Our Veterinarians
Family Pet is a group practice, where all of our doctors and staff members work together as a team to provide the best care for you and your pet. In addition, however, we respect and appreciate the importance of your relationship with your primary veterinarian, so never be afraid to ask for the doctor of your choice. If your veterinarian is away, please trust that you will be in good hands until her return – All of our doctors are extremely well skilled, compassionate, and helpful. They consult one another on cases daily, and regularly hold comprehensive meetings to share information. Our hospital’s mandatory accurate record keeping ensures that each doctor can read the medical record to understand your pet's special needs as well as your decisions for his or her care.
Meet our Veterinarians:
Dr. Rae Ann Van Pelt
Dr. Jane Lohmar
Dr. Amy Ujiki
Dr. Sarah Blair
Dr. Mimi Kim
Dr. Kathi Berman
Dr. Lynn Lewin
Dr. Barb Gertz
Dr. Marla Minuskin (emeritus)
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Rae Ann Van Pelt, DVM (pictured with Brady)
co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, and is currently advancing her ultrasonography skills. In addition to being a practicing veterinarian and medical director at Family Pet, Dr Rae Ann also serves as the president of Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services’ board of directors.
What made you want to become a vet?
In second grade my teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I replied that I wanted to be a veterinarian she told me that I would change my mind. I was a determined child and I took it as a challenge. When I reflect, I am grateful that I love my career so much and did not err out of stubbornness. In school I was drawn to the sciences and medicine was the obvious choice. I prefer veterinary medicine to human medicine because we focus on the well being of the entire patient and not just one organ system.
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Every time I send a patient home healthy I find my career rewarding. I always call my clients after a serious procedure on their pet, or late at night if there is a turn for the better, or too early in the morning if there is good news, because I find it rewarding to relay my excitement and concern for their pet and to hear the relief or joy in the owner’s voice.
After practicing for 22 years, I find it equally rewarding to help younger veterinarians better understand test results or a disease and to pass on the art and nuances of veterinary medicine I have picked up over the years. You can be well-educated, but it takes time to truly assess a patient and apply the diagnostic results to come to the correct diagnosis. I love when I see it click in a new veterinarian’s mind.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I am told I should go into interior design, but I know I have my own style and would probably not accommodate to another person’s style. Besides, I get too excited when I see ER on television and catch the director’s mistakes or learn about a new procedure or concept in human medicine and try to incorporate it into my veterinary knowledge.
What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes! I have tried to overcome this by handling them, but I cannot predict their movements or understand how they are able to move without feet. This frightens me.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Professionally, starting Family Pet Animal Hospital with my partner, Marla Minuskin. Our personalities are so different, but we respect those differences and each other’s medicine. I feel we have created an atmosphere that reflects the best of each of our personalities and drive. As president of the board of Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services, I am seeing a long time dream of mine finally coming to fruition as I help facilitate the current construction of our 24/7 critical care specialty center.
Personally, adopting my children with my husband, Bob.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
I am short on spare time between working and my family. I love to be active (tennis, pilates, working out) so it is great when I can exercise with my kids. My eight year old daughter and I will sometimes go on a morning run. When she is tired, we walk and talk and I love to hear how grown up she has become. Otherwise, put me on a boat! I love the water – It relaxes me.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
There are so many pet experts offering advice on all areas from nutrition to training to health care. I feel the industry needs more accreditation programs so that the average pet owner can knowledgeably select whose advice to follow.
What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I once treated a pet opossum for kidney failure and a Vietnamese potbelly pig for intestinal upset from an apple pie.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I was recently put on a gluten-free diet so my favorites had to change. Dark chocolate covered raisins and milk chocolate strawberries are my new stress relievers.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness. I cannot understand why some people don’t want to experience more out of life.
Name 5 things people might be surprised to know about you:
1) I’m on a gluten-free diet
2) I’m allergic to cats and rabbits
3) I’ve gone skydiving and bungee jumping
4) I can’t whistle
5) My first job was selling shoes at Wiebolt’s
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Jane Lohmar, DVM (pictured with Lily and Penny)
graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. Family Pet is proud and grateful that Dr Jane has practiced here as an associate veterinarian since 1997, and became a partner here in April 2011.
What made you want to become a vet?
Being a banker for 11 years just wasn’t cutting it for me. I loved the people I worked with (yes, bankers can be lovable!) but got no charge out of what I was doing. I had done extensive volunteering in the wildlife
and zoo fields, and knew that broadly I wanted to work with animals. A good friend asked me what I would do if there were no obstacles, and “Be a vet” just popped out of my mouth. (Thank you, Steve!)
