Veterinarian
Hello! My name is Doctor Annie Hernandez, and I'm a veterinarian here at Santa Monica Pet Medical Center.
Walk us through your journey from graduating college to becoming a veterinarian.
I went to Stanford University and got a bachelor's degree in biology. I took two years off and worked as a vet technician in Simi Valley while pursuing admission to veterinary school. Then I attended the University of Illinois of Veterinary Medicine, which was a 4-year program, and graduated in 1998.
What's your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is obviously working with the animals. That's why most of us go into the field. Being able to help keep animals healthy, alleviate pain and discomfort, and figure out what's ailing an animal to make them well is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, working with people who love animals, like all the staff here, and working with clients who treat their animals like family, is a fulfilling aspect of the job.
And what do you like to do when you're not at the hospital?
When I'm not at the hospital, I spend time with my daughter Audrey, who is 11 years old, and my husband Tim. We enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and traveling. I also try to exercise on my days off. We strive to stay active as a family.
What's something you'd like our clients to know about you or your care approach?
A big part of our field is working collaboratively with our clients to come up with a diagnostic and treatment plan that everyone feels comfortable with. Discussing options with owners is important because one option may not be ideal for one patient or client versus another. Involving the client in testing and treatment options helps keep their pets healthy and ensures the owner is comfortable and aware of their options. It's crucial to keep clients educated on how we want to keep their pets healthy, comfortable, and living long.
What's your knowledge on pet ultrasound?
One tool we have here at Santa Monica Pet Medical Center is a very good ultrasound. Dr. George and I both perform full ultrasounds here. Ultrasonography is an important tool for diagnosing certain ailments in pets. It is non-invasive and helps us learn more about the internal organs of a pet. Certain things can show up on ultrasound that don't on an X-ray. We can learn about certain diseases and find answers to questions with ultrasound that don't necessarily show up on lab tests or X-rays. Ultrasound provides a three-dimensional view, allowing us to learn more about the architecture of certain organs, look for tumors, and evaluate for fluid pockets in the abdomen or chest. It's one of our best tools for diagnostics and treatment for pets here at Santa Monica Pet Medical Center.
At Santa Monica Pet Medical Center, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (310) 393-8218, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!