Category: Team
Do you ever wonder what all those letters at the end of a veterinarian’s name actually mean? It is kind of like a secret language where they signify a variety of different veterinary qualifications. Palm Beach Equine Clinic explains how to crack the code of letters.
DVM
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine: This qualification is given to graduates of veterinary colleges. Although this was once only for graduates of American veterinary colleges, the abbreviation is now given to graduates from several other universities around the world. The vast majority of the veterinarians at Palm Beach Equine Clinic are DVMs that earned their degrees at U.S. institutions.
DACVS
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons: Holders of this qualification are board-certified specialists in Surgery. Board-certified means that the veterinarian has a mastery of advanced knowledge and skills after completing required testing. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Robert Bruise, Dr. Jorge Gomez, Dr. Weston Davis, Dr. Liz Barrett, and Dr. Karen Beste are all specialist surgeons.
Photo by Jump Media
DACVIM
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine: This qualification means that the veterinarian is board-certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Peter Heidmann and Dr. Fernando Marqués of Palm Beach Equine Clinic are both board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine.
DACVR
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology: This qualification indicates the holder is a board-certified specialist in Radiology. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Sarah Puchalski is a DACVR.
DACVSMR
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: A relatively new specialty, this qualification indicates the veterinarian is a board-certified specialist in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Both Dr. Christopher Elliott and Dr. Fernando Marqués of Palm Beach Equine Clinic have this qualification.
BVETMED
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine: This distinction is given to veterinary graduates of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, which is the first and oldest English-speaking veterinary college in the world. Dr. Richard Wheeler and Dr. Charlie McColough of Palm Beach Equine Clinic are both graduates of the famous RVC.
BVM&S
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery: These letters indicate a graduate of The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland, which is Scotland’s oldest veterinary school. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Sarah Allendorf is a Dick Veterinary graduate.
BVMS
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery: This particular abbreviation is given to graduates of several British veterinary schools. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis and Dr. Tyler Davis both have this qualification as graduates of the Glasgow University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Photo by Jump Media
Photo by Jump Media
BVSc
Bachelor of Veterinary Science: These letters were typically associated with veterinary graduates from Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The qualification is now granted by numerous vet schools around the world. Within Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Christopher Elliott has this qualification from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in Australia.
MVB
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine: This renowned abbreviation indicates graduates of the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, which is Ireland’s only veterinary school. Dr. Laura Hutton of Palm Beach Equine Clinic is a University College Dublin School graduate.
MVZ
Medico Veterinario Zootecnista: This qualification is given by several Spanish-speaking veterinary schools. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Jorge Gomez has this qualification as a graduate of the University of Caldas in Colombia.
MRCVS
Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: These celebrated letters indicate the holder as satisfying the stringent regulatory requirements to practice as a Veterinary Surgeon in the United Kingdom. At Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Dr. Richard Wheeler, Dr. Scott Swerdlin, Dr. Stephen O’Grady, Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis, Dr. Tyler Davis, Dr. Charlie McColough, Dr. Sarah Allendorf, and Dr. Christopher Elliott are all MRCVS.
MANZCVS
Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists: These letters indicate the veterinarian has studied at the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and is an advanced practitioner in a particular area of veterinary science. Dr. Christopher Elliott of Palm Beach Equine Clinic is a MANZCVS in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
CERPM
Certified in Equine Rehabilitation & Performance Medicine: This is a post-veterinary school qualification focusing on the early diagnosis of performance deficits, how to correct them, and rehabilitation after injury. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis holds this qualification.
CVA
Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture: Veterinarians with this post-veterinary school qualification have studied the fundamentals of equine acupuncture including points and techniques. This is a postgraduate qualification also held by Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis.
CVMMP
Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner: This is a post-veterinary school qualification where veterinarians are educated in how to perform medical manipulation to treat musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Ryan Lukens of Palm Beach Equine Clinic has this qualification.
Dr. Karen Beste joined the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team in January 2023. Dr. Beste is a board-certified large animal surgeon. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Beste and her background as a veterinarian.
Where did you grow up and what is your background with horses?