How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I had volunteered at an animal hospital with my friend Darrin, but when he moved to Seattle to become one of the vets at the Woodland Park Zoo, he suggested I call Family Pet. At the time, it had been opened only a short while, and when I spoke to Marla about volunteering, she answered that she wouldn’t know what to do with a volunteer! I persisted and later landed a volunteer spot before I went to vet school, then kept coming back during school. At graduation, Family Pet didn’t have room for another vet, so I worked at another hospital for 2 years until a spot opened up. (Two VERY LONG years, I might add.)
Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was an economics major in undergrad, and had virtually no science in my background, so I had to go back to school to take biology, chemistry, physics, etc. before I could apply to vet school.
What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing veterinarian?
What is my dog allergic to? What is the best food to feed my pet? How long will my pet live? (All, by the way, virtually unanswerable questions.)
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Inattention. By whom? Owners, veterinarians, day care supervisors, dog park visitors, pet sitters We’re all responsible for the safety and health of our companion animals.
What animal scares you more than any other?
Hands down, crocodiles. A few years ago I was on a research expedition in Brazil, and while paddling a canoe down a river, I was surrounded by stealthy crocs. I froze and it was one of the few times in my life I truly felt panicked.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would love to be an editor. I’m not very creative, but I can usually take what someone else has written and make it better. In my fantasy world, though, I would be a Supreme Court Justice, but without the need for congressional approval.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Making sure that every year is better than the last
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Reading (I’m on my fifth or sixth read of A Son of the Circus right now); gardening, although it always gets the best of me; Pilates (thank you Frog Temple for giving me the only exercise I have ever stuck with); watching HGTV; making my pets happy, which gives me the most happiness in the world.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Costa Rica. It’s got everything I love.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Pot Pies from 404 Wine Bar.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Drivers who think the yellow light means to speed up. When did they stop teaching that it is illegal to enter an intersection when the light is yellow? That behavior is rude, dangerous, and most of all arrogant. So I guess that truthfully, the answer is “arrogance” .
Who are your heroes?
This is the easiest question of all. Jane Goodall.
Name 5 things that people might be surprised to know about you:
Since I wear my heart on my sleeve, I can’t imagine there’s anything that’s not known about me. But here goes:
1) I lived in the jungles of Borneo for 6 months, at an orangutan research facility.
2) OK, that’s all I can think of.
What is your favorite quotation?
“No man made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little”
I have no idea who said that, but it has always resonated with me.
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Amy Ujiki, DVM (pictured with Margot)
graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her clinical year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. She joined Family Pet in 1994 as a technician while still in high school, and continued working here during her summer and winter vacations while completing her undergraduate degree in New York. We eagerly welcomed Dr Amy as an associate veterinarian as soon as she graduated from vet school!
What made you want to become a vet?
I couldn’t imagine working without animals in my life and I come from a medical family which made veterinary medicine the perfect career choice for me.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would either own my own flower shop or search for a career that would allow me to travel the world.
What animal scares you more than any other?
All insects big or small…even ladybugs!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian and my relationship with my husband who is also a veterinarian.
How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I started at Family Pet as a high school volunteer and immediately fell in love with the hospital and all of the patients. The people at Family Pet became a second family to me and I feel privileged to be a part of such a special practice.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
I enjoy golf, movies, knitting, cooking, gardening, (and silly reality shows are a guilty pleasure).
What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
I’ve worked on a lynx, capuchin monkey and a camel.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Obesity has become a growing problem in veterinary medicine (no pun intended).
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere and everywhere…I love to travel. Some favorites include: Sydney, Sienna, Paris, and St. Barths.
What was your minor in college?
Major: Environmental Science. Minor: Religion
What is your favorite comfort food?
Pretty much all food makes me happy.
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Sarah Blair, DVM, DABVP (pictured with Simon)
graduated from Kansas State University in 1999 and was certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine & Feline Medicine in November 2009. She completed her internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood FL, and continued working there until she and her husband moved to Chicago. When we called references at her previous 20-doctor practice, we were told by one of the senior veterinarians: “Sarah is outstanding in every way. Don’t spend another minute on the phone with me – Hang up and hire her right now!” We did just that, and have loved every minute with Dr Sarah working as our Emergency Doctor since August of 2006.
What made you want to become a vet?
