VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center

Sara Vachher

BSc: McGill University, Quebec, 1999 DVM: Atlantic Veterinary College, PEI, 2004 Internship: Affiliated Animal Care, Chesapeake VA, 2004-5 Residency: VCA Veterinary Referral Associates, Gaithersburg MD, 2005-8 Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Special Interests/Expertise: Shock, fluid therapy and transfusion medicine, toxicities, pain management and intensive management of the critical patient. Pets: Damien, an affectionate and hungry buff cat who runs the house. Personal Facts: Sara was born and raised in Eastern Canada. She moved to the U.S. in 2004 and has settled in Washington, D.C. She enjoys traveling, exploring D.C. and sampling its many restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends. Sara has been a member of the VCA Southpaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center team since May 2011.

Brock McGee

BS, Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 1999 DVM, North Carolina State University, 2004 Internship: Angell Animal Medical Center-Western New England, Springfield, MA 2004-2005. Pets: Whitney, adopted in 2000 from a rural shelter in North Carolina when she was about 6 months old. Bob, a boston terrier/pug mix adopted in 2005 when he was found as a stray with a harness imbedded in his neck. Personal Facts: Brock is a native of Claremont, North Carolina. He enjoys outdoor activities, yoga, horseback riding, and vacationing with friends. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 2008.

Alicia Montgomery

BS, Molecular Biology and Physiology, Marshall University DVM, The Ohio State University Internship: VCA SouthPaws Special Interests: Emergency Medicine; Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, Triage, and Tracking (FAST); Feline Obstructive Uropathies Pets: Titus was adopted as a stray - 6 month old pitty pup that came in on her emergency rotation during vet school with a broken leg - he recovered well after his leg was repaired and after 1 year, they ran two 5K's together. He has become a bit spoiled and sedentary since then and now specializes in the art of cuddling. Personal Facts: As a native of Ohio, Alicia remains an avid OSU football fan (GO BUCKS!). She also enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, cooking, and exploring DC. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 06/2009.

Jennifer O'Keefe

BS, Michigan State University DVM, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Residency: Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. Special Interests/Expertise: Feline obstructive uropathies, heat stroke, sepsis and emergency care. Pets: MacGyver, an 8 year old huge furry mix, Ozzie, a year old smaller fuzzy mix dog and a year old cat. Personal Facts: Jen grew up right here in Northern Virginia. She enjoys hiking and camping with the dogs, spending time with her family, and long distance biking. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 02/2003.

Marilyn Khoury

BA, Connecticut College VMD, University of Pennsylvania, 1991 Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Special Interests/Expertise: Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Pets: Toby, a 10year old Border Collie adopted from Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue; Hattie a little 11 year old cat rescued as a kitten in Philadelphia, Don Gato, a BIG 12 year old retired barn cat, and Baybe, a 15 year old horse. Personal Facts: Marilyn is a member of The American Holistic Medical Association, The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She enjoys horseback riding, tennis, hiking, cooking and spending time with her family. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since : 2006.

Education: Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Jordan Kocen

BS, Rutgers University MS, Rutgers University DVM, University of Missouri, 1986 Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Special Interests/Expertise: Acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese Herbal Medicine. Pets: Bo, a yellow Lab and cats Algernon, John, Natasha and Max, a former SouthPaws blood donor. Tux and Mischief visit when they feel like it. Personal Facts: Jordan is a member of the American Holistic Medical Association, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association. He enjoys working outside in the yard with his wife, and playing with his kids. Member of the VCA SouthPaws team since: 1995.

Heather Hoch

BS, Kansas State University DVM, Kansas State University, 2004 Internship: Auburn University Residency: Louisiana State University Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Special Interest/Expertise: I like it all! Especially infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, immune mediated disease. Publications:. Canine & Feline Dirofilariasis: Life Cycle, Pathophysiology & Diagnosis Compendium, Continuing Education for Veterinarians, March 2008. Canine & Feline Dirofilariasis: Prophylaxis, Treatment, & Complications of Treatment Compendium, Continuing Education for Veterinarians, March 2008. Pets: Autumn and Macie (Wowzers: Schnauzer/Westie cross). I adopted 'double and trouble' when they were only 9 weeks old. Their previous owner had purchased them to be companions for their older dog, but the older dog despised them, so was looking for a new home for them. Initially I was only going to keep one, but after one night, I could not part with either one of them. Olive -- a golden retriever that I picked up from a small farm in Pennsylvania. She is the perfect addition to balance out my pack. Personal Facts: I grew up in a small town in Kansas. My grandparents owned/operated a dairy farm, where I spent a lot of time in the Summer. I knew that I wanted to be a Veterinarian since I was a little girl. I feel fortunate to have the best job in the world. Outside of working, I like to spend time with my family and friends, travel and spend time outdoors. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 08/2007.

