Dr. Valerie Eisenbart completed her veterinary education at the University of Illinois and was inspired to become a veterinarian because of the wide variety of opportunities the field offers. She holds a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Illinois at Chicago, in addition to her DVM, and has been practicing veterinary medicine for 13 years.

Dr. Eisenbart has extensive experience with dogs and cats, primarily working in general practice, and has held roles that involved coaching other DVMs. Her approach to veterinary care focuses on providing the best possible care that aligns with her clients’ beliefs and priorities. She emphasizes prevention and monitoring, advocating for an appropriate diet, comprehensive parasite prevention, vaccinations, and dental care to keep pets healthy.

Building strong client relationships is a priority for Dr. Eisenbart, and she does so by listening to her clients’ concerns and understanding the human-animal bond. At home, she has a few fish and a corn snake. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Dr. Eisenbart is actively involved with professional organizations, including the ISVMA, the University of Illinois Veterinary Medical Alumni Association, the AVMA, and the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association. She was honored as Chief of Staff of the Year in 2019 and received the ISVMA Dr. Erwin Small First Decade Award in 2021.

Her professional goals include creating an inclusive hospital environment and supporting the growth and development of her team and other veterinary professionals. A memorable highlight of her career includes successfully treating parvovirus in two young puppies through outpatient care, watching them grow into healthy young dogs.

Dr. Eisenbart advises pet owners to prioritize dental health, noting that brushing teeth or using dental wipes and scheduling regular cleanings can greatly impact a pet’s overall health. She stays up-to-date with advancements in veterinary medicine by attending conferences and participating in online veterinary communities. Dr. Eisenbart cherishes meeting clients, hearing their stories, and feels privileged to be part of their lives while caring for their beloved pets.

Dr. Stephanie Ortiz completed her veterinary education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, finishing her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She was inspired to become a veterinarian by an impactful experience as a child, when a harsh encounter with a veterinarian left her determined to approach pet care with compassion and education. This experience shaped her philosophy that every pet owner deserves respect and the benefit of the doubt, regardless of their background.

Dr. Ortiz has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2016, primarily working with dogs and cats, and she has a special interest in dentistry, which she continues to enhance through annual wet labs. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care, client communication, and education, striving to ensure that pet owners fully understand the purpose behind recommended treatments.

At home, she has two dogs, John and Ellie, and four cats, who mostly prefer her husband—except for her 16-year-old cat, who occasionally forgets her role as the family veterinarian. Outside of work, Dr. Ortiz enjoys movies, antiquing, and spending time with her dogs. Among her memorable cases is a dog diagnosed with Addison’s disease after his owners noticed he had stopped smiling—a testament to the value of listening to clients’ observations.

Dr. Ortiz stays current with advancements in veterinary medicine through continuing education and looks forward to further improving her dentistry skills. Her advice to pet owners is simple yet reassuring: “You don’t have to be perfect; we do the best we can.”