I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five years old, and have few memories before that! My parents were so encouraging and supportive the entire time, which was very helpful for the long journey. I worked for Dr John Teeter in Kansas City and he was the most influential in getting me through.
Have you practiced anywhere besides Family Pet?
I practiced in Hollywood FL for 7 years prior to joining Family Pet.
Did you study anything besides veterinary medicine in school?
I was pretty focused, but my favorite elective courses were things like guitar, horse training (no joke – I got credit for this!) and volleyball.
What are the most common questions you answer as a practicing vet?
“What would you do if this were your pet? – The hardest question, because every situation, companion, and illness is different.
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
I don’t think there is one moment – But the best thing is when a pet gets to leave the hospital feeling better than when it come in, no matter the severity or duration of the illness. So much is our of our control, so when a treatment plan goes well, everyone is happy!
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would be a travel writer - not that I’m a fantastic writer, but it would be great going all over the world for “research”.
What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes – They’re just creepy.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Key West, Florida or Queenstown, New Zealand.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Pizza or s’mores (but not at the same time!)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel, crafts, read, exercise.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who aren’t nice to the front desk staff. Everyone has the same goal, to take care of the pets, and being impatient or rude to people doesn’t help anyone involved.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Probably getting through vet school, and then my internship, where I learned to manage many difficult emergency and surgical cases.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
The Internet, when people use it to self-diagnose and medicate.
What is your favorite quotation?
“I pass this way but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer, nor neglect, for I shall not pass this way again.” This has been my favorite since high school, and it still holds true in so many life situations.
Mimi Kim, DVM (pictured with Nika and Petey)
graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2004 after completing her clinical year at University of Wisconsin-Madison. After completing an internship in 2005 at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City, she went on to practice at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan. She has worked on cases with the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, and has appeared on “Animal Precinct” on the Animal Planet network. Dr Mimi is originally from the Chicago area, and we were delighted to welcome her back home and into Family Pet as an associate veterinarian in April of 2007.
Where did you attend vet school and why?
Ross University in St. Kits. I worked with a Chicago vet that attended Ross and highly recommended it. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable years of my life.
What made you want to become a vet?
As a kid I always gravitated toward animals and felt happiest when I was around them. Later, I became interested in science and medicine and now I can’t imagine not being a veterinarian.
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Three stray pit bull puppies were brought in by the NYC Humane Law Enforcement Agency. They were severely hypothermic, emaciated, flea infected and hardly holding on to life. I worked on these puppies with 2 LVTs for several hours to stabilize them and support them through their shock. Months later I found out that all 3 were adopted out to separate homes. Its cases like this one that reminds, me why I love what I do everyday.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
Be a chef and make people full and happy.
What animal scares you more than any other?
Snakes and worms!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Becoming the first doctor in my family.
How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I had always heard great things about Family Pet when I was a vet tech around Chicago. Thankfully they were hiring when I moved back from New York.
What do like to do with your spare time?
Watch movies, workout, read, cook and do anything with my dogs.
What do you see as the greatest danger toward household pets?
Hi rise syndrome in cats was a big problem in NYC due to the lack of screens in buildings. It is easily prevented with screens from your local hardware store and a little education.
What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
Alpaca
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere warm, near water with good food!
What is your favorite comfort food?
Rice Krispy treats, chocolate and french fries.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Bad drivers.
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Kathi Berman, DVM (pictured with Dusty and Brenda)
graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Illinois: College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. In 2001, she received a CVMA Scholarship for her intent to benefit the veterinary profession in the Chicago area after graduation. Other veterinary school awards include:
• CVMA President's Scholastic Award - for excellence in small animal medicine and surgery.
• Sophie's Golden Heart Award - for excellence in cardiology.
• Dr. Beryl D. and Renee Mell Award - for compassion in dealing with the bond that exists between small animal companions and their owners.
Kathi first joined Family Pet in 1999, working as both receptionist and technician, and we were thrilled to welcome her as an associate veterinarian immediately upon her graduation!
What made you want to become a vet?
Working at the University of Chicago in a research lab made me evaluate my opinions regarding animals and their role in our lives… Shortly thereafter I changed my career path from medical school to veterinary school. Thank God for those rats!
What has been your most rewarding moment as a vet?
Saving a 5-month-old severely anemic cat. She presented with too little blood to live and after 2 weeks of aggressive treatment (and lots of love!) she was running around like a kitten again! Her purr soothes me to this day.
If you weren't a vet, what would you do?
Living in Whistler B.C. with a pet-friendly bed & breakfast, skiing my life away!