I grew up in a small town in north Texas called Double Oak. My father loved horses. His parents had a small property with several horses and a Shetland pony that I learned to ride on. We were involved with the Lewisville Saddle Club and went to “playdays” together throughout my childhood where I learned how to barrel race and compete in speed events. During this time I started to train my own horse named Buck. I joined the Marcus Rodeo Team and competed in high school rodeo for four years with Buck who took me to the finals for pole bending my senior year. In college I switched gears and joined the Texas A&M University polo club my freshman year. I quickly fell in love with the game, and through a lot of hard work I made the polo team my sophomore year. During my senior year I went on to be the team captain.
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a veterinarian?
I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian at a very young age. When one of our horses became injured and ultimately had to be euthanized despite surgical intervention efforts I knew I wanted to be able to help horses as a career. In third grade I wrote a book describing how I wanted to go to Texas A&M University in order to become a veterinarian, and I followed my dream.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Karen Beste
What is some advice you would give someone who wants to become a veterinarian?
I would recommend they spend as much time as they can with a veterinarian. It is important to understand the commitment that is required and how rewarding it can be working on animals that people not only compete on but truly love as members of their family.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
As a surgeon, I am obviously interested in being in the operating room and helping horses in emergency situations or with routine surgery. I find the most joy in watching a horse I have been involved with have a good outcome in the show ring following surgical intervention.
What is something interesting people may not know about you?
The most exciting animal I have done surgery on was a baby bongo!
Sarah Panico has been a part of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic team for the past seven years. Panico is one of the Hospital Technicians and is an integral member of our Hospital Management team.
Panico grew up riding horses, and by age 14 she was the assistant manager of a private stable in Coconut Creek, FL. She later began teaching lessons, running summer camps, training horses, and more. Panico started competing and traveling on the show jumping circuit in New York, Kentucky, and Canada. In 2015, at the age of 19 she decided she was ready for a change and applied for a position at Palm Beach Equine Clinic. The rest was history, and Panico found her true passion as a Hospital Technician.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
“I absolutely love spending time with my patients and pouring every ounce of my abilities into the care of these amazing equine athletes,” commented Panico. “It’s such a great feeling being able to help them. There’s no greater feeling than watching a patient you’ve spent so much time caring for and rooting for improve and get to go home. On the other hand, there are days when sad moments occur too. Having the opportunity to be the person who is with these horses, providing them with love and compassion in their final moments, is certainly difficult but honorable at the same time.”
A typical day for Panico at Palm Beach Equine Clinic starts with doing early morning treatments, running blood work, placing catheters, performing physical exams, and admitting patients for elective surgeries or procedures. If there is a patient that is in a more critical condition, the majority of her time is dedicated to that patient. Being part of the Hospital Management team means that she handles the more critical cases and assigns the other patients accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
“There are days we have multiple emergencies come to the clinic at all different times, and sometimes there are multiple emergencies at the same time,” explained Panico. “Some end up going into emergency surgery right away. Time management, communication, and delegation are vital in this profession. You never know what is in store for the day, and honestly that’s probably my favorite part. I enjoy the unknown as to what my day will be like, the fast-paced environment, caring for critical patients, aiding the doctors, and the unique cases that come in.”
Photo courtesy of Sarah Panico
Outside of Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Panico can be seen driving her drift car. Although it is something she does for fun, she is looking forward to being able to compete next year. She also enjoys traveling, boating, fishing, going to the gun range, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Layla.
The team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Elliott. Dr. Elliott was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, and graduated from the University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science in 2007 with First-class Honors. Since then, he has become board-certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Elliott has experience working at Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) equestrian events in more than 20 countries. As well as being a dedicated FEI Veterinarian, Dr. Elliott has been a Private Athlete Veterinarian, Team Veterinarian, Permitted Treating Veterinarian, and Official Veterinarian. Dr. Elliott is the Veterinary Services Manager for FEI Competition at Wellington International for the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Elliott and his role as a veterinarian at Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a veterinarian?
Like most young boys I knew, I had illusions of grandeur that I was going to be playing cricket or rugby for Australia. As I got older, I decided I needed to knuckle down on my studies and veterinary medicine made sense. I decided this around the age of 15 and, since then there was nothing else I could possibly imagine I ever wanted to do. My background in horses from my father’s side and my love of animals from my mother’s side led me to veterinary medicine as the perfect career and lifestyle choice for me.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become a veterinarian?
