Dr. Lisa Mahlum has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. Growing up on a small family farm in Southern California, she developed an early love for animals and knew from a young age that veterinary medicine was her calling. Her family later moved to Portland, Oregon, where she spent her middle and high school years.

Before pursuing veterinary medicine, Dr. Mahlum earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, experiences that strengthened her scientific foundation and prepared her for a career in medicine. She then attended the Oregon State University/Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with her DVM in 2006.

After veterinary school, Dr. Mahlum completed a rotating internship followed by a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Her training shaped her passion for providing exceptional care to critically ill and injured patients while also reinforcing the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and lifelong learning in veterinary medicine.

Today, Dr. Mahlum is fortunate to combine her love of emergency and critical care with her role as a hospital owner. She is deeply committed to creating a positive hospital culture where people enjoy coming to work, feel supported, and have opportunities to grow professionally. She also enjoys sharing her passion for medicine by teaching, mentoring, and collaborating with colleagues.

Outside of work, Dr. Mahlum’s greatest joy is spending time with her amazing family. They love traveling the world together and experiencing new cultures, places, and adventures. She truly loves what she does and feels grateful every day to be part of a profession that allows her to care for animals, support their families, and help build a workplace where others can thrive.