Surgery

The Department of Surgery at Penn Vet is committed to the future and, as such, our surgeons, nurses and staff work in tandem to provide the best possible care and treatment for you and your pets.

Explore the Surgery Service

Soft-Tissue Surgery

The Penn Vet surgery group has one of the largest pools of soft tissue surgery specialists at any veterinary hospital, academic or otherwise.
Learn about Soft Tissue Surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery
Penn Vet's Orthopedic Surgery Service is a progressive, dynamic service that offers cutting-edge treatment for a variety of orthopedic conditions. The service performs the latest surgical treatments for joint conditions of the elbow, shoulders, hips and knees.
Learn more about Orthopedic Surgery.
Surgical Oncology
Surgery is often the preferable option for local control of cancer. Successful removal of a localized cancer can be one of the best approaches to treat cancer patients and provide them with improved quality of life.
Learn about Surgical Oncology.
Minimally Invasive Surgery

Penn Vet's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery uses surgical equipment and technique on par with human medicine.
Learn about Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Renal Transplantation

With the help of a nurse practitioner that specializes in renal transplant, our team is able to offer treatment for renal failure, with the goal of providing a good quality of life for a cat that would otherwise be unable to survive
Learn about Renal Transplantation.

Our Care Team

Our surgery team comprises board-certified expert faculty/clinicians, residents, nurses and technicians, and students.

Kimberly Agnello, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVSMR
Associate Professor, Orthopedic Surgery

Lillian Aronson, VMD, DACVS
Professor, Surgery
Director, Renal Transplantation Program

Marie Burneko, VMD, DACVS
Assistant Professor, Companion Animal Surgery

Dana Clarke, VMD, DACVECC
Associate Professor, Interventional Radiology & Critical Care

Erin Gibson, DVM, DACVS
Assistant Professor of Minimally Invasive Surgery

David Holt, BVSc, DACVS
Professor, Soft Tissue Surgery

Jennifer Huck, DVM, DACVS
Associate Professor, Clinical Small Animal Surgery

Anna Massie, DVM, DACVS-SA
Assistant Professor, Orthopedic Surgery

Jason Syrcle, DVM, DACVS
Section Chief, Surgery
Associate Professor, Clinical Orthopedic Surgery

Susan Volk, VMD, PhD, DACVS
Corinne R. and Henry Bower Professor of Surgery, Soft Tissue Surgery

Molly Flaherty, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVSMT, CVPP
Clinical Instructor, Physical Rehabilitation Therapyy

Residents and Interns

Alison Billas, VMD
Resident, Surgery
Samuel Burkhardt, DVM
Resident, Surgery
Camille Duvieusart, BVMS
Resident, Surgery
Isabella Hildebrandt, DVM
Resident, Surgery
XiaoXiao Lederer, DVM
Resident, Surgery
Alysha McGrath, DVM
Resident, Surgery
Maya Sekhar, VMD
Resident, Surgery

All Residents and Interns
Veterinary Nursing Staff

Michelle Capps, BA, CVT VTS (Surgery) - Surgery Supervisor

Rachel Balabuszko, CVT - Soft Tissue Surgery Coordinator

Marta Bates, CVT - Assistant Surgery Supervisor

Scott Baxt, CVT - Nurse Assistant for Surgery and Radiology

Jess Bosco, CVT - Soft-tissue Surgery Coordinator

Katie Brewer - Surgery Veterinary Nurse

Peg DeLisle, CVT Lisa Forde, CVT

Rebekah Fries, RVT - Orthopedic Surgery Coordinator

Patricia Knapp, CVT - Surgical Oncology Coordinator

Steve Sloan, CVT - Orthopedic Surgery Coordinator

Nicole Smith - Surgery Veterinary Nurse

Karen Steffa-McQuillan - Surgery Veterinary Nurse

Briana Waters - Central Sterilizing Manager
More about Nursing

What to Expect at Your Appointment

We understand that a pet’s diagnosis that includes a surgical procedure can be stressful. We are here to help explain your pet’s particular case and what would be involved in an optimal treatment approach. That way, you can make the best decisions for your pet and your family.

Read about what you can expect at your surgical appointment...

Surgery

Ryan Hospital

Explore the Surgery Service

Our Care Team

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Referring veterinarian?

Getting Prepared for Your Visit