Dr. Deepinder Sidhu is a board-certified small animal surgeon at Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a rotating internship at the University of Georgia and a small animal surgery residency at the University of Missouri. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2022.

Dr. Sidhu’s surgical interests include fracture management, cranial cruciate ligament injuries, thoracic surgery, and surgical oncology. He is committed to collaborative care and emphasizes clear communication with pet owners and referring veterinarians to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Chris Thomson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and ACVS Fellow in Surgical Oncology at Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County. He earned his DVM from the University of Minnesota, completed an internship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and returned to the University of Minnesota for his small animal surgery residency. He later completed a surgical oncology fellowship at Colorado State University’s renowned Animal Cancer Center.

Dr. Thomson specializes in surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and interventional radiology. He is an active clinician scientist with Ethos Discovery, where he leads and contributes to clinical trials aimed at advancing minimally invasive treatments for conditions such as osteosarcoma and urogenital cancers. He is also a published author and speaker at national and international veterinary conferences.

Dr. John Gagnepain is a board-certified veterinary neurologist and the Senior Veterinary Associate at Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County. He completed his residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Missouri, following internships at the University of Florida and Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego. He earned his veterinary degree from the University of Georgia and his undergraduate degree from Clemson University.

Dr. Gagnepain has advanced clinical training in all areas of veterinary neurology, neuroimaging, and neurosurgery, with special interests in intervertebral disc disease and idiopathic epilepsy. He is passionate about client communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education—frequently providing CE to general practitioners and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Dr. Rose Feldman is a board-certified veterinary emergency and critical care specialist at Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and completed both her rotating internship and residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.Dr. Feldman is dedicated to providing high-quality, collaborative care to critically ill patients, with a focus on evidence-based medicine and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Dr. Annalisa Judy is a board-certified veterinary emergency and critical care specialist at Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University after completing her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University. Dr. Judy completed both her rotating internship and residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Minnesota, where she also served as a chief resident.Her clinical interests include electrolyte imbalances, sepsis, and respiratory emergencies. Dr. Judy is committed to delivering high-quality, collaborative care to critically ill patients.

Kristin graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Health Science. She has been a Registered Veterinary Technician since 2013 and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Clinical Practice (Canine/Feline) in 2021. With a career rooted in emergency medicine since 2011, she has been a dedicated member of the team at Veterinary Specialty Hospital–North County since 2014. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her beloved cat, dachshund, doberman, husband, and daughters.

Crystal is a dedicated and hardworking veterinary professional. As the host of The Passionate Pawedcast, a podcast focused on fostering a positive culture and invigorating the veterinary community, she is committed to inspiring others through education and mentorship. With a deep love for learning, teaching, and guiding individuals in their career paths, Crystal strives to elevate patient care standards while cultivating a supportive and driven veterinary community. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, creating art, and spending time with her four cats and two dogs.

Giselle Auther is a Registered Veterinary Technician and the Hospital Service Manager of Emergency and Critical Care at Veterinary Specialty Hospital-North County. She earned her degree from the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, Colorado, and has been working in emergency and critical care since 2013.With over a decade of experience, Giselle is deeply committed to operational excellence, clinical leadership, and mentoring veterinary teams. She plays a key role in optimizing hospital performance while promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and exceptional patient care.

Dr. Denise Pham is an Emergency Veterinarian and Senior Veterinary Associate at Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Following her graduation, she completed a rotating internship at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad.Dr. Pham has a strong passion for emergency medicine and is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to her patients. She is proud to be part of the collaborative and skilled team at VSH North County

Jennifer Grenke is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over two decades of experience in veterinary medicine, including leadership roles in surgical and critical care settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from California State University, Fresno, and earned her RVT certification in 2011.Jennifer currently serves as a surgical technician with Agile Veterinary Surgery and as a per diem RVT at Veterinary Specialty Hospital North County. Her clinical expertise spans anesthetic monitoring, surgical assistance, and advanced patient care. She has held multiple leadership roles at VSH, including Clinical Hospital Manager, where she oversaw multidisciplinary teams across emergency and specialty services.Jennifer is currently pursuing certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Surgery and is a member of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association.

We’re excited to welcome the Body Art Bus to this year’s Critical Connections Symposium! Attendees will have the chance to step aboard this one-of-a-kind mobile tattoo studio for a truly memorable giveaway experience.The Body Art Bus is a professional, licensed tattoo studio on wheels—complete with skilled artists, a unique atmosphere, and all the safety standards of a traditional shop. It’s your opportunity to commemorate the day with custom artwork in a fun and unforgettable setting.Spots are limited, so be sure to stop by early to secure your place on the bus!