Young people considering a career in veterinary medicine should spend as much time as possible working in practices in order to fully understand what makes it a challenging career choice. Aspiring veterinarians should take the time to truly understand what the profession is really about. I love being a veterinarian and it is all I could possibly imagine ever doing, but some people have a job that pays for their lifestyle and other people have a job that is their lifestyle. Young people who would like to become a veterinarian should be positive that it is the career they want and enjoy before committing to it.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
My chosen specialties are Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Ever since I became a veterinarian, the unique challenges of keeping equine athletes fit, sound, and competing at the highest level have always appealed to me. I enjoy performance management, investigating lameness, and helping my clients achieve their equine athletic goals. Regardless of the competition level, each combination of horse and rider has specific aspirations, and it gives me great satisfaction to help achieve those goals. Whether it be in the pony ring, at the grand prix level, or Olympic level, they all pose their unique challenges and are equally enjoyable.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christopher Elliott
What is your role as the new Veterinary Services Manager for FEI Competition at Wellington International?
My job as the Veterinary Services Manager is to provide veterinarian services during each week of FEI competition. Tasks range from coordinating our Palm Beach Equine Clinic treating veterinarians on the showgrounds to assisting during the arrival exams and horse inspections. I am also the Attending Veterinarian ringside for each night class and FEI class. I have been working within the FEI all over the world for close to 15 years, and I look forward to working at this prestigious venue this year.
What are some of your other hobbies or interests?
I love traveling with my wife, Kjersten Lance, and going on fun adventures around the world. I enjoy all things sports related as well. I love watching team sports, especially live at the stadium. Coming from Australia, I played cricket and rugby and still follow them closely. A little-known fun fact about me is that I collect stamps.
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.: Family Time/Morning Ritual
I like to start my morning with my two boys who are four and six years old. We get up and play a little before breakfast. We then all load into the car to head to school.
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: Hospital Rounds
When I arrive at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, I convene with the hospital staff to discuss the hospitalized patients. There are about 15 horses currently hospitalized with us, though some of them are only here for MRI and bone scans or other outpatient procedures. During rounds, the hospital’s patient-care team of veterinarians and technicians make a plan for each patient and debate the best treatment strategies. This is an opportunity to make sure everyone is on the same page with the specific rationale for each treatment plan, and also an opportunity to quiz some of our younger veterinarians on the relevant science.
Photo by Jump Media
Today, I got into a good conversation with another senior clinician regarding the ideal choice of blood thinners to limit the risk of clotting in a sick patient. Although we did not totally agree, our diverging opinions provided some perspective to the young veterinarians during rounds. Honestly, even without complete consensus on any given topic, this kind of dialogue challenges us to remain abreast of the medical literature, helps us provide articulate and succinct presentations, and ultimately, promotes optimum patient care.
Photo by Jump Media
We also discussed modifying the treatment strategies for a six-year-old stallion who had colic surgery about 18 hours earlier. He was experiencing the all-too-common problem of “post-operative ileus” where the small intestine was not returning to normal motility as quickly as we would like. We increased the regimen of prokinetic drugs, which are IV medications that can help increase the contractions of that sluggish small intestine. We also discussed the possibility of increasing his hand-walking, which can improve his motility.
As we made our way through the barn, we talked about rechecking the current insulin levels of a 15-year-old Hanovarian mare who has been fighting founder for more than a week. If the insulin remains high, we may need to modify her treatment regime, including increasing her dose of metformin, a medication that can help modify the concentration of insulin in her bloodstream. Thankfully, it came back as normal when we checked it with the handy patient-side test called Wellness Ready.
Other notable cases included a mare who is hospitalized with us on foal-watch since her pregnancy is nearly full-term, a polo pony with a corneal ulcer (eye trauma), and an almost totally better horse that had presented to the hospital with a fever of unknown origin. After the fever had abated on its own within hours of hospitalization, he was set to remain boarded until his PCR tests confirm that he wasn’t shedding any infectious diseases and he could safely return to his home barn.
