Specialty Veterinarian Careers

Dermatology
Anthea Schick,
DVM, DACVD

Dr. Schick, a California native, shifted from environmental biology at UC Berkeley to veterinary medicine, earning her DVM from Cornell University. Later, she was offered a residency at Dermatology for Animals (D4A), becoming part-owner in 2009.

Dr. Schick has authored numerous research papers and provides continuing education in animal dermatology, and was named President of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2022. Living in Tempe, AZ with her family and pets, Dr. Schick still loves outdoor activities. On the Specialty Directors Board, she focuses on mentoring new dermatologists, students, and residents while fostering a supportive work environment.

Emergency Services
Anthony R. Coronado,
DVM

Dr. Coronado, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign veterinary school graduate, started in general practice before his passion for emergency medicine led him to full-time ER work. Later taking on the role of National Specialty Director of Emergency Services at Thrive, he is actively involved in our hospitals, visiting various Thrive locations to collaborate with practice managers and medical directors.

His work focuses on assessing and enhancing team capabilities, aiding in recruitment, and assisting with the launch of new locations. His hands-on and interactive approach has made him a pivotal figure in the expansion and success of Thrive's emergency services.

Anesthesia and Pain Management
Amber Hopkins,
DVM, cVMA, CCRT, CVPP, DACVAA

Dr. Hopkins is an experienced veterinary leader who has earned board certification in veterinary medical acupuncture, canine rehabilitation, pain management, and anesthesia and analgesia. She spent seven years practicing as a full-time anesthesiologist and pain specialist at a large specialty and emergency practice in San Diego and served for four years as Medical Director and anesthesiologist for a large specialty, emergency, and primary care practice in Colorado.

Dr. Hopkins is an experienced veterinary leader who has earned board certification in veterinary medical acupuncture, canine rehabilitation, pain management, and anesthesia and analgesia. She spent seven years practicing as a full-time anesthesiologist and pain specialist at a large specialty and emergency practice in San Diego and served for four years as Medical Director and anesthesiologist for a large specialty, emergency, and primary care practice in Colorado.

Most recently, Dr. Hopkins supported doctors and leadership team members for more than 60 hospitals across the country as Regional Medical Director at Southern Veterinary Partners. As a member of our Specialty Directors Board, Dr. Hopkins creates anesthesia and analgesia training courses and standards of care for Thrive’s medical team members to improve medical outcomes for the pets and people they serve.

Diagnostic Imaging
Brian Poteet,
MS, DVM, DACVR, DABSNM

Starting in human medicine as a nuclear medicine technologist, Dr. Poteet then graduated in veterinary science from Texas A&M University and completed a radiology residency at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He headed Diagnostic Imaging at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston for over 15 years.

In 2010, Dr. Poteet founded VitalRADS, a Thrive partner, and now serves as President, leading a multidisciplinary team specializing in radiology, cardiology, dentistry, and neurology. On the Specialty Directors Board, Dr. Poteet is committed to training and mentoring both new and experienced veterinary radiologists.

Dentistry
Curt Coffman,
FAVD, DAVDC

Before specializing in dentistry, Dr. Coffman was an associate and partner in small animal veterinary practice. His interest in dentistry led him to pursue specialty board certification. He completed his residency at Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists (AVDS), where he is now a partner. Under his guidance, AVDS expanded to four locations in Arizona.

At Thrive, Dr. Coffman initiated the Dental Growth Program, a comprehensive year-long training to enhance dental skills across the Thrive community. This program offers 30 hours of continuing education and culminates in a hands-on Dental Growth Symposium, empowering participants to become proficient and confident dental practitioners.

Neurology
Dani Powers,
DVM, DACVIM

Dr. Powers, a graduate of Washington State University, obtained her DVM in 2011. Later, she completed a neurology residency and internship at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in 2015. Her expertise lies in managing neurosurgical spinal emergencies and chronic spinal diseases. She also specializes in treating brain conditions like epilepsy, tumors, and congenital issues.

Dr. Powers fosters training and mentorship for aspiring neurologists, recruits top talent, and ensures the well-being of team members to promote their growth and success.

Emergency and Critical Care
Jayme Hoffberg,
DVM, DACVECC

Dr. Hoffberg earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, and her DVM--with high honors--from the University of Illinois. After completing her internship in the critical care department at the University of Minnesota, she pursued a three-year residency in emergency and critical care at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She then became an assistant clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Hoffberg has been at Thrive for almost three years now, serving as the Head of Emergency and Critical Care at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in Hoffman Estates. Before joining Thrive, she spent 10 years developing emergency and critical care departments and house officer training programs at multiple large private specialty hospitals. Dr. Hoffberg is also a published author and co-author of several veterinary journals and publications.

Medical Oncology
Julie Bulman-Fleming,
DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Julie Bulman-Fleming attended the University of British Columbia for her bachelor's degree in animal biology. Next, she went to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and developed her interest in oncology. After graduating in 2007 with her DVM degree with great distinction, she moved east across Canada and completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine, surgery, and critical and emergency care.

Dr. Bulman-Fleming crossed the border back to the West Coast and joined the Veterinary Cancer Group as a medical oncology resident in August 2008. She completed the three-year program in early August 2011. Dr. Bulman-Fleming had fulfilled the requirements of the board certification one month earlier by passing her examination with the ACVIM and was, as such, awarded diplomate status in medical oncology. Today she serves as Medical Director and Residency Program Director at Veterinary Cancer Group.

House Officer Programs
Leslie Bauer,
DVM, DABVP (Canine & Feline)

Dr. Bauer, a central figure at Thrive Pet Healthcare and Medical Director at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio since 2003, has made significant contributions to veterinary emergency medicine. In 2011, she established the ER Academy to train recent veterinary graduates in emergency and critical care, enhancing their skills rapidly. This program has expanded across Thrive, with training centers in Colorado, Florida, and South Carolina, focusing on preparing veterinarians for long-term emergency careers.

Dr. Bauer's passion for emergency medicine drives her to impart her knowledge to younger veterinarians. She oversees House Office Training Programs at Thrive, including internships and residencies at Thrive hospitals and in partnership with various universities, combining clinical expertise with mentorship in veterinary medicine.

Cardiology
Matt Miller,
DVM, MS, DACVIM

Dr. Miller earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science degrees from Ohio State University. Soon thereafter, he completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group and then a cardiology residency at Ohio State University. He became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) and served on the faculty of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences from 1988 through 2014, where he achieved the position of full professor with tenure.

Dr. Miller also served as Director of the Texas A&M University Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) from 2012 to 2014. He is a Charter Fellow of the Michael E. DeBakey Institute of Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices and was voted the 2023 Arizona Veterinarian of the Year by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. He is currently the founding medical director and staff cardiologist at Thrive North Scottsdale in Arizona.

Soft Tissue Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Philippa Pavia,
VMD, DACVS-SA

Dr. Pavia is a veterinary industry expert, educator, and board-certified surgeon. Before joining Thrive, Dr. Pavia accrued years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles at Bond Vet, BluePearl, and the Animal Medical Center. She is passionate about making veterinary medicine a sustainable long-term career for veterinarians, technicians, and all members of the hospital team. Dr. Pavia then attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her VMD degree.

After completing her rotating internship and surgery residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City in 2014, she became a board-certified surgeon. As a member of our Specialty Directors Board, Dr. Pavia leads initiatives focused on medical excellence in soft tissue surgery and surgical oncology, aiming to improve patient outcomes and enhance the care experience for patients and their families.

Ophthalmology
Rustin Sturgeon,
DVM, DACVO

Dr. Sturgeon, after earning his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, practiced privately for two years and then spent four years in emergency and critical care. Later, he pursued board certification in ophthalmology and completed his residency at Eye Care for Animals (ECFA), where he has remained for nearly two decades. Dr. Sturgeon actively supports training and mentorship for new veterinary ophthalmologists at Thrive in addition to recruiting top specialists and ensuring the success of team members.