2023 Networking Brunch

Dr. Niki Alsop

In-Person

Specialty: Large Animal Medicine

Dr. Niki Alsop was born and raised on a dairy farm outside of Collingwood, Ontario, where she still helps her mom out farming. Dr. Alsop has always been passionate about dairy cattle medicine and welfare, and cows in general; easy to say her mom instilled this into her at a young age. Dr. Alsop completed her undergrad at the University of Guelph in Animal Bio, where she then went into OVC for the class of 2020 (Ruby Rhino!). Dr. Alsop was her class’s bovine rep for the Food Animal Club, as well as president of the club where they put on multiple events to get vet students more familiar with the industries, which can seem intimidating when you’re not actively in them. Dr. Alsop went on to graduate and work with Heartland Veterinary Services where she has been for the past 3 years. She loves her role as associate vet there, getting a great mix of emerge work as well as herd work and problem solving. 

Dr. Alsop is truly passionate about Agriculture, cows, and vet med. She has many pet cows at home and on some various client farms, as well as a truck pup Jasmine. 

Dr. Jaqueline Bowal

In-Person

Specialty: Oncology & Clinical Trials

Dr. Jaqueline Bowal obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Calgary in 2018. She then completed a rotating internship at a private practice hospital in San Diego, California. It was there that she discovered her love for oncology and cancer research. Dr. Bowal completed a specialty oncology internship here at the OVC before beginning her residency in medical oncology. She is currently in her third and final year of residency.

Dr. Diego Gomez-Nieto

In-Person

Specialty: Large Animal Internal Medicine

Diego received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2006. He then completed an internship in large animal internal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph while attaining a Master of Science (Cum laude) at the Facultad de Medicina at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2011. He followed this up with a Master of Veterinary Science while completing a residency in large animal internal medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in 2014. He also was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2014. Diego returned to the Ontario Veterinary College to complete a PhD in Pathobiology in veterinary infectious diseases with advisors Profs. Scott Weese and Luis Arroyo in 2017. Special research interests include colitis in horses and neonatal calf diarrhea, acid-base disorders in critically ill patients, microbiome assessment and antimicrobial stewardship. Outside of work, Diego is a soccer player and avid soccer fan!

Dr. Sangsoo (Daniel) Kim

In-Person

Specialty: Small Animal Medicine

Dr. Sangsoo (Daniel) Kim earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine diploma at Ontario Veterinary College. Upon graduation, he pursued additional special training via small medicine and surgery rotating internships at the Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services, in Rochester, New York. He then spent 3 years working in Toronto and Mississauga at busy 24-hour referral hospitals. Dr. Kim recently joined Aurora Animal Clinic and his interests include internal medicine, surgery, neurology, and emergency medicine.

Dr. Brandon Lillie

In-Person

Specialty: Pathology

Dr. Chung Yeen Mac

In-Person

Specialty: Fear Free

Born and raised in Oakville, Mac Animal Clinic is a lifelong dream come true for Dr. Mac. After graduating from the Bristol Veterinary School, England she worked in a 24-hour small animal hospital in rural Suffolk before returning home with her Border Terrier “Monkey” and her rescue tabby cat “Matilda”. Since returning home, she has practiced in the Oakville community working with various patients and their families. Her family has recently grown to include her Shepherd cross “Maple”, her fiancée's Pyranees cross Loki, and her toy Morkie “Millie”. Dr. Mac is a very proud pet parent, caring for animals is not only her career but an important part of her family life.
Dr. Mac has a special interest in veterinary dermatology, having grown up with eczema and allergies herself she empathizes with these patients. She strives to not only provide relief for her patients but to be a resource and support for their families. Dr. Mac is proud to be a Fear Free Certified Professional. When not at work, Dr. Mac can be found biking the trails of Oakville with Millie in her backpack, hiking up Bronte Creek with the dogs, in the gym or watching terrible British reality T.V.

Dr. Tahir Mahboob

In-Person

Specialty: Small Animal Exotic

Dr. Tahir Mahboob graduated with distinction from Veterinary College in 1994. He received a Masters Degree in Veterinary Microbiology in 1996. While doing his Masters, he had three research articles published in International Journals of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, he served as a Veterinary Officer with the Government of Pakistan. After gaining valuable experience with them, he later managed his own practice for a few years. In 2005, Dr. Mahboob moved to Canada and became licensed by the CVO. He worked in multiple clinics around the Greater Toronto Area and in Florida. In 2010, he decided to plant his roots in beautiful Waterloo and purchased Waterloo West Animal Hospital along with Dr. Makkapati. Dr. Mahboob loves his job. He is dedicated to modern veterinary medicine by keeping up to date with continued education. He especially loves orthopaedic procedures and exotic medicine. He holds certification in cruciate repair and patellar luxation. In his spare time, Dr. Mahboob enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and son. They have a cat named Taps.

