March is Women’s History Month, a perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate not only the women who take care of the special animals in your life, but also those who have pioneered techniques that allow us to better understand and treat them. Just 30 years ago, it was rare to find a female in veterinary medicine. Now, women make up over 80% of Doctor of Veterinary (DVM) graduates and are increasingly becoming clinic owners. We think that’s a pretty special accomplishment, and are exceptionally proud of our own doctors who beautifully illustrate this progression.
Dr. Shelley Brown
Our clinical director was one of the few women to receive a DVM in the 1990’s, graduating from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1997. She recently obtained her Graduate Diploma Western Herbal Veterinary Medicine from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Australia. She also completed CSU’s acupuncture program and is a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM).
Volunteering and giving back to the community are vital parts of Dr. Brown’s life. When not busy seeing patients, she also enjoys volunteering with local spay and neuter programs, as well as VIDAS, an international organization providing spays and neuters for dogs and cats in Mexico. She has worked with Lutheran Hospital’s Pet Therapy Program, Meow Mobile, and other pet organizations to further the human-animal bond.
Dr. Chris Miller
Dr. Chris MillerThis former civil engineer was able to enter the doctorate program as a second career, pursuing her lifelong dream of veterinary medicine.
“What drew me to Harmony was their integrative approach,” says Dr. Chris. “I saw it as a unique opportunity to practice Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). I love how open they are to my ideas, and I appreciate the amount of time I get to spend with each patient.”
While designing roadways and underground sewers didn’t fill her soul, the experience continues to serve both her and her patients well. “Because of my engineering background, I’m very thorough. I like taking my time to gather all the information I need to make decisions and design a solid treatment plan,” she explains.
Dr. Carly Stephens
Dr. Carly StephensA Virginia native, Dr. Carly is proud to be part of the fast-growing number of female DVMs to graduate in the recent past. She came to Harmony Veterinary Center in early 2021 from North Carolina where she established a specialization in surgery, geriatric care, and exotic animal medicine. Prior to that, she gained hands-on experience while studying abroad in Ecuador, a truly immersive experience that enabled her to become proficient in Spanish.
Dr. Carly regularly turns to integrative care that compliments western medicine especially as it relates to animal behavior issues. She shares, “I choose to move to Colorado and join Harmony because of their focus on engaging clients to deliver individualized treatment plans that fit their lifestyle while achieving patient care goals. Combining Eastern and Western medicine is an excellent way to do that.”
Inspiring Next Generations: A Tribute to Dr. Sophia Yin
Like many professions in which women sought equality, each generation of females in veterinary medicine has built on those that came before them. For Harmony Co-Owners Dr. Brown and Julia McPeek, the late Dr. Sophia Yin – one of the 10 most prominent female veterinarians – inspired them early on to follow low-stress handling techniques as a way to better serve patients in a fear-free manner.
Dr. Yin’s mission in life was to improve our understanding of animals and their behavior so that we can care for, appreciate and enjoy our time with them better. Thank you, Dr. Yin, for your pioneering spirit and lifelong dedication to veterinary medicine!
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