Vet Cares - Doctors & Staff


Directors
Jon Rappaport, VMD Dr. Jon Rappaport is the current director and co-founder of CARES. He joined the practice when it was known as the Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (AECCS). Dr. Rappaport graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 where he also completed his undergraduate studies. He worked in general practice for a year before focusing on emergency and critical care. Dr. Rappaport is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical
Association, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and Delaware Valley Academy of Veterinary Medicine. He spends his free time with his wife Susie and his two sons Ethan and Jack. Jon also lives with one cat and a golden retriever. When he can find the time, he enjoys fishing and hiking.

Robert D. Cohen, DVM Dr. Bob Cohen graduated from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982, and has worked full-time in emergency/critical care medicine since 1987, spent four years teaching emergency medicine as a Clinical Instructor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine from 1990 to 1994. He left Tufts University in 1994 to found the Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (AECCS) in Langhorne, where he was the director from 1994 to 2003. He currently serves as the Co-Director of CARES. Dr. Cohen is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, the Delaware Valley Academy of Veterinary Medicine, and the
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Bob spends his free time with his two children and enjoys running, camping, and motorcycling. His personal pets include one dog, three cats, and a tortoise

Dr. Mary L. Landis Dr. Landis graduated from Temple University in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a minor in mathematics. In 1996, she obtained her Master’s degree from Temple University in Physical Chemistry. After graduation, Dr. Landis worked in the Barnett Institute of Materials Science at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts as a research associate and taught undergraduate
chemistry courses. During her time at the Barnett Institute, Dr. Landis received several awards for her accomplishments in research and for excellence in teaching. Dr. Landis graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. She worked in private practice as a general practitioner and emergency clinician for one year after graduation and then was accepted into a residency program for specialized training in ophthalmology with Dr. Robert Peiffer. Dr. Landis currently resides in the Philadelphia area with her husband, 2 beautiful, yet comical Labrador Retrievers, and 1 fractious but lovable kitty.
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Cardiology
Megan King, VMD Practice Limited to Internal Medicine
Dr. King graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. She then completed a rotating medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in 2004. Dr. King stayed on at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital for her cardiology residency. Dr. King completed her residency in cardiology in 2006. Her specialty includes comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of both congenital and acquired heart disease, congestive heart failure, pericardial effusion, pulmonary disease, and pleural space disease. Dr. King will soon offer minimally invasive cardiac procedures including pacemaker
implantation, coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), transvenous catheterization and treatment of other congenital cardiac defects. Dr. King joined CARES in August of 2006. She currently resides in Philadelphia, with her husband, Mario, son, Quentin and two Australian shepherds, Nigel and Zephyr. Dr. King also enjoys running, cycling and backpacking whenever possible.
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Internal Medicine
Samantha Murrary , VMD Practice Limited to Internal Medicine
Dr. Murray graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She then performed an internship at Penn in 2002, and she completed a residency in small animal internal medicine in 2004. Dr. Murray was a staff lecturer in internal medicine for one year following completion of her residency. In this position, she gave lectures and taught veterinary students as well as performing clinical duties. Dr. Murray joined CARES in July of 2005. As an internist, she offers diagnostic evaluation and treatment of endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematological, and
infectious diseases, to name a few. Dr. Murray is experienced in endoscope and offers this as a noninvasive method of diagnosis for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and lower urinary tract disease. One of her priorities is to educate clients about their pet’s disease so that they can take an active role in their care. When she is not working, Dr. Murray enjoys running, cycling, triathlons, and travel. She lives in Philadelphia with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Indy.
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Oncology
Jennifer Baez, VMD Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist in Internal Medicine and Oncology
Dr. Baez graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA South Shore Veterinary Associates, in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1993. Dr. Baez was then hired to stay on as a staff veterinarian at South Shore. Dr. Baez returned to the University of Pennsylvania to complete an internal medicine residency from 1996-1998, then she completed an oncology residency from 1998-2001. From 2001 until 2005, she was on faculty at the Veterinary School, as an Assistant Professor of Oncology. Dr. Baez is board certified in both internal medicine and oncology, and she joined CARES in 2005 as an oncologist.
When you bring your pet to the Oncology Service at CARES, a thorough evaluation and consultation will be provided in order to diagnose and appropriately treat each cancer patient. The first priority in caring for cancer patients is to maintain or even improve their quality of life while ideally effectively treating their disease. We understand how difficult it can be to decide what is best for your pet, and by providing the family with as much information and as many reasonable options as possible, we hope to meet your needs as well as maintain your pet’s comfort during the treatment process. Dr. Baez is an active member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the Veterinary Cancer Society, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Baez has authored and co-authored many papers involving studies in veterinary oncology in numerous veterinary journals. She has presented lectures at the Veterinary School as well as continuing education conferences for veterinarians. Jen spends her free time with her husband, also a veterinarian in Bucks County, her two daughters, Emma and Lizzie, and her golden retriever, two pugs, and cat. The entire family enjoys outdoor activities whenever possible.
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Ophthalmology
Robert L. Peiffer, DVM, PhD Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology
Dr. Peiffer recently joined our staff of veterinary specialists at CARES in 2005. Dr. Peiffer received his veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in 1971 and became board certified in veterinary ophthalmology in 1971. Dr. Peiffer continued advanced studies in comparative ophthalmology and completed a PhD in 1980. Dr Peiffer is a highly accomplished clinician, author, and instructor. He was past president of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology, American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology and the International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology. He is recipient of multiple awards for his contributions to the veterinary profession, including the AAHA Gaines award for practitioner of the year, the AVMA career achievement award and WSAVMA award for contributions to the profession. During his career Dr. Peiffer has authored 200 scientific articles, numerous book chapters and is author/editor of 4 textbooks on veterinary ophthalmology.
He is Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Pathology, School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina and is currently an adjunct professor and co-director of the ocular pathology laboratory of the Sheie Eye Institute of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he serves as a senior investigator for Merck & Co. Bob has been married to his wife Kathleen for 30 years. They live just east of Doylestown and have 4 children, Robert, Elizabeth, Ryan and Ethan. They share their home with a yellow lab, two Chinese hamsters, a guinea pig, and a 22lb cat. Bob makes time in his busy schedule for multiple hobbies including: fishing, sailing, hiking, traveling, cooking, and gardening.
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Radiology Lisa S. Ziemer, VMD Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology Associate, PetRad, LLC
Dr. Ziemer is an associate of PetRad, LLC and joined CARES in February, 2005. She completed her undergraduate degree in chemistry at Bryn Mawr College and is a 1998 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency in veterinary radiology at the University of Pennsylvania. After obtaining board certification in radiology, Lisa remained at the University of Pennsylvania as a senior research associate. In this capacity she undertook postdoctoral studies in a research laboratory at the School of Medicine, taught veterinary students, and performed clinical duties in the section of radiology. Her research focused on molecular and
optical imaging of cancer, investigating new ways to diagnose and characterize tumors in humans and animals. Dr. Ziemer has published numerous scientific peer-reviewed papers in both the veterinary and human medical literature, has lectured at scientific meetings, and has mentored veterinary students, interns, and residents. At CARES, Dr. Ziemer interprets radiographs and MRI, performs special contrast procedures, and ultrasound examinations, including ultrasound guided aspirates and biopsies. Lisa is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Outside of work, Lisa is a volunteer adult literacy tutor, volunteers with several civil rights organizations, plays the flute as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble, windsurf's, and jogs. She shares her home with her cat, Idgie, and her dog, Linus.
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Surgery David A. Puerto DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Dr. Puerto graduated from the Cornell University New York State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. He joined CARES in January 2003 following a 7 year stay at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. He accomplished an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania followed by a post doctoral fellowship in the PennHIP laboratory from 1996-1998. He completed residency in small animal surgery from 1998-2001.
	Dr. Puerto remained at the University of Pennsylvania as a lecturer and staff surgeon until joining our practice. He performs soft tissue, orthopedic, minimally invasive and neurological procedures. Dr. Puerto's special interest lies in using minimally invasive surgical techniques such as arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy that can shorten a patient's recovery time and minimize postoperative discomfort.
Dr. Puerto is also an active member in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and Society of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery. Additionally he has authored and co-authored publications on a variety of topics and delivered presentations to the professional and academic organizations. Dave personal enjoys biking, skiing, and horseback riding. He spends his free time with his wife Lori, and his 2 sons, Alex and Nicholas. They share their home a pug, cat and 4 fish. He is also fluent in Spanish.
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Emergency Medicine Jennifer Chabot, DVM
Dr. Chabot joined the CARES team in July of 2004. Dr Chabot completed her undergraduate degrees in landscape design as well as zoology at Auburn University in Alabama. She went on to finish her veterinary degree at Auburn as well. Dr. Chabot has been working in both general practice as well as emergency care for the past 5 years. Dr. Chabot is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Jenn is very active in outdoor sports especially kayaking, cross country skiing, as well as snowshoeing.