Dr. Padmini Makkapati

In-Person

Specialty: Small Animal Exotic

Dr. Padmini Makkapati became licensed by the CVO in 2005. After getting her licence in Canada she gained valuable experience at a few clinics around Toronto. She spent a couple of years in Ohio as well. Dr. Makkapati loves staying up to date with new technologies by attending symposiums and continuing education seminars. Her passions include internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, and dentistry. She also loves the human-animal bond that she sees daily. In her spare time, she loves to read and travel. She is married with two daughters. In 2014, she rescued a bichon poodle mix named Snowball.

Dr. Alison Moore

In-Person

Specialty: Government

Alison Moore DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, DACVSMR is a lead veterinarian in the Animal Health and Welfare Branch at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs where she works on infectious disease surveillance, biosecurity in agriculture, animal welfare policy and is co-lead of the Ontario Animal Health Network equine network. She is board-certified in large animal internal medicine and equine sports medicine and rehabilitation and owned and operated an equine internal and sports medicine practice prior to joining the ministry. She has held several committee positions at the provincial and federal level in the animal health and horse racing industries.  Dr. Moore’s passion is harness racing, and, in her spare time, she assists her partner, driver and trainer Dan O’Brian, with his harness racing stable. She owns four standardbred retirees who give her extreme joy, especially “Tornado Tim” her heart horse. She also keeps the company of a two special little dogs and a cat while working at home. Her two daughters are the light of her life; one works as a writer in Toronto and the other attends the University of British Columbia where she is studying sociology and commerce.

Dr. Heather Reid

In-Person

Specialty: Wildlife

Dr. Heather Reid is a wildlife veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with more than 270 species of native wild animals as the Head Veterinarian at Toronto Wildlife Centre - Canada’s busiest wildlife hospital. Dr. Reid just finished a two year contract as staff veterinarian at the Toronto Zoo where she had many interesting experiences. Dr. Reid enjoys working with students and has taught and mentored countless veterinary and veterinary technician students over the years. Dr. Reid is the co-founder of Animal Experience International, an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers seeking quality, animal-related placements, with international organizations that need skilled volunteers.

Dr. Sara Ritzie

In-Person

Specialty: Nutrition

Science enthusiast. Veterinarian. Creative thinker. Team leader. Environmental advocate. Challenger of the status quo… Sara started her veterinary career in the typical way: in a veterinary practice. And she loved it! She just can’t resist new challenges! Her love of working with animals, paired with her passion for promoting an understanding of science has morphed into a scientific leadership role within a company dedicated to pet health through nutrition; finding creative approaches to bring concepts forward in simple, effective ways. Sara is also honored to have been accepted into the fifth cohort of the Homeward Bound Leadership program, which is a global collaboration of 1000 women with backgrounds in STEMM focused on leadership, the need for greater equity for women in STEMM globally, and most importantly, how we can bring our collective expertise, leadership, and strength together to create a more sustainable future. In her current role, she has the privilege of leading a talented team of associates across Canada, working with them to inspire new perspectives and drive real change.

Dr. Stephanie Black

Virtual

Specialty: Shelter Medicine

Stephanie graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2007. She worked in both general and emergency practice until she discovered her love of shelter medicine. She has extensive shelter experience, having worked for the Toronto Humane Society, Toronto Animal Services and her own mobile practice providing services to local animal shelters. She is now the Chief Veterinary Officer for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. She also loves education. She has taught the veterinary technician and veterinary assistant students at Seneca College. Always continuing to learn herself, she graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters in Shelter Medicine as well as Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Forensics. 

Dr. Alejandra Ceballos

Dr. Danny DeRose

Virtual

Specialty: Dentistry

Dr. Danny DeRose is a 2006 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph Ontario and is Board Certified by the American Veterinary Dental College. 

Dr. DeRose worked in general and emergency medicine for 3 years after graduation.  Following this, he owned and operated a general medicine practice in York Region for 8 years before deciding to pursue a specialization in Dentistry and Oral Surgery. 

From 2017 to 2021 Dr. DeRose went on to complete a residency in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at Hale Veterinary Clinic in Guelph Ontario.  During his residency, he also completed advanced training courses in the United States and Europe. 

Dr. DeRose has lectured to veterinary students, as well as provided hands on training for veterinarians on dental extractions.  He derives much satisfaction in providing animals a new lease on life by alleviating the discomfort caused by the vast array of dental related disorders 

Dr. Kyle Elias

Virtual

Specialty: Emergency

Kyle obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in 2011 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2015. Upon graduation, he moved to Rochester, New York to complete a 1 year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery with a heavy emphasis on emergency medicine. He then moved back to Canada to practice in the Peterborough and GTA area in exotics/general practice before ultimately transitioning to emergency medicine full time. He now practices full time at two large emergency practices.  

In his spare time, he likes to cook, travel the world and spend time with his partner and two dogs, a pug and a great dane. 

