice Certification based on our practice's facilities and special accommodations for our feline friends. This is a new designation provided by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). For more information and lots of good client information, check out their website at www.catvets.com!. I look forward to meeting you and your pets to see how we can better meet both of your needs! Don't forget, we off a Free First Feline Exam so you can see how I make it a priority to have as stress-free a visit as possible (for both you and your cat!). I currently live in the Northeast heights with my husband, Stephen, and our 4 frisky felines, Sabu, Jasmine, Toulouse, and Malia! We enjoy the wonderful Albuquerque and Santa Fe museums as well as our local zoo and biopark. It is a privilege to live in such a beautiful area of the country!

• David Schoonover

  DVM

  Dr. Schoonover grew up on the East Coast and received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Miami, Florida, majoring in Marine Biology. After finishing college, Dr. Schoonover went to work for the Department of Defense at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, located in Bethesda, Maryland. He spent 10 years at this location where he was also involved in commercial beekeeping and Farrier work. Dr. Schoonover received his DVM degree from Ross University in St. Kitts. As part of this study, he had the privilege of studying at the veterinary school in Utrecht, Holland. Dr. Schoonover resides in the East Mountains with his wife, Rita, Fila Brasileiro, Shigeru, and 3 parrots. In his spare time, Dr. Schoonover enjoys international travel, practicing kendo, and watching foreign films.

• Shirley Russman

  DVM

  Dr. Russman was born in Chicago, Illinois. She attended undergraduate school at Lake Forest College in Illinois where she received a BA in Biology and French Literature. In her senior year of college, she completed an internship at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where she worked with cranes in their conservation and breeding program. Dr. Russman continued her education earning her MS degree (crane conservation and breeding) at the University of Illinois. She went on to work at the International Crane Foundation for 3 years as Curator of birds. It was there she discovered that working and gaining knowledge in Veterinary Medicine would be of paramount importance in caring for the cranes. Dr. Russman graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. Dr. Russman moved to New Mexico and has worked at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center for the past 23 years! Dr. Russman sees dogs, cats, birds and exotic animals in her practice and welcomes all new patients. Dr. Russman lives in Tijeras with her husband, Rich, and 2 cats: Peanut Spot. In her spare time, Dr. Russman is an avid athelete and enjoys running, biking, and hiking.

  Education:

• Franczesca Kondek

  DVM

  Dr. Kondek was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in New York City. She completed her undergraduate and veterinary training in 1989 at Cornell University. She then returned to New York City to complete a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center. Dr. Kondek is certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture and certified to perform Penn HIP radiographs. Dr. Kondek practiced in the New York/New Jersey area where she had a 1 year tour as medical director at a VCA hospital. In 2004, she moved to Albuquerque. She maintains her licensure in both New York and New Jersey. Dr. Kondek lives in the foothills of the NE Heights with her husband, Mark, children Clayton and Annika, cats Spudge and Ezra, cockatiel T.J., and standard poodles Brie and Kysa. In her spare time, Dr. Kondek enjoys skiing, spending time with her family, and running.

• Jeremy Welcome

  DVM

  Dr. Welcome hails from upstate New York. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Worcester State College in Massachusetts and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University in 2003. Upon graduation he completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center. Upon completion of the internship program Dr. Welcome worked as a general practitioner in the Albuquerque area from 2004 to 2006. In 2006 he relocated to Oregon so his wife could continue her education. During his time in Oregon, Dr. Welcome continued to work as a general practitioner while cultivating an interest in emergency medicine. 2010 marks his return to a practice, discipline and state that he loves. Dr. Welcome's clinical interests include emergency and critical care medicine, emergency surgery, radiographic imaging and ultrasound. Outside of the office he is an avid mountain biker, hiker, gardener and baker.

• Nicholas Hopkins

  DVM

  Dr. Hopkins has lived in Albuquerque most of his life. He started volunteering at the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico when he was 15 and continued to work there throughout his undergraduate studies. He attended Sandia High School and earned his B.S. degree in Animal Sciences at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Dr. Hopkins graduated from the veterinary college at Washington State University in 2004. After graduating from WSU, Dr. Hopkins returned to Albuquerque and worked as an emergency clinician on the Westside. He joined the staff at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center in 2009 and his practice is limited to dogs and cats. Dr. Hopkins lives in the Northeast Heights with his wife, Lisa. They have three dogs, Stella, Esther and Tanner (two mutts and a Sheltie). Samir and Chala are their two cats. In his spare time, Dr. Hopkins enjoys camping, hiking and fencing. He also enjoys watching movies.

• Diane Schrempp

  DVM

  Dr. Diane Schrempp graduated from Kansas State University in 2007 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She then went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2008. In 2008 - 2009, Dr. Schrempp completed a one year oncology clinical trials internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following that, she headed to Purdue University where she completed a three year comparative oncology residency. Dr. Schrempp became board certified through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2012. She joined the team at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 2012. Her professional interests include diagnosing and treating a variety of canine and feline cancers, using new and cutting edge treatments for cancer (Palladia and metronomic chemotherapy) as well as applying a thorough knowledge of standard of care options (surgery and chemotherapy). She approaches cancer in a way that focuses on the patient's overall well-being and quality of life. Dr. Schrempp also has an interest in treating with localized radiation therapy (strontium) for cats diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. When she's not taking care of cancer patients, Dr. Schrempp enjoys exploring her new home state with her West Highland White Terrier, Sam.