Jill Kalman, VMD Dr. Kalman graduated from University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine 2004 and is our newest member here at CARES. Dr. Kalman completed her undergraduate studies at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 2000. Throughout her undergraduate years and veterinary school, Jill gained valuable experience in emergency medicine by working as a veterinary nurse at UPENN in the emergency service. She also completed an externship at the Animal Poison Control Center. In addition to her strong interest in emergency medicine she has a special interest in Doberman Pinchers. Her professional organizations include the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Jill lives with her husband Stan and her children, Ella and Joshua, as well as their 3 dogs.

Janice D. Wilson-Haines, DVM In 1998 Dr. Wilson obtained her degree in Veterinary medicine from Texas A&M where she also completed her undergraduate studies. She then went on to pursue an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wilson joined CARES in June 2003 and enjoys working with complicated medical and critical care cases. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. Janice spends her free time with her husband Rob and their four children, Brandon, Alexis, Jenna, and Carter, as well as their four cats.
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Client Services Susan D. Rappaport, MSW, LSW
Susan Rappaport is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Widener University in 1995. Her first years out of graduate school focused specifically on children, adolescents and families. Susan completed The Pet Loss and Bereavement Training Workshop facilitated by William Sife MD, Founder and Director of The Association For Pet Loss and Bereavement(APLB). Susan is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the APLB.
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