VCA Family and Oahu Veterinary Specialty Center

Bios

• Dr. Christy T. H. Anbe-Chang

  DVM

  Dr. Christy Anbe-Chang was born and raised on Oahu. A 1998 graduate of the University of Hawai'i Manoa, Dr. Anbe obtained a Bachelor 's Degree in Animal Science. Dr. Anbe then went on to Michigan State University, graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After graduation, she returned home to practice Veterinary Medicine at Family Veterinary Clinic, which later became VCA Family Animal Hospital. Dr. Anbe is passionate about preventative medicine. She believes that quality preventative medicine can be the key to a long and healthy life for all pets. At home, Dr. Anbe has 3 daughters, 3 dogs and 1 cat. She and her family enjoy spending time together at the zoo, the park, and the beach.

• Dr. Cheyenne Fujimori Fry

  DVM

  Dr. Cheyenne Fujimori Fry received her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from the University of Hawaii. In addition to her studies in Zoology, she pursued a certificate in Marine Studies and French language. She continued on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. After graduation, she returned to Oahu to practice at Family Veterinary Clinic, which later became VCA Family Animal Hospital. Dr. Fry has a special interest in Surgery and Feline Medicine. She is a member of the Honolulu Veterinary Society and the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Fry is an avid college basketball fan, following the pursuits of her beloved Michigan State Spartans. She has two adopted long-haired cats. Smudge is a retired blood donor and Merly is a rescue from the county shelter, who live among her 4 other cats. Dr. Fry also has 2 dogs, 1 rabbit, and a parrot.

• Dr. Joy Lynn Yasuda-Tanigawa

  DVM

  Dr. Joy Yasuda was born and raised in the Aiea area, and attended the University of Hawaii, where she received a Bachelor's Degree Animal Science. Dr. Yasuda went on the receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1999. She continued at John Hopkins University, completing an externship in Veterinary Pathology. Dr. Yasuda returned home to practice medicine, working first with Gentry-Waipio Pet Clinic and later coming to Family Animal Hospital, which became VCA Family Animal Hospital. Dr. Yasuda's special interest in medicine is Surgery. She performs a wide range of surgeries, from standard Spays and Neuters to specialty surgeries such as Perianal Urethrostomy. She is a valuable asset to our medical team. When Dr. Yasuda is not practicing veterinary medicine or continuing her education, she loves spending time with her family. She lives locally with her husband, two children, their dog Kimmie, and their cat Annie.

• Dr. Christine S. Miyasaki

  DVM

  A native of the Big Island, Dr. Christine Miyasaki is a graduate of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, graduating Summa Cum-Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry. During her studies at Lewis and Clark College, Dr. Miyasaki spent an academic semester studying in Siena, Italy. She continued her studies at Cornell University in New York, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. While at Cornell University, she was inducted into Phi Zeta, the Veterinary Honor Society which recognizes students of high scholastic achievement and good moral character. While Dr. Miyasaki enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, she has a special interest in Endocrinology. Dr. Miyasaki has been practicing at VCA Family Animal Hospital since 2005. She is a member of the Honolulu Veterinary Society and served as its treasurer in the past. In her free time, Dr. Miyasaki enjoys the outdoors. She is an avid rock climber and enjoys surfing, hiking, and yoga. She shares her home with three lovable pets: Potato, a canine adopted from the Hawaiian Humane Society, Lucca, who was found as a stray feline, and Vito Ito, a cute canine adopted from K9 Kokua -- the latest addition to the Miyasaki 'Ohana.

• Dr. Katie Samuelson

  DVM

  Dr. Katie Samuelson graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. She continued her education at Oregon State University, where she received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Samuelson completed an Internship in Emergency & Critical Care at Dove Lewis Emergency Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She came to VCA Family Animal Hospital in 2005, where she is in invaluable part of our team, providing after hours care and Emergency Services to both domestic and exotic animals. In addition to her hands-on practice, Dr. Samuelson is an Adjunct Professor at a distance learning program. She teaches Anatomy and Physiology in a program for Veterinary Technicians. Dr. Samuelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society. You may see Dr. Samuelson at the hospital with Monkey, her mixed breed dog. In her free time, Dr. Samuelson and her husband enjoy scuba diving, hiking, and traveling.

• Dr. Kristin Dang

  DVM

  Dr. Kristin Dang was born and raised on O'ahu where she attend Iolani School through high school. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University. She is also a proud Golden Key National Honor Society member. Dr. Dang practiced at VCA 5th Avenue Veterinary Specialists in Manhattan before joining VCA Family Animal Hospital. She is a member of The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA) and Honolulu Veterinary Society (HVS). In her spare time, Dr. Dang loves showing her Pomeranians, cooking and traveling.