What animal scares you more than any other?
COCKROACHES! Seeing one only means there are generations more hiding in the dark corners!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Being the first college and doctorate graduate of my family.
How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
I came to meet a friend for dinner one Friday night and was lucky enough to meet Marla – We hit it off and I began working weekends as a receptionist. That turned into summers and vacations as a receptionist and technician throughout vet school… and they asked me back! That was one of my very happiest days!
What do you like to do with your spare time?
Kickbox, read (anything I can get my hands on!), knit, music, yoga.
What do you see as the greatest danger towards household pets?
Self-medicating performed by well-intentioned owners – Ibuprofen, Tylenol and Aleve are toxic but many people don’t realize this.
What is the most exotic animal you have treated?
A tiger - In vet school we had to correct a fractured tooth. Her paws were unbelievably big… she was beautiful.
What are some of your favorite things?
Favorite vacation spots: 1) Donnelly, Idaho. 2) Whistler, British Columbia. 3) Telluride, Colorado. Favorite color: Purple. Favorite day: Friday. Favorite animal: Domestic cat. Favorite drink: Coffee.
What was your minor in college?
Major: Biology. Minor: Women’s Studies and History.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Mashed potatoes, matzoh ball soup, pizza, macaroni & cheese (not in the same meal!)
What is your biggest pet peeve (non-animal related)?
Mean people… There’s just no need.
Lynn Lewin, VMD (pictured with Philly)
graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, after her first career as a biomechanical engineer (BS Biological Engineering, Cornell University College of Engineering, 2000.) She completed a veterinary externship at Guide Dogs for the Blind in Northern California, along with extra orthopedic rotations and research in hip dysplaisia, prior to also completing a veterinary externship here at Family Pet. We are very excited to welcome Dr Lynn as the newest rising star associate veterinarian at Family Pet!
Barb Gertz, DVM (pictured with Ellie, 1999-2011)
graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, followed by a small animal internship at a private referral practice in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Barb started working for Family Pet as a relief veterinarian in 2005, and in 2010 we were pleased to bring her on board as our full-time Emergency Doctor.
What made you want to become a vet?
Of course I love animals, but what really made me want to become a veterinarian was my first dog “Duffy”. Duffy came to our family as a puppy when I was 2 years old and he was like another sibling to me. When I was 16 he became very ill, and I was devastated. That is when I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian so that I could help his kind in the future.
How did you find yourself at Family Pet?
After my veterinary internship in Atlanta, I moved back home to Chicago where I continued to work in emergency medicine at a 24-hour emergency and referral hospital. I started working as a relief veterinarian at Family Pet in 2005 while continuing to work at another emergency and referral hospital in the northern suburbs. Recently I had been looking for a change of pace in my career, and Family Pet needed an ER doctor, so it seemed like a perfect match.
Have you practiced anywhere besides Family Pet?
I have worked at a few veterinary emergency hospitals in the Chicago area. Most recently I have been a part of a large emergency and referral practice where I still work on occasion. I am fortunate to have been able to work in so many great places and learn from specialists in the field.
What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian?
Being a part of a team of veterinarians working to save a dog who was not expected to survive. Pepper came into the hospital after she had not been feeling well for about 2 days. It turned out that she had eaten a nylon which became stuck in her intestinal tract and caused her intestines to perforate. She was in the hospital for about 4 weeks and underwent 5 surgeries. As time went on and she needed more transfusions and more intense care, people did not expect her to survive. For some reason I felt like she could recover, and I would ignore all of the thoughts of hopelessness. After a very long time in the hospital and an occasional setback, she is back to her normal self. If I had to pick one, Pepper was by far the most medically rewarding patient in my career so far.
If you weren’t a vet, what would you do?
I would still work with animals in some capacity. Maybe I would come up with my own animal career! I’m not sure what it would be, but thank goodness I do not have to do that.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
It is tough to pick one place. I am torn between the mountains and the ocean. Last summer I was in Alaska and I loved it. I just love to travel in general.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I have a weakness for cookies.
Marla Minuskin, DVM (pictured with Lefty, 1996-2010, and Jack)
co-founder of Family Pet Animal Hospital in 1990, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After taking an extended medical leave from June 2009 – June 2010, Dr Marla made the difficult decision to retire from active veterinary practice to focus on her health. She is responding well to continuing treatment for lung cancer. Though we all miss seeing her every day, Marla remains an owner of Family Pet and a beloved member of our family – We wish her all the best.
