Dr. Ashlea Erk with Atticus
DOYLESTOWN, PA, June 10, 2019—Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care announced today that associate veterinarian Dr. Ashlea Erk is leaving the practice to pursue an internal medicine specialization. She has cared for pets at the Doylestown practice since 2011.
“It’s been a difficult decision leave a position and clients that I love, yet it’s time to stretch myself professionally,” said Erk.
Dr. Erk will begin an internship at the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES) in Langhorne. An internship is a year-long intensive work-study program designed to prepare veterinarians for more advanced specialty training, and it is a pre-requisite for applying to residency programs.
“Internal medicine has been my primary interest since veterinary school, but I thought the opportunity for advanced study had passed. Most veterinarians choose either primary care or pursuit of a specialty field immediately following veterinary school graduation. I chose primary care and after 14 years, decided it’s never too late for new beginning. Now that my children are school aged, I have more time to focus on pursuing a passion,” added Erk.
Achieving Board certification as a veterinary internal medicine specialist requires admittance into a highly competitive three-year internal medicine residency program and completion of the program requirements, as well as passing a rigorous board examination.
“It’s been tough to say goodbye to the clients and pets that have made these last eight years professionally fulfilling. I’m grateful for the clients who allowed me the opportunity to partner with them in caring for their pets and for the trust they have placed in me,” added Erk.
Dr. Erk obtained her veterinary degree in 2005 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, which fulfilled her lifelong dream and goal of becoming a veterinarian. After graduation, she moved to Colorado and worked in private practice for several years. During that time, she completed certification in Veterinary Acupuncture at Colorado State University.
Her practice at Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care focused on a holistic approach to veterinary wellness. Dr. Erk integrated acupuncture, supplements, and nutrition into treatment plans, and enjoyed helping pet owners to truly understand their pet’s illness so that they could choose the best diagnostic and treatment plan for their family.
“Dr. Erk is a wonderful veterinarian, and we will truly miss working with her. As a certified veterinary acupuncturist, she has been an important part of the hospital’s growth in offering patients a more natural approach to wellness and healing therapy. Dr. Erk has the chance to pursue a professional goal she’s been thinking about for some time, and we couldn’t be more proud or happier for her to realize that dream,” said Drs. Laura and Randy Weis, owners of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care.
ABOUT DOYLESTOWN VETERINARY HOSPITAL & HOLISTIC PET CARE
Founded in 1972, Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care is a full-service small animal practice dedicated to compassionate, state-of-the-art veterinary care by providing exceptional medical and surgical care. By integrating conventional medicine with a range of holistic therapies offered at the practice, clients can receive a highly individualized approach to care for their pet. Drs. Randy and Laura Weis own and operate the veterinary hospital along with Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center, both located on a beautiful 50-acre property in Central Bucks County. For more information, call 215-345-6000 or visit: www.doylestownveterinaryhospital.com
