Dr Kathleen Spencer-Schmidt joined the PVH team in January 2011. A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr Spencer has spent most of her life in warm, breezy climates. Living in the Sunshine State, she earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. She went on to earn her doctorate at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St Kitts, West Indies, then completed a one-year internship at Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles, California.
“I’m a beach girl,” she laughs. “I love the ocean—I miss it!”
Dr Spencer relocated to the seasonal changes of Pennsylvania to join her then fiancé Dr Kevin Schmidt, who had accepted a post at his father’s practice. The couple met while attending veterinary school, and married in August 2011. She was immediately adopted into the Schmidt/PVH family and quickly grew to enjoy working with the clients and staff.
While growing up, Dr Spencer’s love of horseback riding led to an early interest in the field of animal care. She began by volunteering at a therapeutic riding center for the handicapped, and eventually worked for many years as a veterinary technician. She developed interests in all aspects of veterinary medicine, and was able to achieve experience with a number of specialized areas as well.
“I’ve always really liked emergency and critical care,” she admits, also listing internal medicine and endocrinology as areas she takes a particular interest in. Her veterinary qualifications allow her to treat a wide range of pets including reptiles, but she will readily admit that puppies and birds remain her favorites!
Even though her work as a veterinarian comes with a healthy dose of fun, Dr Spencer is also quick to respond during those tense, frightening times when a beloved pet’s life hangs in the balance.
“Being able to save the ones you can is very rewarding,” she says. “When you can save them, it feels pretty awesome.”