Dr. Emily Hall

Virtual

Specialty: Fear Free & Rehabilitation

Dr. Emily Hall, DVM, CCRT, CPAT-KAShe received her Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Upon graduation, she started in small animal general practice in the state of Oklahoma before becoming the Staff Veterinarian at Coral World Ocean Park on the island of St. Thomas. While working closely with sea lion and dolphin trainers, she studied behavior modification training through observation and practice. She continued her studies while returning to general practice in Oklahoma, became an accredited dog trainer, and then received her CPAT-KA certifying her as a professional animal trainer. She also studied at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Colorado and became certified as a canine rehabilitation therapist. Dr. Emily is the owner of and rehabilitation veterinarian at Tulsa Animal Rehab & Wellness where she serves the Tulsa, Oklahoma community's physical and behavioral veterinary rehab needs 

Dr. Kathleen Hartman

Virtual

Specialty: Aquatic

Kathleen Hartman is a senior staff veterinarian for USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Kathleen has been with USDA APHIS VS for over 19 years – first as an Aquaculture Epidemiologist and then as the Aquaculture Coordinator in Import/Export Services.   Kathleen is stationed in Ruskin, FL at the University of Florida, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. She received a Masters from the University of Maryland (fish nutrition) and both a DVM and Ph.D. (aquatic animal pharmacokinetics) from Virginia Tech. She has a courtesy Assistant Professor appointment at the University of Florida, in the Program of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. She has served on the Technical Standards Committee, the Handbook Oversight and Revision Committee and the Professional Standards Committee of the American Fisheries Society-Fish Health Section and has been a certified AFS FHS Aquatic Animal Health Inspector.  She is a current member and Secretary on the board of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) and is a Past President of the U.S. Aquaculture Society (USAS). 

Dr. Alison Little

Virtual

Specialty: Neurology

Dr. Alison Little graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 (Go Emerald Elephants!). Following graduation, she completed five years of advanced training via a Small Animal Rotating Internship at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Toronto, a Specialty Neurology Internship at Southeast Veterinary Neurology in Miami, Florida and a Neurology/Neurosurgery Residency at Mississippi State University. She is currently working at Toronto Animal Health Partners as a board certified veterinary neurologist. 

Dr. Erin Marley

Virtual

Specialty: Nutrition

Dr. K. G. Umesh

Virtual

Specialty: Small Animal Medicine

Kallahalli Umesh, MVSc, MSc is a postgraduate in internal medicine and a former faculty at Bangalore veterinary university hospital. He is passionate about improving standards of care and practice in India. While working for Mars pet care (UK and Asia), he initiated the Continuing Veterinary Professional Development educational programs which is the first of its kind that provides small animal Clinicians the best experience possible by offering expert clinical education meetings and wet labs.   He is a well known small animal consultant offering referral services to vets in Asia and has special interest in Dermatology.  He is currently working as small animal consultant in a private practice in Bangalore and also the President of National veterinary foundation. He has lectured in several national and international veterinary meetings and has received many awards including best teacher award. He has written hundreds of   clinical articles of interest to small animal vets and pet parents. Umesh is a full member of the ESVD, AiSVD, ISVM and BSAVA. His hobbies include listening to music and reading evidence-based clinical publications. 

Dr. Eastman Welsford

Virtual

Specialty: Large Animal Medicine

Eastman grew up in Southwestern Ontario riding horses and competing locally. He completed his bachelor’s degree at McGill University where he spent time working at the MacDonald Campus dairy farm and participating in agricultural research. He received his DVM from the OVC in 2019 with a focus in food animal and equine medicine, and spent a lot of time with students and faculty as one of the co-presidents of his class. During his DVM, he was fortunate to participate in research projects exploring livestock assisted reproductive techniques and characterization of genetic diseases in horses. After vet school, Eastman attended the Cornell Summer Dairy Institute; a 6-week program for veterinarians in all aspects of dairy herd health, management, and nutrition. He then completed a one-year Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship at Tufts University in Massachusetts where he advanced his skills in equine dentistry, reproduction, preventive and emergency medicine, as well as bovine herd health, reproduction, and surgery. He is excited to participate in the networking brunch to share his knowledge and experiences in veterinary medicine with anyone interested in the profession!

Dr. Douglas Whiteside

Virtual

Specialty: Zoo

Dr. Doug Whiteside is the Head Veterinarian at the Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo and an Associate Professor of Conservation Medicine at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM).  He received his DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.  After two years in rural mixed animal practice, he then completed a one-year zoological medicine internship at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. This was followed by a three-year residency in zoo and wildlife medicine and pathology at the Toronto Zoo and Ontario Veterinary College, with concurrent completion of a Doctorate in Veterinary Science (DVSc) in Pathobiology.  Dr. Whiteside is a board-certified specialist in Zoological Medicine (Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine and the European College of Zoological Medicine).   He is active on several national and international committees, and enjoys the clinical, teaching, and research challenges afforded to him by his current positions.