My 4 Paws Animal Hospital

Dr. Bruce L. Barnes had been practicing in the community of Ranch Bernardo for 5 years prior to working as a relief Veterinarian at over 20 hospitals in the City of San Diego. Dr. Barnes grew up in San Diego in the community of Scripps Ranch. He attended San Diego State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Biology. Dr. Barnes graduated from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2000 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and immediately returned to San Diego and started working in the very same practice in Ranch Bernardo that he had volunteered at for many years prior to entering veterinary school. During his senior year in veterinary school Dr. Barnes was presented with 3 of the most prestigous small animal medicine awards including:

1. Pharmacia Upjohn Small Animal Medicine Award
2. Kansas State University Pet Trust Scholar
3. Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care Award

Dr. Barnes is an active member in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association (SDCVMA), and attends numerous conferences and continuing education seminars annually to stay on top of the latest medical and surgical techniques in the field of veterinary medicine. While not at the hospital Dr. Barnes loves spending time with his daughter Alexis Nicole (the love of his life).

Dr. Cory Greenfield We are excited to introduce Dr. Cory Greenfield as our newest addition to 4 Paws Animal Hospital!  Due to Dr. Barnes' successful (and busy) inaugural years, he has decided to expand his team by adding a veterinarian that shares the same philosophy and passion for animal care.

Dr. Greenfield grew up on the lakes of Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Zoology/Biology.  He started his veterinary career 9 years ago as an assistant and was inspired and mentored by his family vet to become the doctor he is today.  Dr. Greenfield's love of water moved him to La Jolla where he first worked with Dr. Barnes... little did they know the two left-handers would be meeting up again later!  Dr. Greenfield recently graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated at the top of his class and received several awards and accolades for his work.  He has studied wildlife in Australia and South Africa, and has spent his clinical year doing rotations back at his alma mater in Wisconsin.  Upon graduation he immediately headed back to San Diego to join up with our team to provide another set of dedicated and caring hands.  Please welcome him to our team!
 

Christopher Smith is our Hospital Manager. He has worked in the field of veterinary medicine for over 25 years! Chris has experience in all aspects of the workings of a veterinary hospital, starting from the kennel position, to veterinary assistant, and finally management. He has helped manage three large veterinary hospitals in the San Diego area and has worked on and off with Dr. Barnes over the past 20+ years! Chris has a love for animals and understands what pets mean to their families. He is a native of Southern California. When not working you can find Chris spending time at home with his wife and 2 cats Z.Z. and Emmie. Chris also enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, motorcycles and often can be found playing music in various bands.

Brigjette works as a Veterinary Assistant. She has spent her whole life in San Diego and obtained a certificate in Veterinary Assisting from PIMA Institute in 2008, with the intent to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the near future. Brigjette has always had a love for animals and currently owns a 3 year old chihuahua mix named "Rascal".

Karla (Veterinary Assistant) was born and raised in San Diego. Karla has been in the veterinary field since 2007. On her spare time Karla enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two pomeranians Nala and Gizmo. Karla is currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Mesa College and will soon become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

Lifen works as a receptionist here at our hospital. She was born and raised in San Diego, and recently graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in business. Lifen brings a wonderful attitude to the practice everyday and shows absolute enthusiam for her job. She has always had animals in her life, currently owning a clumsy little golden retriever named Sadie.

Emily a native to San Diego, knew at a very early age that she had a passion for animals. Not only does that passion mean working in the animal field, but also rescuing animals. At home she has 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 lizards, and 2 pet rats Pooter and Sid. Emily hopes to be accepted to Mesa College in the Fall of 2011 where she will study to become a veterinary technician.

Teddy is our hospital mascot, and is featured on our logo. He was adopted by Dr. Barnes in 2003. He is now Dr. Barnes' loyal sidekick spending his days in the hospital with "Dad," lounging in whatever sun spot he can find or stealing our Office Manager's chair for a nap. Teddy also loves to meet and greet fellow canines, lending moral support when needed. Give him a pet when you see him.

Saki is our hospital's resident cat. She is a Maine-Coon mix that was found abandoned in a trash can at a very young age by the Humane Society. She was rescued by Alexis who Saki calls "mom" and we are lucky to have her stay with us in our hospital. She thoroughly enjoys her status and job as our "hospital cat," while also greeting the animals and people everyday. She loves to have company and is often found napping with her new boyfriend Big Boy.

Big Boy is another one of our resident hospital cats. He was relinquished to Dr. Barnes after being diagnosed with diabetes secondary to severe obesity (he weighed 21 pounds!). Since his adoption, Big Boy was immediately placed on a diet, has successfully lost 7 pounds (1/3 of his body weight), and his diabetes is well controlled on a very low dose of insulin. Although he is no longer officially a "big boy," he still loves to eat and attempts to get into any treat jar in the hospital. thinking the treats are ALL FOR HIM!