Registered Animal Health Technologists
Ms. Veronica Stamm, RAHT
Veronica has been with Island Veterinary
Hospital since 1998.
Veronica’s dream since early childhood was to become a veterinarian. At 13 years of age, she began working in kennels and later volunteered in an animal hospital. In 1972, in her birthplace, Chile, it was controversial for a woman to pursue a career in veterinary medicine but she entered veterinary medicine nonetheless; which is not surprising once you know Veronica. Before completing the program, her family moved to Canada and in 1978 she discovered a two year Animal Health Technology Program and went to Olds, Alberta to immerse herself in the studies of this wonderful career. Always eager to expand her knowledge, she goes yearly to many continuing education seminars.
Her main interests are anaesthesiology, dentistry and client education. She has worked extensively with veterinary dental and anaesthetic specialists and now applies those extraordinarily high standards to her job. Veronica has recently decided to help others better learn the intricacies of anaesthesiology. She will be going to Chile to teach veterinarians and their assistants in several veterinary hospitals and some Chilean universities. We are very proud of her!
Once she’s accomplished her goal to teach anaesthesiology, she will then create a course on veterinary dentistry and do the same.
Even though she has dedicated her life to the care of pets, she finds time for a few hobbies. She takes Flamenco Dance classes, goes to the weight room, bikes and gardens. Her other passion is traveling overseas to experience life in other countries while becoming acquainted with the locals.
Susanne Destobel, RAHT
Susanne’s interest in veterinary medicine began when she was about 5 years old and was “helping” her mom and dad care for their old kitty. She wanted to grow up and “help all kitties and puppies not be sick anymore.” Throughout her childhood, her family opened their home to a menagerie of animals such as cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, rabbits, a ferret, a wild rat and even a crow. Her passion for caring for these critters grew throughout the years.
In 1998, Susanne graduated from the Veterinary Office Assistant course at Granville Business College and began working at Island Veterinary Hospital. While working as a Veterinary Assistant, she realized she wanted to do more. Through the mentoring of the veterinarians and technicians at Island Veterinary Hospital, she gained enough experience to enrol in an Animal Health Technology program. In the fall of 2000, Susanne left the bustling city of North Vancouver and moved to the small college town of Vermilion, Alberta to begin the Animal Health Technology program at Lakeland College. After two years in Alberta, she earned her diploma and returned to Vancouver area.
Susanne worked for a time at clinics in Langley and Cloverdale. Happily, she has now returned to Island Veterinary Hospital. She has a keen interest in anaesthesiology, behaviour, and surgery. She is also keenly interested wildlife management and conservation. Notably, Susanne is very skilled and has strong expertise in dealing with our feline patients. This is particularly useful when we have cats that are very concerned about what we’re doing with them.
Even though she is dedicated to her career as an Animal Health Technologist, Susanne also tries to find time to go hiking, cycling, camping and enjoys various other outdoor adventures.
She shares her home with four cats; Phoebe, Emily, Joey, Chickie and her dog Shadow – all of whom came to her as “rescues.” Last but not least, she shares her home with her husband, Shane – who lovingly puts up with all the antics a busy house of animals can bring.