Portland Veterinary Medical Association

PVMA Executive Director: Cristina Keef

I had been elevated in Junction City, Or, a little farming town just north of Eugene, south of Corvallis most widely known for that annual Scandinavian Festival. Like a lot of us who finish up dealing with creatures as grown ups, I constantly ‘rescued’ any I possibly could, simple to do when individuals would drop them off regularly at our home in the united states. My father and that i built more animal enclosures than I possibly could count to accommodate the dogs, felines, doves, bunnies, a pygmy goat, squirrels, hamsters, rats, 3 sheep elevated for FFA!

After I was 14, I had been needed to perform a half regular job shadow not to mention chose us vet, an assorted animal solo specialist who had been approaching retirement. One or two weeks later, they known as to provide us a job. When I had been 16, I spent additional time there than in school (but was still being a great student!). Once the practice was offered, things transformed significantly, going from the relatively quiet hobby practice to some 3+ physician small animal/exotics/wildlife practice and boy maybe it was fun! The reputations in our new proprietors from from condition proceeded them so we grew to become a really busy practice and saw nearly everything. I'm very fortunate to possess developed in this diverse practice and also have very fond reminiscences from the late nights and different encounters. I regularly volunteered for Feral Cat Coalition mobile treatment centers and native wildlife rehab centers throughout senior high school too.

After graduation from senior high school, I ongoing working full-time while commuting to Or Condition College. In regards to a year later, I gone to live in Tigard being unsure of anybody, among the best choices I available! We have spent at two small animal practices go to Tigard Condition, I required annually from veterinary medicine to work on a life-style branding (marketing) agency possessed by certainly one of my pet sitting clients. It had been a significant learning chance along with a fun change of pace. Regrettably, the organization had some difficulties so that as I had been exploring my options, I received a phone call from Dr. Steve Kochis, the then outgoing PVMA leader and friend, saying concerning the PVMA Executive Director position being offered. Soon after, I questioned with Dr. Matt Dahlquist and Dr. Sheri Morris and it was hired in April 2006. I can’t imagine being elsewhere. My passion for the PVMA and Tigard veterinary community only keeps growing more powerful. I'm so fortunate to take part in it and aspire to continue being for years to come!

I still volunteer for several local organizations, promote after i can, and also the relaxation of my spare time is spent being careful of my house, garden, 4 chickens, 1 cat and 1 dog in addition to traveling, photography, crafts, kayaking, hiking and all sorts of other lovely things the Northwest needs to offer.