About the Surgeons:

Tamara Walker, DVM DACVS is a 1995 graduate of Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College in Ontario, Canada in 1996. She worked in private practice for several years and then did a surgery residency at Washington State University where she received the WSU Surgical Resident Award 1999-2001. While teaching as a clinical instructor at WSU, she became board certified in small animal surgery in 2001 by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and also received her master's degree. Dr. Walker worked in Portand, Oregon at a private surgical referral practice doing both orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. In 2004, she received the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital Surgeon of the Year Award. She joined the ACCES team in January, 2006. Along with surgery and animals, she is passionate about the outdoors. She lives in Seattle with her husband Steve, their two cats, and one big eared dog named Kali.

Jennifer Weh, DVM grew up raising and rehabilitating native wild animals in a suburban Michiga home. After graduating from Harvard-Radcliffe College with a degree in English and creative writing, she enjoyed an early career in book publishing before returning to the sciences. She graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and went on to complete a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at the University of Pennsylvania. Finally, pursuing a love of surgery, she returned to Tufts for a small animal surgical residency. Dr. Weh has a string clinical interest in minimally invasive surgery, trauma, and fracture repair. A born adverturer, she is excited about her relocation to the west coast and is ready to explore the Seattle area.

The title “ACVS Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who is board certified in veterinary surgery.  Board certified surgeons commonly have 4-8 years of additional training after veterinary school including a 3-year surgery residency.  Residencies provide specific specialized surgery training not available as part of a typical veterinary education.  This process is strictly supervised by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards.  Once the program has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination.  Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of ACVS Diplomate and can be considered a specialist in veterinary surgery.

• Innovation
  Diplomates are on the forefront of surgical disease research.  We are the pioneers of the finest surgical techniques and are responsible for the advancement of veterinary surgery.
• Proficiency
  Diplomates perform more surgeries than any other group.  A highly focused caseload means we have an unequaled understanding of veterinary surgery and perform it with exceptional skill.
• Expertise
  Diplomates are the experts in veterinary surgery.  We have advanced surgical expertise founded on a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical medicine.  We are the teachers of students and veterinarians alike.  Any veterinarian who performs surgery has benefited from a Diplomate’s expertise.
• Education
  Diplomates learn state-of-the-art surgical techniques.  We continually expand our knowledge and skill base through intensive continuing education.

Source: The American College of Veterinary Surgeons