  Education:

• Ryan Taggart

  DVM

  Dr. Ryan Taggart completed his undergraduate training with a degree in biology from Haverford College (PA) in 2000. After living in Australia for a year, he returned to the U.S. to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Taggart received his DVM degree from Cornell University in 2005. Following graduation, he spent three years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps including an overseas tour in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Taggart completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Mississippi State University. He then undertook a residency in veterinary orthopedic, soft tissue and neurologic surgery at Purdue University, in conjunction with a Masters degree in veterinary science. He has authored publications for Veterinary Surgery, the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and NAVC Clinician's Brief. During the final year of his residency, Dr. Taggart was presented with the Katie McAllister Compassion Award and the Dr. Ann L. Johnson and Dr. Walter E. Hoffman Resident Teaching Award, the first time both awards were given to a single resident. In 2013, Dr. Taggart received the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Resident Award; a national award presented to only two individuals who have achieved a high degree of excellence in their chosen specialty. Dr. Taggart joined VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2012. His professional interests include orthopedics and fracture repair, minimally invasive, oncologic and reconstructive surgery. On a personal note, Dr. Taggart, his wife and young son are excited to get to know New Mexico. His pursuits outside of work and family include mountain biking, skiing, and, in particular, lacrosse. Dr. Taggart has been fortunate to play lacrosse in both the U.S. and Australia and has coached at Mississippi State University and Purdue University.

  Education:

• Collin Wolff

  DVM

  Practice Limited to Surgery. Dr. Collin Wolff is excited and proud to become the newest surgeon among the talented group of staff and specialists. Dr. Wolff received an undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 2002, followed by a DVM degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. He then completed a three-year small animal surgery residency at Texas A&M University in July 2012. He has fulfilled all requirements of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons to sit for the ACVS boards examination. . Though Dr. Wolff is available for telephone consultation and case referrals for a broad spectrum of soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic surgical conditions, he looks forward to offering minimally invasive surgical alternatives including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy.

• Aliya Magee

  DVM

  Dr. Aliya N. Magee graduated from Louisiana State University in 2009 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She completed an internship at Purdue University in 2010, and went on to complete a residency in cardiology and a Masters of Science in Veterinary Medicine in 2013 at Purdue University as well. Dr. Magee joined the team at VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, NM in September, 2013. Dr. Magee's professional interests include dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital cardiac diseases and interventional cardiology. She has moved to Albuquerque with her mixed breed dog, Daisy and standard poodle, Colin.

  Education:

• Barbara Kitchell

  DVM

  Dr. Barbara E. Kitchell graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. Dr. Kitchell completed an internship at the University of Minnesota, then residencies in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at UC Davis from 1981-1985. She started an Oncology referral practice at Special Veterinary Services, Berkeley, California in 1985, and continued to manage that practice on a full time basis until 1989, when she embarked upon her graduate studies while continuing to work part time as a clinical oncologist. She received her Ph.D. degree (emphasis in Cancer Biology) from the Department of Comparative Pathology at UC Davis in 1994. In addition, Dr. Kitchell completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford Medical School from 1990-1994. She returned to academic medicine in 1994 as Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine, where she rose to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. Dr. Kitchell joined the faculty of Michigan State University in 2004 as Full Professor and Director of the Center for Comparative Oncology, and held this post until joining VCA Vet Care in August, 2013. Dr. Kitchell is an ACVIM Diplomate in the specialties of Internal Medicine and Oncology. She has received numerous awards including the National Cancer Institute Physician Scientist Award, the Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Award at Stanford, and the Gaines Cycle "Golden Fido" award for Veterinarian of the Year at the American Animal Hospital Association Annual Conference in 1993. Dr. Kitchell has served veterinary and comparative medicine in many capacities, including committee membership on the Morris Animal Foundation Scientific Advisory Board, the Nestle Purina Nutrition Council, NCI-F Manpower and Training Study Section of NCI, the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, and is a consultant and key opinion leader for several veterinary pharmaceutical companies. She is past president of the Veterinary Cancer Society and was elected Vice-President and Member of the Board of Regent of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2013. Dr. Kitchell is the author of over 100 scientific publications, abstracts, proceedings, book chapters, handbooks in her field of veterinary and comparative oncology. Like most veterinarians, she has a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Dr. Kitchell also keeps busy as a single mom of 5 wonderful young people, and has been active in adoption, foster care and Transition to Independence for foster adolescents in Lansing, Michigan.

  Education:

• Janet Blairs-Wells

  DVM

  Dr. Blair-Wells grew up near Memphis, Tennessee, in Germantown. She is married with 5 dogs - all Norwegian Elkhounds from elkhoundrescue.org. She moved to Albuquerque from Knoxville, TN. Dr. Blair-Wells in a graduate of Auburn University, received her DVM degree from the University of Tennessee and did her internship at New England Animal Medical Center in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She also worked at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Knoxville TN for 7 years as an ER veterinarian. Dr. Blair-Wells is still active in elkhound rescue, both here and in Tennessee.

• Stacy Peterson

  DVM

  Dr. Stacy Peterson graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2002 with her Bachelor of Science degree and then continued to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Following completion of her DVM, she completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. She then moved to Arizona to complete a three-year residency in comparative ophthalmology at Eye Care for Animals. In 2010, Dr. Peterson became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. She enjoys all areas of ophthalmology, but has special interests in tear-film abnormalities, corneal repair, and cataract surgery. She has treated a variety of species including companion animals and equine, as well as many species of exotic and zoo animals. Dr. Peterson moved to New Mexico in 2008, where she met her husband. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and cooking.