Every July, we welcome 6 newly graduated veterinary doctors for a one year rotating internship in our hospital. Once someone graduates from veterinary school, they are free to practice veterinary medicine but a select few decide to continue their education; those select few are our interns.

During their one year rotating internship with us, each intern spends some time with each of our doctors; internal medicine doctors (Dr. Roger Johnson, Dr. Peter Nurre & Dr. Jenifer Wang), general practice doctors (Dr. Jill Christofferson & Dr. Blythe Jurewicz), dentist (Dr. Katrina Hall-Essoe), neurologist (Dr. Filippo Adamo), oncologist (Dr. Stephen Atwater), surgeon (Dr. Carl Koelher), emergency doctors (Dr. Gerry Martin Del Campo, Dr. Molly Priest & Dr. Dorothy Hoppe) and even get to help manage the Antioch emergency clinic (East Bay Veterinary Emergency).

Often times, veterinary students graduate and begin practicing without much “real world” experience; they receive impressive grades, excel in school work and clinics but they haven’t seen the inside of an exam room and a concerned owner. Our rotating internship not only broadens their educations and improves their techniques, but it also gives them an opportunity to ask for help, guidance and advice in their first year as doctors.

Meet our 2011-2012 interns!
Dr. Cindi Hillemeyer
I went to college at the University of Colorado in Boulder and attended veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska but have called Sun Valley, Idaho home for about 15 years – I love the mountains! I wanted to be a veterinarian for many reasons, most of all because I love the job and people involved. I have a curious/medical mind and enjoy helping people as a past EMT, but much much prefer working with animals and their people!
Growing up in Alaska, wildlife was a part of me; I’ve always wanted to help with their conservation, so while in veterinary school I decided to pursue a masters degree in conservation medicine. I was one of 3 people to get a ‘dual degree’ DVM/MSc and part of that was a summer in Africa, learning about conservation in Africa as well as wildlife handling, poaching and the problems Ugandans face with the human population encroaching on wildlife habitat. It was an eye-opening experience and the people were amazingly appreciative of what little they had. Ultimately I’d love to incorporate those experiences with veterinary work down the road working with wildlife conservation, reintroductions, etc. For now, I’m enjoying learning top notch medicine for small animals and next year may incorporate some large animal work as well. I love surgery as well as the huge variety involved in this career. There are so many fun options to choose from being a veterinarian!

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Dr. Christine Fabregas
I grew up in Northridge, CA which is part of the San Fernando Valley just North of Los Angeles. As I was growing up, my family bred Shih-Tzus and as soon as I saw those little puppy faces, I knew wanted to take care of them. The runt of the second litter became sick a few days after she was born. She needed special attention with bottle feedings, heat support, urination/defecation. Unfortunately, she passed away the following days after treatment. This event solidified my goal to becoming a veterinarian in the future. I also enjoyed Mathematics and the theory behind the science. I graduated with a Bachelors in Mathematics from University of California, Los Angeles and then perused my degree in veterinary medicine at Ross University, finishing my clinical year at the University of Pennsylvania. During my time in veterinary school, I joined numerous clubs such as the SVECCS (worked emergency shifts throughout semesters, coordinated a speaker for multiple day talks to the student body), Pathology Club (working with green vervet monkeys, green sea turtles, dogs, and cats), and the Feline Club. Every Friday in the afternoon, I played beach volleyball with other students. It was just the right balance I needed to keep me stress-free during the week. I am currently deciding between General Practice, Emergency Medicine, and Cardiology. This year will guide me in the right direction, I’m sure of it!

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Dr. Ruth Dunning
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI but luckily, my entire family now calls California home. I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (GO BULLDOGS!!!). I knew I wanted to be a vet because I love working with animals AND the people who love them unconditionally. Plus, medicine is fascinating! When I wasn’t busy studying in veterinary school, I found time to work on animal welfare reform and issues. One of my proudest moments was when I was named the Humane Society of The United States 2011 Veterinary Student Advocate of the Year. General practice medicine is what I enjoy the most, so I will probably focus on that once I’ve finished my internship at Encina Veterinary Hospital.

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Dr. Nadia Rifat
I am originally from Laguna Niguel in Southern California and went to veterinary school at University of California, Davis. I was one of those kids who wanted to be a veterinarian and then just never grew out of it! I have always had a love for animals and a desire to help them and their human companions. Although I enjoy working with companion animals, I also have a passion for zoo/wildlife, particularly marine mammals. During veterinary school, I had some really amazing opportunities: I was able to work with seal pups in Washington, work at Sea World in San Diego, and work at a wildlife sanctuary in Australia.

After this internship, I would ideally like to go into private practice and/or emergency with a bit of wildlife work in the mix.

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Dr. Maryam O’Hara
I grew up in the Bay Area and attended UC Davis School of veterinary medicine. I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian and help animals in their time of need. Although I grew up in the Bay Area, I call Moscow, Russia my home as it is my birthplace.

While in veterinary school, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA. This was a great experience as it showed me what the veterinarian’s day to day role is in maintaining the safety of our nations food supply. I plan on working in small animal general practice after completing my internship here at Encina Veterinary Hospital but in the future, I hope to expand my knowledge and work with small mammals and exotic pets.

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Dr. Erica Chiu
I’ve always been an avid dog lover my whole life and as I got older, I began developing an interest for medicine, science and weird infectious diseases — it seemed natural to become a veterinarian! I completed my undergraduate education at UC San Diego and graduated veterinary school right here at UC Davis. One of the greatest experiences I had in veterinary school was the educational opportunity to spend a summer at the San Diego Zoo researching Avian Tuberculosis. Once I complete my internship in July of 2012, I am hoping to practice small animal (cat and dog) general practice and emergency.