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Updating Clients
After hospital rounds, I spend a little bit of time returning calls and updating clients and owners on their hospitalized patients. I also document patient updates and client conversations in the medical record for each horse.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Farm Call ¬– Follow-Up Gastroscopy
I arrive at a local farm along with one of our young veterinarians to do a recheck gastric scope to see how well a nine-year-old gelding has responded to 27 days of treatment for gastric ulcers. Our exam a month ago showed moderate gastric ulcers (Grade 2 out of 4 in severity) in the upper stomach (the “margo plicatus,” where the squamous stomach lining meets the portion that produces acid). There was also thickening around the pylorus, the outflow tract (“exit door”) at the bottom of the stomach. It’s good to see that the horse is acting much better, gained some weight, and has a healthier hair coat since we started treatment with Gastrogard omeprazole last month. We need to see how he has responded to a combination of medications, and hopefully, discontinue the anti-ulcer medications if possible. After a round of light sedation, we pass the endoscope into the stomach. The Grade 2/4 gastric ulcers are totally resolved, which is great news. The pyloric outflow tract is only a little bit better. Although it requires treatment twice a day, we recommend the addition of misoprostol, which is a medication that is often considered more likely to help resolve problems at the pylorus. We also discuss a plan to make sure that the horse has continuous access to grass hay and/or fresh grass in turnout. This can help prevent ulceration and, in some cases, promote healing without the necessity of additional medication. We write the prescriptions and make a plan to repeat the stomach scoping in another three to four weeks.
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 a.m.: Farm Call – Respiratory Evaluation
We continue to a second local farm to follow up on a case of suspected respiratory problems in a nine-year-old chestnut jumper mare. Earlier in the week, the mare’s regular veterinarian, who works with us at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, had been asked to evaluate her for shortness of breath and occasional coughing during and after work. The mare had been performing well, but had been a bit sluggish for the past three months. Recently, her symptoms had become much more obvious, especially after the mare finished training or competition. This raised the trainer’s concerns about asthma or possibly, Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).
Her physical exam is normal, including the “re-breathing exam”, where we ask the mare to breathe deeply by placing a medium trash bag over her nostrils. This test is the equine equivalent of when your doctor asks you to breathe deeply so they can hear your lungs. Her re-breathing is pretty normal, but it sounds like there might be a little bit of airway-narrowing in her caudo-dorsal lung fields, which is near where the back of the saddle would sit. We take a look at the lung surfaces using ultrasound, and there are no abnormalities there.
Next, in order to obtain a better understanding of what kinds of factors might be affecting her breathing, we scope her upper airways under light sedation. There are no significant abnormalities in the nasal passages, nasopharynx, larynx, guttural pouches, or the top of the windpipe. Based on this news, I recommend collecting a sample from the lower lung fields, which is called a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). A microscopic analysis of this sample will help us better determine if there is asthma, bleeding, or any sign of bacterial or fungal infection.
With a little bit of local anesthesia in the nasal passages, and a bit more in the windpipe and lower bronchi to minimize discomfort and coughing, we flush 240 milliliters of saline into her lungs, and aspirate it right back out. I can tell from the foaminess that we got a good sample. The good news is that while there is a little mucous, the sample is clear, so at least there hasn’t been any lung bleeding very recently. We discuss a plan to limit exposure to environmental dust and use nebulized bronchodilators and herbal medications while awaiting the results of the BAL fluid analysis. The results should be available in 24 to 48 hours.
1:14 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Prepare Prescriptions and Process Samples
We finalize and prepare prescriptions for the horse with stomach ulcers, including organizing the fat supplement they had requested. We also process samples from the respiratory case, and prepare to ship it out to the lab that specializes exclusively in reading BAL samples. I document the respective case details. I am almost done with these projects when one of the young veterinarians asks me to come out to the hospital barn to help assess how the stallion with post-operative ileus has responded to his prokinetic meds.
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Check In on the Stallion
I repeat the ultrasound exam on the stallion who, at this point, is about 24 hours post-operation for small intestinal colic surgery. The fact that our surgery team didn’t have to remove any compromised bowel bodes well for him, but we didn’t like the small intestinal distension this morning, especially so soon after his surgery. The good news is that the bowel is already moving a lot better than it was earlier in the day. Whether this represents a response to the prokinetic medications we recently started, or he is benefitting from a little more distance from the time of surgery, or both, we are happy with this improvement. We update the orders to continue with the current low dose of prokinetic drugs overnight.
3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Finish Documenting and Reviewing Literature
I complete the documentation and records from our earlier farm calls. I also review the recent literature on a new prokinetic medication that can be given orally. Additionally, I review a recently revised consensus statement regarding Cushing’s disease. After that, I call a few clients in advance of farm calls that I will do tomorrow.
