Archive for the Our Staff Category

Dr. Becker brought his dog, Min, to work and we fell in love!

Kayla came to see Dr. Kim Carey at ACCESS Los Angeles to have a bump on her leg looked at. She smiled before, during, and after her exam, especially when we snuggled her!

 
Dr. Robby Powers-Davis recently took charge of the ACCESS –South Bay Neurology and Neurosurgery service, where he holds appointments Tuesday through Friday and helps to provide 24/7 neurology and neurosurgical emergency coverage to our LA and South Bay locations.

The former bassist of a punk band, Robby comes to us with a wealth of neurology experience. He has quite an interesting origin story, so we sat down with him to learn more about what makes him tick.

How did Robby decide to work in veterinary medicine?
He began as an honors Economic major at UCSD, where he was given presentations by people who were financially driven, which did not sit well with him.
Then one day, Robby was visiting the Getty and came across a work by Monet. He was completely moved by it and knew then and there he wanted to become a veterinarian. He then pursued a specialty career in veterinary neurology because he found the logic-based field exciting and interesting.

What brought him to ACCESS?
Robby grew up in Dana Point, California and wanted to come back to Southern California after school, an internship, and a residency. He actually had several choices in where to work—a practice in San Francisco, a practice in Hong Kong, or ACCESS in Los Angeles—and he chose ACCESS.

What is Robby’s favorite animal and why?
Elephants! Prior to joining the neurology department at ACCESS Los Angeles, Robby spent three months traveling. His trip took him to Thailand where he worked as a veterinarian for a week, treating elephants who had traumatic injuries from landmines.

What would he be doing if he weren’t at ACCESS?
Outside of veterinary medicine, Robby’s mind is still set on helping others, which is why he could see himself being a public interest lawyer where he could help non-profits.

What is Robby’s favorite meal and the best thing he cooks?
Robby is a burrito lover who whips up a mean balsamic pulled pork, carefully cooked in a slow cooker.

What is his favorite procedure to see or do?
Robby truly enjoys performing back and brain surgeries as well as tumor removals. He finds himself calm and focused inside of the OR with a clear, sharp mind.

What is one thing Robby wishes pet owners would start doing?
Pay better attention to your pet’s diet, as being overweight can cause a hefty helping of issues in animals. “I don’t understand how a dog could be fat,” says Robby, adding in to check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

In addition to being known for his extreme bandage art during his residency, Robby found his dog, Amelie. She had come in paralyzed with a broken neck and surgery wasn’t an option. Luckily, the rescue who had Amelie saw the bond between the two and she went home to live with Robby. Over the course of three months, Robby bandaged Amelie from her head to her torso to help heal her neck. He pulled her around in a little red wagon until she was ready to be walked in a sling and from there, Robby taught her how to walk again.

We’re lucky to have Dr. Powers-Davis on our team, with his compassion, knowledge, musical skills, and personality! If you’d like to speak with him, give him a call at (310) 320-8300 to schedule a consultation.

Yolie has worked at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital Los Angeles for eight years and in that time she’s been a receptionist, doctor’s assistant, and most importantly—compassionate. She loves muscle cars and even used to legally race her raised Mustang, having to replace her tires often due to the wear and tear from showing it off! Knowing all of that, we just had to learn more about her!

How did Yolie decide to work in veterinary medicine?
Yolie’s best friend’s husband worked at ACCESS and told her she absolutely had to check it out. Eight years later and she still loves it! 

Why did she choose Neurology?
Yolie likes that Neurology is something completely different that many people don’t know about. She enjoys being able to learn more about this specific specialty.

What brought Yolie to ACCESS?
After having such a strong recommendation from her friend, Yolie saw the opportunity for growth with the company and that’s what sold her. “Everyone is about growing your career here and pushing you to reach your highest potential. The doctors want to teach the staff. That’s powerful.”

What is her favorite animal and why?
“I love fat cats! When they’re cranky they’re just misunderstood.” 

Does Yolie collect anything?
Yolie is a major Hello Kitty fan. She has dozens of memorabilia ranging from blankets and bobble heads to hair brushes and sporks! She loves the adorable cartoon cat so much that she looks forward to attenting Hello Kitty events . Yolie also loves sneakers and has about 20 pairs!

What would she be doing if she weren’t with ACCESS?
Yolie truly loves helping others and can see herself being a Nurse in pediatric oncology or working with special needs children.

What is Yolie’s favorite meal and what is the best thing she cooks?
Yolie loves anything spicy and loves to cook fish ceviche for her friends and family.

What is her favorite subject in neurology?\
Yolie finds seizures to be an interesting subject. She loves educating her clients about how to care for their seizuring pet.

Yolie’s advice to pet owners:
“Research pet insurance companies and read the fine print to ensure you’re covered based on your needs. It’s also it also important not to always rely on Google for all your questions, your specialist is your best source.”

Yolie greets every day with a sense of focused optimism and we are so thankful to have the chance to work with her. Be sure to stop and chat with Yolie about fat cats, Hello Kitty, or souped-up cars the next time you see her!