Michael Knoeckel

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Neurology BS, University of Colorado DVM, Colorado State University Internship: Private Practice Residency: Medical and Surgical Neurology, University of California - Davis. Special Interests and Expertise: intracranial surgery for tumor removal, and spinal surgery for disc herniations or tumor removal. MRI evaluation of neurological diseases. Seizure Management. Pets: Bogie, an Australian shepherd; Ava, a Catahoula Leopard Dog; and Jefferson, an irrepressible Lab -- all rescued dogs. Personal Facts: Mike grew up in Colorado spending his youth hiking in the hills. He has been a guide, a working cowboy, and farmer before moving on to veterinary medicine. He still returns home when he can to put some time in the saddle. Other interested include motorcycles, scuba, traveling, and traditional music. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 09/2000.

Sarah Sheafor

Medical Director, Chief of Oncology BS, Michigan State University DVM, Michigan State University Internship: North Carolina State University Residency: Ohio State University, Medical Oncology & Internal Medicine Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine '" Oncology. Special Interests/Expertise: Diagnostic and therapeutic medical oncology, pain management, maximizing quality of life for cancer patients, transfusion medicine, infectious diseases, hematology. Research/Lectures/Publications: Founding member of the Animal Cancer Institute/Animal Clinical Investigations performing clinical research in novel therapeutic agents. Lecturer for many local and regional veterinary societies, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students. Published in many veterinary journals. Pets: Maude, a Jack Russell Terrier who was brought to SouthPaws by a rescue group due to multiple pelvic fractures when she was about a year old back in 2006. She's all fixed, and one day, she will be a pretty good dog. We're still hopeful on that last point. Neville and Harriet , sibling tabby cats adopted as dumpster-diving stray kittens in the summer of 2008. Both are volunteer blood donors at SouthPaws now that they're full grown hellions. Personal Facts: Sarah grew up spending her school months in Baltimore, MD, and the summers in Northern Michigan. She still loves to travel (especially internationally), and enjoys reading, history, cooking, ethnic foods, and gardening. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 07/1997.

Nancy Bromberg

VMD, University of Pennsylvania, 1978 Internship: Private Practice Residency /Masters: NIH fellowship in Comparative Ophthalmology, University of Florida Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Special Interests/Expertise: Inherited ocular diseases, cataract and corneal surgery, reconstructive surgery. Pets: Several dogs. Personal Facts: Nancy has been practicing ophthalmology in the greater DC area for 28 years. She enjoys boating on the Chesapeake, traveling and wildlife photography (especially in Africa). She volunteers her expertise at the Washington Animal Rescue League and the National Zoo. Dr. Bromberg sponsors a Massai girl, so she can stay in school. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 10/2003.

Cynthia Sloan

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology BS, Le Tourneau University DVM, Washington State University Residency: Radiology, University of Missouri and Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. Special Interests/Expertise: Ultrasonography, CT scanning and interpretation, nuclear medicine, contrast radiography. Pets: I must confess I'm smitten by cats in mittens! Smoochie is the tuxedo love of my life; Ying is my sassy-pants calico. I'm currently holding at two kit kats but there's always room for more isn't there?. Personal Interests: My refreshing comes in the form of any physical activity. Biking, weight training and snow skiing are my current habits. I love digging in the dirt and planting things but am just a horticulturist want to-be. I love my church, a good campfire and fast cars. I am honored to volunteer my time at the Washington National Zoo. It has provided a great opportunity to ultrasound many different species and many interesting cases. But I especially love helping the animals and the people I see at SouthPaws. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 08/2003.

Robert L. Toal, Jr.

DVM, University of Georgia MS, University of Georgia Internship: Private Practice Residency: Radiology, University of Georgia Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology. Special Interests/Expertise: Ultrasonography, CT, MRI, radiology. Research/Lectures/Publications: Bob is the author of more than 80 scientific publications about small and large animal imaging. He is also the author of the textbook, Ultrasound for the Practitioner. Pets: Buddy, a 12 year old American Rat Terrier, Jack, a 5 year old West Highland White Terrier -- both former shelter dogs. Personal Facts: A native of Maryland, Bob taught radiology, ultrasonography, and CT/MRI, and nuclear medicine at the University of Tennesee for 20 years before coming to VCA SouthPaws. As a veterinary radiologist, he has interpreted over 6000 MRIs. He enjoys reading about history, spending time with his family and home restoration. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since: 01/2001.