• Dr. Luis Ho

  DVM

  Dr. Luis Ho grew up in Kane'ohe and graduated from Castle High School. After graduation, he started working as a kennel attendant at Kane'ohe Veterinary Clinic. He then moved to Kane'ohe Pet Health Center, which later became VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital, were he worked as a veterinary technician. Dr. Ho has always been fascinated with animals and wanted to be a veterinarian since he was 5 or 6 years old. He moved to Colorado and got his DVM degree at Colorado State University. After graduation, he practiced vet medicine for a year in Seattle before moving back to Hawai'i to join VCA Family Animal Hospital.

• Dr. Sheryl Doi

  DVM

  Dr. Sheryl Doi did her undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii. She continued her studies at Colorado State University where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and BS in 1981. After completing her studies, she returned to Oahu to practice and has been serving our community for over 30 years. Dr. Doi came to VCA Family Animal Hospital from the Animal Clinic Waimalu in 2012. Dr. Doi holds professional affiliations with the Hawai'i Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Hawai'i Veterinary Society. She enjoys providing veterinary care for our client's dogs, cats and pocket pets. Her dog, cat and pet fish keep her busy during her time off.

• Dr. Nathaniel K. Lam

  DVM

  Dr. Nathaniel Lam is passionate about Hawaii and the ohana of its community. Prior to becoming a veterinarian he pursued his love of art and design as a professional photographer. He received a BS in cognitive computer science from UCLA in 2004 and earned a DVM from Michigan State University in 2009 prior to completing a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a Residency in Small Animal Surgery from the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is strongly committed to working with primary veterinarians provide the highest level of care through a focus on education and comprehensive case management. His professional interests include minimally-invasive surgery (laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy), interventional radiology (stenting), knee surgery (TPLO, TTA, patellar luxation), trauma and wound care, and exotic animal surgery. Dr. Lam is certified to administer veterinary stem cell therapy (Vet-Stem). He resides in Honolulu where he enjoys outdoors activities, exploring with his dog Cali, photography, and playing the guitar. Professional Associations:. Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, Society of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons, and the Veterinary Society for Surgical Oncology. Publications:. <ul> Lam, NK., Tracheostomy, in Small Animal Surgical Emergencies. Aronson, L, Ed. Hoboken, NJ. Wiley-Blackwell. Lam, NK., Weisse C, Berent AC, Murphy S, Kaae J, Radlinsky M, Dunn M, Richter K. Preliminary evaluation of esophageal stenting for refractory benign strictures in dogs. Animal Medical Center, New York, NY. Lam NK., Berent AC, Weisse C, Bryan C, Mackin A, Bagley D. Endoscopic ureteral stent placement for congenital bilateral ureteral stenosis in a dog. Animal Medical Center, New York, NY. JAVMA, 2012, 240:983-90. Berent A, Weisse C, Zaid M, Lam N, Mackin A, Bryan C, Bagley D. Endoscopic fixation of ureteral strictures in dogs an cats. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. - Abstract presented at Veterinary Endoscopy Society March 2010. Demaria MJ, Stanley BJ, Lam NK., Moore TW. Negative pressure wound therapy on healing wounds with exposed bone in dogs. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. - Vet Surg, 2011 40:658-69. Beal MW, Mehler SJ, Staiger BA, Moore TW, Lam NK., Brown AJ. Technique for percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy in the dog. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI Beal MW, Mehler SJ, Staiger BA, Moore TW, Lam NK., Brown AJ. Technique for fluoroscopic nasojejunal tube placement in dogs. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI </ul> Awards & Distinctions:. American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Resident Research Poster Award. Society for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery - Resident Presenter Award. American Veterinary Medical Association - Outstanding Senior Student Award. Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine - Student Leadership Award. Wade O. Brinker - Orthopedic Surgery Award. American College of Veterinary Radiologists - Outstanding Senior Student Award. Veterinary Specialists in Private Practice - Vincent Pedroia Future Specialist Award. Charlotte and Erwin Gorning - Endowed Scholarship Award for Outstanding Clinical Student. Florence B. Burke - Endowed Scholarship Award for Academic and Leadership Excellence

  Education:

• Dr. Carrie White

  DVM

  Dr. Carrie White was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She graduated from Punahou School in 1998, and attended the University of Vermont where she majored in animal science. Carrie graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. This was followed by a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, Connecticut, and an internal medicine residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She became a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. She stayed on as a staff internist at the AMC from 2009-2012. In 2013, she moved back to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she grew up, and she is currently an internist at VCA Family Animal Hospital. Carrie's professional interests include hematology and infectious disease. DISTINCTIONS. The Animal Medical Center Employees Award for Veterinarian of the Year, 2009 The Martin A. and Beatrice R. Weiser Memorial Award for Outstanding Research Project and Presentation, 2008. PUBLICATIONS. Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (medicine and oncology), Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia in BSAVA Haematology and Transfusion Medicine manual, 2nd edition in press. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (medicine and oncology), Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, Disorders of Platelet Number in BSAVA Haematology and Transfusion Medicine manual, 2nd edition in press. Susan Hackner, DACVIM, DACVECC, Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, Bleeding and Thrombosis in Tobias and Johnston Small Animal Surgical Practices, in press. Carrie White, DVM, DACVIM, Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (medicine and oncology), Jenny Kelsey, PhD, Elizabeth Gray, PhD, Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors: Associations with Spay/Neuter Status, Breed, Body Size and Phylogenetic Cluster, J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 2011 v. 47, p. 210-216. Carrie White, DVM, Nyssa Reine, DVM, DAVCIM, Feline Non-regenerative Anemia, Compendium, May, 2009;31.

  Education:

• Dr. Candice Chen

  DVM

  Dr. Candice Chen did her undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a focus in Microbiology. She then obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University in Corvallis. After spending some time in Oregon, she finally returned to Hawai'i to join VCA Family Animal Hospital. Although she will miss treating the llamas and alpacas in Oregon, Dr. Chen is happy to be back home and hiking in the sun. In her free time, she enjoys baking and attempting to put clothes on her two uncooperative cats.

• Dr. James Atherton

  DVM

  Dr. James Atherton was born and raised in Connecticut. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1997 with a double major in Animal Science and Pathobiology. He continued his education at the University of Connecticut, graduating in with a Master of Science degree in Pathobiology before attending veterinary school at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. After graduating veterinary school in 2006, he completed a general rotating internship at the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk, Connecticut. He practiced emergency medicine for two years after his internship, before being accepted into a diagnostic imaging residency at the Animal Medical Center of New York and Cornell University. In early 2014, after completing his residency, Dr. Atherton moved to Oahu with his wife and dog and joined VCA Family Animal Hospital. At home, Dr. Atherton enjoys photography, partaking in the numerous outdoor activities available on Oahu and playing guitar, piano and bagpipes.

  Education:

• Dr. Sarah Jay

  DVM

  Dr. Sarah Jay is originally from Prince Edward Island, Canada. There she attended the University of Prince Edward Island and received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Anthropology. She then went on to the Atlantic Veterinary College and graduated in 2008. Dr. Jay completed a Medicine and Surgery Internship at Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut and subsequently moved to New York. During her time in Ithaca, and later Manhattan, Dr. Jay worked in emergency and general practice. When given the opportunity to come to Hawaii, she was eager to explore all the beauty that Oahu has to offer. Dr. Jay's professional interests include preventative medicine and general surgery, with a special interest in senior care. Dr. Jay values the relationships that come from working closely with families in an effort to keep their four legged members happy and healthy. Dr. Jay is excited to be on Oahu and looks forward to brushing up on her scuba diving as well as trying new water sports. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and their mixed breed dog, Wilbur.

  Education:

• Zachary Albudri, DVM

  DVM, Staff Veterinarian

  Dr. Zachary Albudri is a 2001 graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he majored in Cellular Biology and Neuroscience, and minored in Political science and Economics. He continued his studies at Ross University, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He started his clinical year at the University of Missouri, and eventually owned his own practice in Chicago, specializing in Emergency and critical care for animals. Wanting a new scene and change of pace, Dr. “Zak” moved to the island of O’ahu and currently does Emergency and Critical Care at VCA Family Animal Hospital. He also teaches (Anesthesia, Companion animal medicine, Companion animal surgery, Companion animal internal medicine, Nutrition, Immunology and Parasitology) at the University of Hawai’I and Windward Community College, where he helped develop a nationally accredited veterinary technician program. In his spare time, Doctor Zak loves MMA, Motorcycles, Volunteerism, Outrigger Paddling (‘Alapa Hoe), and Coffee.

  Education:

• Tammy Heerkens, DVM

  DVM, Staff Veterinarian

  In 2009, Dr. Tammy Heerkens graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Following graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Iowa State University with an emphasis on emergency/critical care and internal medicine. After her internship, she moved to Central Texas, followed by British Columbia, Canada, where she worked primarily at specialty/emergency locations. She now joins the VCA Family Animal Hospital team in Pearl City, Hawaii as an emergency doctor. Prior to her veterinary studies, she completed a registered veterinary technology diploma at St. Lawrence College in Ontario, Canada. In addition, she worked for several years investigating mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic uses and has co-authored several publications in this area. Aside from academic interests and traveling, she enjoys pampering her two rescue Pomeranians, Josie and Penelope.

  Education:

• Emily Pearman, DVM

  DVM, Staff Veterinarian

  Education: