SAGE

Background and Education

Veterinary School: Oregon State University
Anesthesia Residency: North Carolina State University
Board Certification: American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (1989)
Postdoctoral NIH Fellowship: North Carolina State University
Certification: PhD – Pulmonary Physiology (1992)

Dr. Kris Kruse-Elliott is SAGE’s anesthesiologist. Dr. Kruse-Elliott is a board-certified veterinarian specializing in anesthesia (delivery of drugs to keep patients immobilized, pain-free and comfortable during procedures and surgery) and analgesia (management of acute and chronic pain). An Oregon native, Dr. Kruse-Elliott earned her B.S. in General Science and her Veterinary Medicine degree at Oregon State University. She started her career as a veterinary practitioner, but was always interested in heart and lung physiology and how anesthesia could be used safely in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. She pursued her passion, completed a residency and became board certified in anesthesia, and followed with a postdoctoral fellowship and Ph.D. in Pulmonary Physiology from North Carolina State University.

Before moving to the Bay Area, Dr. Kruse-Elliott was on faculty at the University of Wisconsin where she taught anesthesia and ran the anesthesia service, providing clinical anesthesia to a wide variety of species. She has run her own active federally funded research program and served on research teams that have received federal and private support to study animal disease and treatments, including management of post-surgical pain in cats and dogs. Her published work is vast and includes co-authorship of a 2015 manuscript in Science about how algae toxins can impair sea lion memory and hippocampal connectivity and lead to the animals being stranded. Dr. Kruse-Elliott has also been involved with The Marine Mammal Center of California and their work to study the effects of algae toxicity—the project has been documented by National Geographic.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Washington State University
Residency Training: University of Tennessee
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology) (2015)

Dr. Sara Johns graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts in history. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UC Davis in 2010. Following veterinary school, Dr. Johns completed both a small animal rotating medicine and surgery internship and a cardiology specialty internship at Washington State University. She then completed a three-year residency in cardiology at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Johns joined SAGE in 2015 and became board-certified the same year.

Dr. Johns has a strong professional interest in the medical aspects of cardiology, in particular treatment of congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Outside of work, Dr. Johns enjoys hiking and going to the beach with her dog, a miniature schnauzer.

Background and Education

Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Pet Specialists of Monterey

Dr. Mila Golovko was born and raised in Siberia. Her first encounter with the United States was in San Francisco where she got her start with animals while volunteering at the local animal shelter. She then moved to Davis where she continued to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Golovko received B. S. in Animal Biology and M. S. in Comparative Pathology, both from UC Davis. In May 2016, she graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Golovko went on to complete a small animal internship, focused primarily on Emergency Medicine, at the Pet Specialists of Monterey. Prior to joining SAGE Veterinary Centers, Dr. Golovko worked at United Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital and was a relief ER veterinarian at multiple hospitals in the Bay Area.

In her free time, Dr. Golovko loves running, traveling, spending time with her friends, and of course hanging out with her boyfriend and their cat.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin

Dr. LeAnne Jain is a graduate of the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to veterinary school, she completed her undergraduate studies at Brown University, receiving dual degrees in English and Chemistry. Dr. Jain joined SAGE in 2016, after completing a small animal rotating internship at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin. Dr. Jain enjoys the pace and variety of cases seen in emergency medicine. She first became interested in veterinary medicine while in college and seeking care for her own sick cockatiel.
When not practicing medicine, LeAnne enjoys cooking, going on trips, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She’s the proud owner of two cats and two cockatiels.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis

Dr. Lisa Kim graduated from UCLA with a BS in Biology (Marine Emphasis), along with a minor in Scandinavian Studies. She worked as a veterinary technician until she started vet school at UC Davis, earning her DVM in 2003. Dr. Kim spent her first three years out of school working in mixed-animal medicine, treating cats and dogs, as well as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and an occasional pot-bellied pig.
In 2006, this country mouse moved to the city, where Dr. Kim worked as a general and emergency veterinarian at a fast-paced hospital in San Francisco. She has particular interest in trauma and acute illness and finds that the most rewarding aspect of emergency medicine is being there for owners in a time of need. Dr. Kim enjoys spending time off with her husband, two daughters and son. They have two cats, Lisle and Bea, and a rescued labradoodle, Grizz. Once everyone is fed, walked, and put to bed, she enjoys crafting and even sells some of her goods at a local shop.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: San Francisco Veterinary Specialists

Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Kollar is a graduate of UC Davis, where she earned a BS in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. She received her DVM from UC Davis as well in 2005. Following veterinary school, she completed a small animal rotating internship at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists (2006). Dr. Kollar came to SAGE from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a post-doctoral fellow at the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Kollar was an emergency clinician at Greenback, VCA Brookline, and North Shore Animal Hospitals.
Dr. Kollar particularly enjoys the challenges of emergency medicine and surgery. When not practicing, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter doing outdoor activities like hiking or biking. They also travel around the world for scuba diving vacations and bike trips. She is the proud owner of two dogs, Merlin and Bodhi, and a cat, Princess Buttercup. Beth was drawn to veterinary medicine by both her interest in science and love of animals.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Western University of Health Sciences
Internship Training: Bay Area Veterinary Specialists, VetCision (Waltham, MA)
Residency Training: Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Center

Dr. Terence Krentz received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona (2008). A Northern California native, he first completed his undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz. Following veterinary school, Dr. Krentz completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at Bay Area Veterinary Specialists before moving to the east coast to complete a surgery internship at VetCision in Waltham, Massachusetts. Dr. Krentz stayed in the Bay State to complete a 3-year residency in Emergency & Critical Care at Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital. He joined SAGE in 2016.

Dr. Krentz enjoys the diversity of cases he sees in emergency medicine. Within critical care, he has a particular interest in treating sepsis and polytrauma.

When outside of the hospital, Terence enjoys hiking and snowboarding. He’s the proud owner of two cats and expects that a dog will be joining the family before too long.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: California Veterinary Specialists

Dr. Kelly Lin is a graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (2012). Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship at California Veterinary Specialists in Southern California, where she worked closely with specialists in nine different fields. Prior to joining SAGE in 2016, Dr. Lin was working as an emergency clinician at other practices in the Bay Area.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: St. Matthew’s University
Internship Training: Emergency Animal Clinic; Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Amy Mayfield is a graduate of California State University, East Bay where she earned a BS in Biology. She received her DVM from St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (2012), and completed a clinical year at Purdue University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Mayfield also completed a rotating internship in small animal internal medicine and surgery at Emergency Animal Clinic in Phoenix, AZ (2013).
Dr. Mayfield particularly enjoys the challenges of treating trauma and intensive critical cases. When not practicing, Amy enjoys camping and hiking with her dogs. Dr. Mayfield was drawn to veterinary medicine because it combined her love of science and medicine and her love of animals.

Background & Education
Veterinary School: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Internship Training: PetCare Veterinary Hospital, Santa Rosa, CA

Dr. Shyla Myrick, DVM found her way to veterinary medicine via neuroscience, biotechnology, and business. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior from UC Santa Cruz. After several years of working as a research assistant in Oregon and Santa Cruz, she headed to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, where she simultaneously earned her Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Through her schooling she worked for several years as a Veterinary Emergency Nurse for an emergency and specialty care hospital, in addition to contributing to multiple research programs at CSU. Upon graduation, she moved to the Bay Area where she completed a rotating internship at PetCare Veterinary Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA. She stayed on after her internship and worked for several years as an ER and Critical Care Unit veterinarian.

Shyla is passionate about areas of veterinary medicine that include translational and clinical research, surgery, trauma, and ultrasonography.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading and drawing.

Background and Education
Veterinary School: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pomona, CA
ER Internship Training: University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Residency Training: University of Georgia, Veterinary Medical Center, Athens, GA
Certification: Diplomate ACVECC (2017)

Dr. Christine Wong’s work with animals began in 2003 when she took a job as a veterinary assistant for an emergency clinic in Fresno, CA. The following year, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at CSU Fresno and then headed south to veterinary school. She has literally cared for animals from one end of California to the other, working in shelters, humane societies and veterinary hospitals.

Christine has published her research on urinary tract infections in dogs – these articles have appeared in journals that educate and inform Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians. Her veterinary interests include polytrauma and acute kidney injury. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, snowboarding, cooking and spending time with her pit bull Charlie.

Background & Education
Veterinary School: Colorado State University
Internship Training: University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
Residency Training: The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2018)

Heidi Fink, DVM, MS, DACVIM started her veterinary career as a technician in Santa Barbara. She attended UC Santa Barbara and received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and then moved to San Diego where she spent a year working at an animal emergency clinic. Soon after, she moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University, where she worked as a critical care technician while earning her DVM.

Following veterinary school, Dr. Fink completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. During this internship, she helped patients in the Emergency/Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Surgery departments.

Then she was on the road again, this time to The Ohio State University. There, she earned a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and received advanced training in endoscopy, hepatology, gastroenterology, and nephrology. For her master’s thesis, she researched the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a novel insulin in healthy dogs for potential use in diabetic dogs. She also completed her small animal Internal Medicine residency, where she managed a variety of diseases in the outpatient and intensive care units, and served as a clinical instructor for senior veterinary students and rotating interns.

Dr. Fink’s special interests include feline medicine, gastroenterology and endocrinology. She has presented and taught on the subjects of feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency, as well as diabetes in dogs and cats.

In her free time, Dr. Fink enjoys gardening, running, swimming, backpacking and skiing. She has three cats, Roxie, Samantha and Stuart.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Minnesota
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2012)

Dr. Ryan Garcia grew up outside of Atlanta, and attended the University of Georgia and UCLA for his undergraduate studies. He attended veterinary school at UC Davis, graduating in 2008, and was awarded a medal given to the top student in each graduating class. Following veterinary school, Dr. Garcia completed a one-year rotating internship at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. He then returned to UC Davis for a three-year residency and received his board certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2012. Dr. Garcia has been practicing in the Bay Area since completing his residency training. His special interests include gastroenterology, infectious disease, and minimally invasive therapies.
Ryan shares his life with his wife, Catherine (also a veterinarian), two children, a three-legged English setter (cancer survivor), two cats, an African Grey parrot, a Ball python and a rescued Lion-headed rabbit. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and mountain biking through the redwoods with his family.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Cornell University
Internship Training: University of Georgia
Residency Training: Cornell University
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (1996)

Dr. Brigid Nicholson is a graduate of Middlebury College, where she earned a BA in Biology. She received her DVM from Cornell University (1990). Dr. Nicholson completed a small animal internship at the University of Georgia, followed by an internal medicine residency at Cornell University. She became board certified in internal medicine in 1996. Dr. Nicholson particularly enjoys the challenges of hepatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, and immune-mediated diseases.

When not practicing, Brigid enjoys the outdoors (backpacking), knitting, reading, and spending time with her family. She is the proud owner of a dog named Smidgen, and cats named Etoile and Flash. Brigid was drawn to veterinary medicine both by her innate love of animals and a keen interest in medicine, encouraged by her father, a pediatric endocrinologist. A native New Yorker, Brigid spent her summers while in college working at cow farms, and spent the year between college and vet school working on a dairy farm in New Hampshire.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Illinois
Internship Training: Kansas State University
Residency Training: University of Minnesota
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (2013)

Dr. Catherine “Katy” Rivara is a 2003 graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she earned a BS in Chemistry. Dr. Rivara received her DVM degree from the University of Illinois (2008) and completed her residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Medical Center (2012). Prior to beginning her residency, she completed her small animal rotating internship at Kansas State University. Dr. Rivara became board certified in internal medicine in 2013. She enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, but has a special affinity for all things urinary.

When not practicing medicine, Katy is a classical music aficionado as well as an avid runner. She is the proud owner of three dogs (two Jack Russells and an Australian shepherd) and a Siamese cat. Her passion for veterinary medicine was first stoked as a 14-year-old during a summer job working at a veterinary hospital.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Cornell University
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (1998)

Dr. Andrea Struble is a graduate of UC Davis, where she earned a BS in Biology, a Master’s inPreventive Veterinary Medicine, and her DVM (1994). Following veterinary school, Dr. Struble completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Cornell University (1995), before returning to UC Davis for a small animal internal medicine residency. She became board certified in internal medicine in 1998.

Dr. Struble particularly enjoys the challenge of endocrinology and performing gastrointestinal endoscopy. When not practicing, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, reading, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her young son. Andrea has also completed two marathons for Team in Training supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. She is the proud owner of a rescue dog named Midas and a fish named Draco.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Missouri
Internship Training: North Carolina State University
Residency Training: University of Missouri
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) (2009), Neurosurgery Certificate (2011)

Dr. Christina Vitale attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her DVM from its School of Veterinary Medicine (2005). She completed a rotating internship at North Carolina State University, and then returned to the University of Missouri to complete her residency in neurology and neurosurgery. Dr. Vitale became a board certified neurologist in 2009. In addition, Dr. Vitale has the distinction of being one of the few recipients of a Neurosurgery Certificate, signifying that she is qualified not only in medical neurology, but also in both routine and non-routine neurosurgical procedures.

Partially due to her deep love of dachshunds, Dr. Vitale particularly enjoys the challenges and rewards of doing acute disc rupture surgery. She also has a passion for all types of spinal surgery, as well as brain surgery. When not practicing, Christina is an avid runner, having finished several half-marathons and a triathlon. She also loves to cook and enjoys yoga. She also enjoys spending her free time with her husband and her beloved pets (an English Pointer, a Terrier mix, and a cat).

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Cornell University
Internship Training: Garden State Veterinary Specialists, New Jersey
Residency Training: Cornell University
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2008)

Dr. Kiselow is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he earned a BS in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Mike received his DVM from Cornell University in 2004, and subsequently completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. Mike then returned to Cornell to complete his medical oncology residency, and became board certified in Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2008. He joined SAGE Centers that year.

Dr. Kiselow enjoys collaborating with other SAGE specialists in order to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment for patients with complex diseases. When not practicing, Mike enjoys many activities including hiking, triathlon, snowboarding, yoga, cooking, and live music. Dr. Kiselow’s passion for veterinary medicine also includes volunteer work: while in veterinary school, he traveled to multiple locations in the U.S. and Central America with Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), providing medical attention to pets in underprivileged communities.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of Georgia
Internship Training: VCA West Los Angeles Medical Hospital
Residency Training: North Carolina State University
Certification: DACVR (2012)

Dr. Lauren Quarterman’s childhood love of animals, particularly dogs, led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine from a young age. She received her degree in Animal Sciences with a pre-veterinary concentration from the University of Delaware and earned her DVM at the University of Georgia. After completing a medical and surgical internship at a Los Angeles veterinary hospital, she discovered radiation oncology. This specialized field combined many of her interests—animal health care, as well as math and physics, which she enjoyed studying as a kid. She completed a 2-year residency in radiation oncology at North Carolina State University and became board certified in veterinary radiation oncology in 2012.

In her free time, Dr. Quarterman enjoys travel and spending time with her husband, their baby, Romy, and their adopted terrier mix, Bennie.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Cornell University
Internship Training: Oradell Animal Hospital, New Jersey
Residency Training: University of Georgia
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2013)

Dr. Rebecca (Beki) Regan is a graduate of Cornell University, where she completed both her undergraduate studies and veterinary school. After veterinary school, Dr. Regan completed a 1-year rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in New Jersey. She then completed a 3-year residency in oncology at the University of Georgia. Board certified in 2013, Dr. Regan spent several years practicing in Georgia before joining SAGE as a staff oncologist in 2016.

Dr. Regan has a particular interest in palliative care, helping ensure that patients are comfortable and allowing pets and owners to make the most of their time together.

When not at the hospital, Beki enjoys horseback riding, eating Asian cuisine, and catching up on TV shows. She is the proud owner of two dogs, two birds, and a cat.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, Ventura, CA
Residency Training: University of California, Davis
Certification: Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology) (2009)

Dr. Stephen Shaw is a graduate of UC Berkeley, where he earned a BS in Molecular and Cell Biology, and UC Davis, where he received his DVM (2004). Dr. Shaw completed an internship in small animal internal medicine, surgery, and radiology at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura, CA, as well as a residency in medical oncology back at UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine. He became board certified in internal medicine, specialty of oncology in 2009.

Dr. Shaw is also a co-founder and partner of VetPrep, the first Internet-based veterinary board review site for students taking the national veterinary licensing board exam (www.VetPrep.com). When not practicing, Steve enjoys international and domestic travel, exploring new restaurants in the area, and spending time outdoors with his two rescue dogs: a shepherd mix named Brutus and a yellow lab named Sachi. Steve was drawn to veterinary medicine by his love of animals coupled by his strong interest in science and medicine.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship Training: Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Diego
Residency Training: Animal Medical Center, New York
Certification: Diplomate ACVS (2009)

Dr. Bill Banz is a graduate of Salisbury State University, where he earned a BS in Biology and Environmental Marine Science. He received his DVM from Virginia Tech (2002). Dr. Banz completed internships at Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, followed by a year of emergency work back in his native Baltimore. He then completed a three-year residency in small animal surgery at Animal Medical Center in NYC, where he met (and married) Dr. Angela Banz, another highly-talented SAGE surgeon. Dr. Banz particularly enjoys performing minimally invasive surgery and fracture reconstruction. He became board certified in 2009.

When not practicing medicine, he is the ultimate do-it-yourselfer, tackling all manner of home remodeling and yard projects, as well as playing soccer, surfing, snowboarding, and wine tasting. Dr. Banz was drawn to veterinary medicine by his love for animals which of late has manifested into his own collection of three tuxedo cats and a dachshund.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: Texas A&M University
Internship Training: Animal Medical Center, New York
Residency Training: SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Care
Certification: Diplomate ACVS (2010)

Dr. Angela Banz is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she majored in Biomedical Science. She also received her DVM from Texas A&M (2004). Dr. Banz completed a small animal rotating internship followed by a surgical internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York. Dr. Banz then completed a surgical residency, and ultimately became a staff surgeon, at SAGE Centers. She became board-certified in 2010.

Dr. Banz particularly enjoys the challenges of minimally invasive surgery: thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, and arthroscopy. When not practicing, Angela and her husband (another highly talented SAGE surgeon, Dr. Bill Banz) enjoy spending time with their daughter and son. When time and schedules permit, she also enjoys scuba diving, running, snowboarding, and a nice glass of wine. She is the proud owner of a dachshund (Lucy) and three tuxedo cats: Murphy, Firestone, and Stella.

Background and Education:
Veterinary School: University of California, Davis
Internship Training: University of Pennsylvania
Residency Training: University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Christine Hsueh received her DVM from the University of California, Davis (2014). She then went on to complete her small animal rotating internship and her specialty residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (2016). 

Dr. Hsueh was originally wanting to go pre-med until a high school trip to Costa Rica convinced her that she wanted to work with animals instead. Dr. Hsueh chose surgery as her specialty because she loves to work with her hands and fix things, especially when it comes to our four-legged friends because she knows how important pets are to their pet-parents and vice versa. 

Her specific areas of interest are minimally invasive surgery including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy; microvascular and ureteral surgery; canine cruciate disease; fracture healing and advanced fracture repair techniques; neurologic surgery.

When Dr. Hsueh is not treating patients, you can catch her snowboarding, playing soccer (she is an avid Philadelphia Union Fan), woodworking, cooking, and hanging out with her three cats: Bella, Chimi, Mr. Luna and her Sourdough Starter, Charles. Fun Fact: she is a black belt in taekwondo and was All-American Pistol Shooter in college!