When work and pleasure blend….life is good!

 

The West Boulevard Veterinary Clinic is fortunate to have an excellent human resources team to care for the medical and business needs of the hospital. The structure of this team is based upon the well-being of pets that are entrusted to our care.

Our Team consists of four veterinarians…two full time and two part time, a Registered Animal Health Technician, a full time Veterinary Office Assistant, a part time VOA graduate and a dedicated group of part time student staff. In addition to our regular personnel, WBVC has access to the services of Board Certified Veterinary Specialists who come to our facility as required. WBVC also utilizes the services and expertise of the veterinarians at the Canada West Veterinary Specialist and Critical Care Group, and the Vancouver Animal Emergency Clinic.

 

Dr. Janne Potter received an Honours B.Sc. and Diploma of Education from the University of British Columbia. Upon completion of these degrees she studied Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University, in Cambridge, England. In 1977 she graduated with a B.A./BVetMed and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Her areas of interest are equine and small animal medicine and surgery. Shortly after returning to Vancouver, a back injury resulting from an automobile accident directed her practice focus to small animal medicine. However, her interests, and commitment to continuing education, continue to embrace both equine and small animal medicine and surgery. In 1998 Dr. Potter enrolled in, and completed, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s post graduate program in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.*  Familiarity with both conventional and alternative veterinary medical modalities enables Dr. Potter to use an integrated approach to veterinary care, diagnosis and treatment.

Happily married and a mother of four Dr. Potter is as busy at home as she is at work! Her home is a minor menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, fish, ponies and horses and her outside interests include a passion for horses, an enjoyment of sailing, kayaking, gardening and an appreciation of art.

Dr. Sarah Rurak is rarely seen without an animal in tow! In this case it is Rolls! Sarah has an Honours degree in Physiology from UBC and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2008. Sarah is a key member of our team with a keen interest in surgery and internal medicine. She has lead the way in expanding our knowledge of small patient medicine and care. Being Dr. Potter’s daughter, Sarah has literally been a part of WBVC since she was born. Sarah, and her partner Ben, share their home with two dogs, five cats and one hedghog… not to forget three frog habitats and numerous fish tanks. Needless to say her life interests revolve around animals and their care.

 

 

Dr. Karen Kutney completed her pre-vet requirements at UBC. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1992. During her years at veterinary school she worked as a student staff member at WBVC and, upon graduation, a veterinary position was open and she joined the WBVC Team. She shares her home with her husband, Joe, her young son, Evan, her dog, Fiasca and her cat, Lorenzo. She manages to keep the number of pets in her household under control by fostering newcomers with her mother! Dr. Kutney’s outside interests are numerous and varied. One never knows what her next next night-school course will be… travel destinations, creative writing, dancing or…?

 

 Kari Sugihara is our amazing Registered Animal Health Technician. Kari is the team member who does much of the serious nursing care, patient monitoring, lab work, equipment and instrument care, inventory control, and the technical side of radiology. She has a keen interest in dental hygiene and radiology. Her commitment to educational workshops and the skills she has developed make her a major asset to our hospital.

 Mandy Isaacs is usually the person welcoming people and pets to the WBVC. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a graduate of the South Granville Business College Veterinary Office Assistant program. These academic qualifications along with her sunny disposition put her in good stead for running the front end of the hospital. She also manages the student members of our team. In reality however, with her multitude of hospital skills, she also spends much of her time assisting with animal care. At home she relaxes with her husband, Craig and her two cats, Libby and Clovis. Perhaps home is not so relaxing at the moment as she is now a new mom on maternity leave! The new arrival..a baby girl..is Freddie Allison Isaacs. Although she is currently on maternity leave she and Freddie drop in for frequent visits.

 

Vicki Boutilier, is most frequently found at the front of the hospital but helps out whereever there is a need. She is covering for Mandy while she is on maternity leave.  Vicki has worked in veterinary hospitals for several years and her  quiet competance is an asset to our team.

Jill Brewer comes as a transplant from the equine world. Her skills in reading and handling animals have been rapidly transferred to our much smaller animal companions. She makes certain each hospitalized pet has all its creature comforts and is never short of a cuddle. Jill is frequently found assisting in treatment or the examination rooms. It is Jill, with the aid of the part time team, who keeps the clinic clean and tidy. As good with people as she is with pets she always there to assist. With Mandy on maternity leave Jill is becoming the hospital’s number one barista…if you have a coffee in hand it was probably built by Jill!

 In addition to our full-time personnel, we employ a dedicated group of students and part time staff. Their energy and enthusiasm lightens every clinic load. If someone needs assistance, if something needs cleaning, if an animal needs a cuddle… they are there to help.

Briony Sturgess, now in fourth year at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, can be found helping everyone at WBVC whenever she is home on vacation. She is a hard worker with a keen mind her questions keep us all on our toes!

Farrah Bettenson has worked with us for many years and is the mainstay of our part time support staff. A graduate of the South Granville     Veterinary Office Assistant program, she is an asset in both the front and the back of the hospital. If any animal needs a cuddle, Farrah is there to provide.

Ria Tinney and Tasha Thom are high school students with an eye on the veterinary profession. They are building their skills as they help with animal care and are much appreciated for keeping the hospital clean and tidy.

 

We also have a discerning in house Quality Control Panel that keeps us all in line!

 

 

* a CVBC directive states that “advertising materials must not include a degree designation not accepted the CVBC”; this includes IVAS certification.