Meet Our Doctors and Staff
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Jeff Hirsch, DVMJeff was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Arizona State University for his undergraduate degree and graduated in 1989. Jeff received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1997 from Colorado State University. His senior year he won the American Association of Feline Practioners 'Student of the Year' award. Jeff returned to Phoenix and worked at Carmel Animal Hospital. In 1999 he purchased the practice from the retiring owner, and had a successful business through 2008. In the spring of 2009 Jeff and his family moved to Cedaredge, Colorado and in 2011 opened Surface Creek Vet Center. Jeff has an interest in feline medicine and endocrine disorders(such as diabetes, Cushings disease, hypo- and hyper-thyroidism, and Addisons disease). Jeff spends his time working on and in the clinic, chasing the kids around, and trying to relax.
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Susie Hirsch, DVMSusie was born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado. She attended Colorado State University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. Susie received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1997. She practiced at a mixed animal clinic in Flagstaff, Arizona for 2 years before joining Jeff at Carmel Animal Hospital in Phoenix. In 2003 with the birth of their first child, Susie cut back to part time at the clinic, specializing in surgery. The hospital was successful and a great place to work until closing at the end of 2008. At that time the Hirsch family moved to Cedaredge, Colorado and in 2011 opened Surface Creek Vet Center. Susie enjoys working on a wide variety of animals, with an emphasis on the ruminants (alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats, and cattle). Susie and Jeff have four children and are active in their church and the community.
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Jessica Neil, DVMWe are very pleased that Dr. Neil has joined our practice! She is a native of Colorado, having grown up just down the road in Hotchkiss. Dr. Neil and her husband, Tanner, are happy to be back in western Colorado and are ready to stay. Dr. Neil attended Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduation she spent a year in Kentucky at an all equine practice before coming to join us. She enjoys working with small animals as well as horses and cattle and small ruminants. Dr. Neil had a cute baby girl in June of 2023 and sometimes she spends time at the clinic. Their family enjoys outdoor activities, livestock, gardening and working on their home.
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Barb BurnettBarb is one of our receptionists, and we are glad to have her! Some of you may recognize her from her previous local business, Leisure Time Sports. She took some time to play after closing that business, and now is working in the clinic as our receptionist. She and her husband enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, and camping and jeeping during the summer. She has two cats at home and loves to see you and your pets at the clinic!
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Melinda JeanMelinda, or Moe as she likes to be called, is an Arizona transplant and one of our veterinary technicians. She moved to the area in July of 2021 with her husband, two of three sons and her mother. They are currently building a house on her in-law's property. Melinda previously worked as a technician at a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic in Phoenix for 13 years. The pace is a little slower here, and she likes that not all her patients are in for emergencies! We enjoy her happy demeanor, knowledge and skills. She is a great addition to our stellar crew!
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Brooke KlaseenBrooke only works occasionally now, as she is a full time teacher at Garnet Mesa elementary school. She has worked at SCVC off and on since the summer after her freshman year at Western State. Brooke grew up around cows, dogs and sheep, and is good with all the species we see here at the clinic.
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Heather GrahamHeather is one of our receptionists and training to be a technician as well! She is currently working part-time and attending college at Colorado Mesa University. Heather and her family moved here from California a few years ago, looking for a quieter and more conservative environment. Heather enjoys family time and outdoor activities.
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Peek-a-Boo
Peek had a rough start to his life, and was brought in by a client who found him by the road. He was just a few days old and had a herpes virus infection in both eyes, which weren't open yet! We treated him and bottle fed him, and when he grew a little we had to remove one eye. His other eye is cloudy, but he can still see you! He is the honorary "Big Brother" of Stevie Wonder, and keeps us all on our toes. Stevie WonderStevie also had a rough start, brought in by TAILS from Delta in August of 2018. He was found by a dumpster in a coma and blind. He improved and gained his sight after a few weeks, although he is still a little "special". He is a cuddly little guy when he's in the office , but very nervous otherwise. He does like going on farm calls in the vet truck, and has earned the nickname "Truck Cat."
In Memorium:
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