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.: Hospital Rounds
I wind down my day with evening hospital rounds to coordinate with the young veterinarians. We double-check the doctors’ orders on each patient, confirm plans and contingencies for overnight care, including feeding, medications, fluid therapy, and other treatments. We organize which member of our team will update horse owners, trainers, and also the referring veterinarians involved in every hospital case. We finish by briefly discussing the anticipated schedule of events for tomorrow’s planned procedures.
6:35 p.m.: I arrive home and enjoy dinner with my family.
A few of Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s veterinarians traveled to the “Big Apple” and traded in palm tree views for the city’s skyline at the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour New York (LGCT). Palm Beach Equine Clinic served as the competition’s Official Veterinarian, and Dr. Richard Wheeler, Dr. Bryan Dubynsky, and Dr. Christopher Elliott were on-site supporting the horses and riders at the competition. We spoke with Dr. Chris Elliott about his experience at the penultimate event of the LGCT.
1. This is Palm Beach Equine’s second time being the Official Treating Vet at a Longines Global Champions Tour show. How are these shows different from other equestrian competitions?
The Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) is really unique because they’ve been able to take equestrian competitions to iconic locations all over the world. They’ve figured out how to set up a temporary set of stables and arenas anywhere, and that’s one of the main things that sets LGCT apart from other equestrian competitions.
2. What do your tasks and responsibilities include?
We’re here not only as the Official U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited Veterinarian but also as the Official Treating Veterinarian, so our responsibilities start at the beginning of quarantine. We work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and their team of veterinarians to ensure that all the appropriate importation of the European horses is correct by their quarantine standards, and we ensure that those quarantine standards are maintained throughout the competition. As the Official Treating Veterinarian, we see any horse that requires veterinary attention in and out of the ring. We also work alongside the Official Shipping Agent to get all the horses’ health certificates and ensure they’re fit to travel and can go home or wherever their next destination may be.
3. What’s a typical day at the show like?
Our days start really early here! The first horse warm up is at 6 a.m., so we wake up before the sun rises to take the ferry from Manhattan to the show grounds on Governors Island. One of us is primarily in the stables to look after the horses and provide support to the riders and grooms, while the other is next to the ring to act swiftly if any accident occurs. Our day goes until it’s all done, so they’re long days, but we enjoy what we do. The final days here are a bit longer because the ferry is also the transport system for getting all of the horses off the island, and it can’t take a large number of horse trucks.
5. What did you enjoy most about your time at LGCT New York?
The competition is fantastic, the quality of horses is amazing, and the location is absolutely stunning! Being at an equestrian competition against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty is unique, and something very few veterinarians experience. For me, another big highlight was seeing the President of the United States fly in and out of the city on Marine One. It was pretty cool to see that in person.
Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center hosted area first responders at its facility in Loxahatchee, FL, on December 6, 2021. The annual event provides training by veterinarians from PBEC for first responders in handling horses during an emergency. The Winter Equestrian Festival season sees the influx of thousands of horses each winter. These sessions have successfully educated area first responders in equine care during a crisis to create a safer community for the horses.
Dr. Janet Greenfield-Davis giving the demonstration to the area first responders. Photos courtesy of Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.
What does a typical day look like for you at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
My work is mainly sports medicine oriented. I do a lot of performance evaluations to make sure riders get the most out of their equine athletes every time they enter the ring. Also, pre-purchase exams are a large part of what I do, but every day is different. You never know what is going to come up on a daily basis. It’s what makes the job so great. There’s always something to learn from both the horses and their riders.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
What I really love is diagnosing and treating performance
problems. Sometimes very subtle problems can lead to more rails and lower results. The process of putting together all the pieces of the puzzle by really listening to the rider, taking a careful history, examining the horse, and then treating the horse, is so rewarding. Knowing you are part of the team that makes the horse and rider successful is very special.
Currently, I’ve been spending a lot of time diagnosing and treating neck and poll issues. The more we look in these areas, the more we are finding performance-related issues such as head tossing, head tilt, one-sided rein resistance, rooting, and lots of other symptoms we haven’t necessarily thought about in the past as being related to poll and neck discomfort.
Dr. Bryan Dubynsky
Photo courtesy of Jump Media
What do you enjoy most about working with performance horses?
The most enjoyable part would be when you see horses that you have treated and made better do well in competition. There’s nothing more satisfying than being part of the team and having a rider say, “He’s/she’s never felt so good!”
