A Tufts University-trained veterinarian has crossed the country to take over as chief medical officer at Portland, Oregon’s DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital.
Shana O’Marra, DVM, DACVECC, succeeds Lee Herold, DVM, DACVECC, who returned to the DoveLewis staff as a full-time criticalist.
Dr. O’Marra, who earned her DVM degree from Tufts and completed an emergency and critical care residency there, last worked at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists in Massachusetts. Her internship was served at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver.
“Her determination to make a difference sets Dr. O’Marra apart,” said DoveLewis President and CEO Ron Morgan. “She’s leading cutting-edge efforts, and I have no doubt that she will help us continue to move forward.”
DoveLewis reported that Dr. O’Marra “is an advocate for Balint-style case discussions, a practice that considers the impact a case has on the attending staff.”
“This process offers a way for veterinary professionals to honor the importance of the human-animal bond on the hospital floor, as well as examine the relationships between the attending veterinary staff, their patients and the pet owners,” DoveLewis added.
DoveLewis describes itself as the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the Portland region. The hospital carries VECCS Level 1 certification.