Matthew Nelson

BS, Hope College DVM, Michigan State University Internship: VCA Southpaws Residency: Radiology, University of Georgia Diplomate, America College of Veterinary Radiology. Special Interests/Expertise: Ultrasonography, computed tomography, radiology. Pets: Admiral Beaumont von Barkington, III, an adult mixed-breed dog, rescued as a puppy from a shelter that was being closed due to lack of funding. Personal Facts: Matt is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He enjoys cycling, running, sailing, and just about anything outdoors. Other interests include, cooking, restoration projects, and woodworking, and he has recently completed his second bamboo bike frame. In his free time, he is most happy spending time with his family.

Daniel Brehm

VMD, University of Pennsylvania Internship: University of Pennsylvania Residency: University of Pennsylvania Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Special Interests/Expertise: Oncologic and soft tissue surgery, minimally invasive surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Research/Lectures/Publications: Dan has lectured and published on gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in dogs, and peripheral nerve sheath tumors in dogs. Pets: Daphne, a 9 year old female yellow Labrador Retriever; Deacon, a 5 year old male yellow Lab; Chloe an old skinny cat; and Snaggles is a former blood donor cat. Personal Facts: Dan moved around some while growing up, but his favorite place was the Lac du Poisson Blanc, in Quebec. Dan enjoys Star Trek and the Simpsons, playing ice hockey, and spending lots of great time with family. Member of the SouthPaws' Team since: 1996.

Jeff Norton

B.S. Animal Science, B.S. Biology - Virginia Tech DVM, Virginia - Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Internship: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Mississippi State University Surgical Internship: Dallas Veterinary Surgery Center Residency: VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center, Fountain Valley, CA Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Special Interests/Expertise: . <ul> Stifle Surgery (cruciate ligament reconstruction, patellar repair, etc.) Co-inventor of the VID Universal TPLO plate (used for cruciate repair). Arthroscopy and soft tissue surgery. </ul> Research/Lectures/Publications: Jeff has done research into elbow dysplasia, capital-physeal fracture repair in cats, and Achilles tendon repair. He has given many lectures on canine elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament repair, physical therapy, gastric dilatation and volvulus, acute pain management, and surgical assisting. Pets: The Norton family is a zoo. It is home to one very needy corgi-mixed breed dog, two cats, a Russian tortoise, multiple fresh water fish, and multiple rats. The back yard is turning into a wildlife habitat with frequent visits from deer, foxes, raccoons, and multiple species of birds including barn owls and a sharp shin hawk. Personal Facts: Jeff grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia and is thrilled to be back in the area. Outside of SouthPaws, he enjoys golf, fishing, going to football and baseball games, bird watching, and working in the yard. Member of the VCA SouthPaws' Team since 2008. He is a board certified veterinary surgeon.

George Siemering

Medical Director, Head of Surgery Department, Founder of SouthPaws. DVM, The Ohio State University Residency: Surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic) University of Pennsylvania. Special Interests/Expertise: Orthopedics, Laparoscopy/minimally invasive surgery. Pets: Monty, a Jack Russell Terrier rescued in 2010. Personal Facts: Bud grew up outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as a member of the Board of Veterinary Medicine for the Commonweath of Virginia from 2002 until 2008 (appointed by the governor). He's been the president of the Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance and the Northern Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. When Dr. Siemering is not being a surgeon, he is a formally trained gourmet chef, an airplane pilot, and enjoys photography, traveling and glass art. Member of VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center team since its inception in October 1995.

Nicole Guma

Nicole Guma, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM) BS, Pennsylvania State University, 2001 DVM, Cornell University, 2005 Internship: Affiliated Animal Care, 2005-2006 Residency: VCA Veterinary Referral Associates (Internal Medicine/Emergency/Critical Care), 2007-2011 Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency/Critical Care Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Special Interests/Expertise:. <ul> Sepsis Endocrine Emergencies Mechanical ventilation </ul> Pets: Kayla, a very well behaved three-legged mixed breed dog, Hobie, a very loud orange long hair cat and Petey, a mild mannered black and white short haired kitty, and Piglet, a dachshund mix puppy that was rescued recently. Personal Facts: Nicole was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Nicole and her husband Ethan (and their furry family) have moved around a bit due to Ethan's Navy career but they are happy to be settled down in the Washington D.C. area for a while. Outside of work Nicole enjoys exploring the DC area and traveling.