What has been one of your favorite moments while working for Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
There have been so many great moments at PBEC. It is so special when the entire team, from ambulatory vets, to surgeons, and everyone in between pulls together and turns challenging cases into successful outcomes. One particular case was when a horse had a full thickness abdominal laceration from a jump cup and his intestines were falling out. The attending horse show vet did perfect emergency first aid, the horse came to the clinic, and the whole team medicated and prepped for surgery. The surgeon patched him all up and the horse was competing again a few weeks later. That case really illustrated what a whole team effort looks like in achieving great outcomes.
When and why did you decide that you wanted to become a veterinarian?
My father is a physician, and I always had an interest in medicine. Choosing to become a veterinarian seemed to be a natural fit combining my love for horses and medicine.
Dr. Dubynsky performing a hind flexion test.
Photo courtesy of PBEC
What is some advice that you would give someone who wants to become a veterinarian?
Pick out the top people in the industry and work with them. Learn as much as you possibly can from the people who have been practicing for a long time.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?|
I love to do woodworking projects like building tables.
Dr. Santiago Demierre mainly focuses on equine performance medicine and specializes in the prevention and treatment of lameness in sport horses. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Demierre completed a certification program called the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) through the American Veterinary Medicine Association to validate his degree in the United States. Dr. Demierre completed an internship at PBEC and went on to become a staff veterinarian.
What is your background with horses?
When I was little my father used to have racehorses and train them. I would spend hours with him and the horses at the farm. Later on, I had friends who worked with cows, and I also played a little polo.
Where are you originally from, and where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
I am from San Antonio de Areco, which is a small town in Argentina. I went to vet school at Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Dr. Santiago Demierre
Photo courtesy of PBEC
What inspired you to become an equine veterinarian?
I am not sure what exactly inspired me. I was always very interested in animals in general, not only horses. I have had the idea of becoming a veterinarian since I was five or six years old. I wanted to be able to spend as much time with animals as I could. I never thought of any alternative careers.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become an equine veterinarian?
I would tell them it is a great career, but to be aware that there is a lot of work and continuous studying ahead.
What does a typical day look like for you at PBEC?
I drive from barn to barn all day and look at lameness and performance horse cases mostly.
Dr. Santiago Demierre taking an x-ray.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
What do you enjoy most about working at PBEC?
The team at PBEC is made up of great veterinarians and great friends. There is always somebody from whom you can learn something new every day. Also, it is awesome to be in contact with the world’s top equine athletes. That is what I enjoy most about being part of the team at PBEC—working on performance horse cases. More specifically, I really like preventing and treating lameness in sport horses.
When not at PBEC, what do you enjoy doing or where can we find you?
I love outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and running as a workout. I also love cooking and red wine.
Where are you originally from, and where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
I am originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada. I completed my undergraduate degree and veterinary school there. I then did my surgery residency at Auburn University in Auburn, AL.
What does a typical day look like for you at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
Most of my time at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is spent splitting the surgery on-call with Dr. Weston Davis and Dr. Robert Brusie. When I am there, you are most likely to see me doing colic surgery. Outside of those responsibilities, I work for Shane Sweetnam at Sweet Oak Farm as a staff veterinarian. I oversee all aspects of those horses’ routines and preventative care spending time at their farm and at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). I also enjoy the challenge of performance evaluations.
Photo courtesy of Liz Barrett
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
I really enjoy performance horse issues. The cases that interest me the most are those dealing with horses that are competing at the top level of their sport. I like helping maintain the horses so they are able to compete at that high level comfortably. On the flip side, it’s also extremely rewarding to be able to take a colicky horse that is in pain and fix them by performing the surgery they needed to survive.
What is one of the most interesting cases you have worked on?
I recently had a case where the patient was brought in for evaluation of a wound on their side, and that led to discovering a retained testicle. I also get excited when I work with any horses that I have been fangirling over in the show ring.
What is one of your favorite things about working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
My favorite thing about PBEC is the camaraderie and team atmosphere. I like that there are plenty of specialists to consult with, and everyone really works together well. We have a great group of intern veterinarians who make working up cases enjoyable and after-hours emergencies run smoothly.
Photo by Bridget Ness Photography
Photo courtesy of Liz Barrett.
What advice would you give someone who wants to become an equine veterinarian?
Only do it if you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else.
What is something interesting that people may not know about you?
I am a decent juggler, I hate bananas, and I have my own 13-year-old gelding that I compete in the adult jumper division when I am feeling brave enough to venture into the show ring.