Dr. Joanna McPherson

Picture a little girl discovering snails and worms in her garden, wide-eyed with wonder and setting off to learn everything about them, and you have Joanna in a nutshell. Inexhaustibly curious from an early age and enthralled with the animal kingdom, biological systems, and all things science, her parents likely weren’t surprised when Joanna asked for a microscope one Christmas. But if there was a defining moment that set her on the path to becoming a veterinary doctor, it was the instant a bird took flight and returned to the wild after she’d nursed it from the brink of death.

Early in her career, Joanna worked with small animals, including avian and exotic species before focusing her attention on cats and dogs. She’s worked in Guelph, Kingston, and the GTA in both general and emergency referral practices.

Why SOVH? “I’m thrilled to be working alongside a dream team comprised of exceptional, progressive, and caring team members who practice excellent medicine and provide client- and pet-centric care. And where better than a top-notch modern facility where every detail has been thought of to maximize patient and client comfort.” JP

VETERINARY TRAINING
Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario (2012); RECOVER CPR: Advanced Life Support Certification; Fear Free® certified

SPECIAL INTERESTS
Emergency Medicine (treating patients with critical conditions or urgent or life-threatening injuries and illnesses) and Preventive Medicine (preventing health issues before they develop)

PASSIONS
So many! Family tops the list, but this guitar playing, mud running, high flying aerial fitness fan (Cirque de Soleil wannabe?) also enjoys escaping into a good book and making her way out of Escape Rooms.

SUPERPOWERS
Compassion and patient-centered care are key values to which our team subscribes, and those values are at the core of who Joanna is. She cares deeply about the people and patients in her care and draws on her considerable listening skills and keen sense of empathy to see to their needs.

WHAT MAKES HER TICK?
That same exhilaration Joanna felt when a half frozen, sick little bird took flight after she nursed it back to health as a kid still drives her desire to heal the sick and injured to this day. Her role in promoting health brings her pure joy.

CAT PERSON OR DOG PERSON?
While Joanna grew up with a Lhasa Apso (Terri), a budgie (Huwey), & a cockateel (Rosie), she was taken with all creatures great and small (not to mention exotic) from an early age. Her current side kick is Rusty, a Shih Tzu rescue with a few trust issues and a penchant for getting into things. The little guy is well matched with his doctor mom who’s Fear Free® certified and knows just how to manage his emotional and medical needs. It goes without saying that while Joanna shares her home with Rusty, she’s not one to play favourites and is happy to get her feline fix at work.