Lauren R. Talarico

Lauren R. Talarico, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) BS, Bucknell University DVM, Cornell Univeristy Internship: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Residency: Cornell University Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Neurology. Special Interests/Expertise: Surgical management of cranial cervical junction malformations (Chiari-like malformations and atlanto-occipital overlapping), spinal surgery, medical management of autoimmune and infectious brain disease, and MRI analysis. Research/Lectures/Publications: Published in Veterinary Surgery and Journal of Small Animal Practice. Book chapters include: Intracranial Neoplasia in Veterinary Surgery: Small Animal; Polyradiculoneuritis and Lysosomal Storage Diseases in the Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats; and Non-Infectious/Inflammatory Disease of the Central Nervous System in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy Volume XV. Pets: Raesynette, the chocolate Labrador whose tail never stops wagging and Acadia, the extremely intelligent and good looking Greater Swiss Mountain dog. Personal Facts: Lauren grew up in the southern New Jersey beach area and loves the beach. After spending seven years between veterinary school and residency in chilly upstate New York she is looking forward to the warm Virginia weather. Lauren loves running, playing the violin, hiking with her two dogs, and traveling. . Member of the SouthPaws Team since 7/20/12.

Beth Durney

BS: Geology, Washington And Lee University VMD, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Internship: The Animal Medical Center, New York City Special interests: Emergency Medicine, Endocrine disorders, Toxicology, Renal disease. Pets: Dingo, a mutt adopted as a puppy from the New York Ave, Washington DC shelter in 2000. She has been a great source of companionship and troublemaking ever since. Personal information: Dr. Durney is a Washington, DC native and grew up on Capitol Hill. She is thrilled to be back in the DC area . In her free time, she enjoys exploring her Atlas District neighborhood with her husband, riding horses, practicing yoga, and cooking. Member of the VCA SouthPaws team since February 2013.

Amber Stiller

BS, Texas A&M University DVM, Texas A&M University, 2008 Internship: VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Albuquerque, NM Residency: University of Minnesota Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Special Interest/Expertise: The best thing about internal medicine is the wide variety of cases I get to see. I love immune-mediated disease, infectious diseases, and urology. Publications: Stiller A, Armstrong P, Polzin D, Smith S. Effect of Low-Dose Aspirin or Heparin on Platelet-derived Urinary Thromboxane Metabolite in Dogs with Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;27(3):712 (abstract) Stiller AT, Furrow E, Lulich JP. Canine Urethral Plugs. J Vet Intern Med. In press Pets: An orange and white domestic short-haired cat named Angel who very much enjoys being an only kitty! I adopted Angel just before starting vet school and she has traveled the country with me. Personal Facts: I was born and raised in Texas and I grew up on a backyard farm, the youngest of four. Naturally, I am a Texas A&M Aggie football fan through and through (Whoop!). Outside of work I enjoy biking, kayaking, reading, traveling, kickboxing, and spending time with my niece and nephews. Member of the VCA Southpaws' Team since: 09/2013.

Jennifer Hofer

BS, University of Florida MLAS, Drexel University DVM, University of Florida. Internship: Coral Springs Animal Hospital Residency: North Carolina State University Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Oncology. Special Interests/Expertise: Dr. Hofer enjoys almost all aspects of oncology but have a particular interest in lymphoma, cytology, maintaining quality of life for cancer patients, radiation therapy, and paraneoplastic syndromes. Pets: All of Dr. Hofer's mammals are rescued or adopted including Shamu a moody female Old English Sheepdog, Shep a 3-legged Shepherd mix, Sarah a red hound mix, and Bella an opinionated feline. They round out the menagerie with a leopard tortoise named Munchy, bearded dragon named Puff, and a goldfish named Frank. Personal Facts: Dr. Hofer was born in New Jersey but grew up near the Fort Lauderdale beach in south Florida. She is a huge Florida Gator fan and eagerly anticipates football season every year. In her spare time she enjoys running, cooking and eating good food, riding motorcycles with her husband Christian, traveling, and reading a good book.

Deborah L���䋢Heureux

BS, University of Massachusetts DVM, Louisiana State University Rotating Internship: VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center, San Diego, CA Radiology Internship: Michigan State University Radiology Residency: Iowa State University Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology". Special Interests/Expertise: Ultrasonography, computed tomography, radiology. Pets: Dr. L'Heureux has three lovable mutts that I rescued while living in Louisiana and four cats. Personal Facts: Dr. L'Heureux is a native of Massachusetts and a huge Red Sox fan. She enjoys horseback riding, bike rides, going to antique stores, flea markets and craft fairs.