Since Dr. Katie Malehorn opened her veterinary practice, the primary purpose has been to offer better medicine, top-notch surgery, and premier customer service. That exemplary “gold standard of medical care” continues with every new hire, every human client, and every beloved pet.
One aspect of veterinary medicine that is noteworthy to consider is that an estimated 95 percent of Americans recently surveyed considered pets to be like family members, a tremendous increase compared to 20+ years ago.
As a result, Dr. Katie said this has greatly altered the overall industry's approach to veterinary medicine. “People’s pets have become cherished family members. This has changed how we spend time with our pet parents, and the comprehensive care that we provide.”
Dr. Monica Calderon and Dr. Kara Dougherty, who have joined Veterinary Park Potomac, have been welcomed by the community with open arms. At a time of continuous corporate buyouts, this is one of very few privately owned practices, which allows these medical professionals to offer the highest level of care; a definite attraction for the two new veterinarians.
“Dr. Monica and Dr. Kara are amazingly talented women whose skills complement one another” explained Dr. Katie. “The level of expertise they provide to the team aligns with the core values of the practice.”
What stands out about Dr. Kara, is “her approach to medicine, which includes a steady hand, outstanding instincts, and strong listening skills,” which are especially helpful with cardiac and internal medicine cases.
“Listening is especially important in the practice of medicine,” added Dr. Katie. “A lot of practitioners like to hear themselves talk, but one who listens and takes in everything from the humans and comes up with a plan is a gift.”
Complementing all of her other talents, “Dr. Monica has such passion for veterinary medicine that it is difficult to be in the same room with her and not be excited,” Dr. Katie said.
“With each difficult case and diagnosis, it is easy to feel defeated, but she is deeply committed to helping people and their pets. Our clients have picked up on it and the positive response to her care has been contagious.”
A Warm Welcome to Dr. Monica Calderon
Dr. Monica Calderon, who joined the vet practice in August 2024, graduated the year before from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, after a rotating internship at the Friendship Hospital for Animals. “I have a passion for behavior medicine and reducing stress for our pets.”
She fell in love with sea turtles and aquatic medicine as a sophomore in college, but her goals changed and she became enthralled with small animal medicine. “I am happy with the path that came from it,” she says.
“I want to make sure we are always doing right by our patients. I am a big talker and educator when I am in the room. I always want to make sure the client knows what’s going on with their pet.”
Introducing Dr. Kara Dougherty
A New York native, Dr. Kara Dougherty graduated from the University of Miami Veterinary School in May 2023, but she knew her career aspirations from childhood. Her mother’s love for nursing also added to her passion.
“From age five I knew I wanted to become a vet. I grew up horseback riding and I was on the equestrian team at college in Cornell,” Dr. Kara said. She first considered Marine Science, but after a rotating internship during her first-year residency, including intensive training with the best specialists in their fields, she decided on her path. “I enjoy general practice, because of the follow-up, and forming relationships with the patients.”
She joined Veterinary Park Potomac in October 2024 and isn’t looking back. “It is obvious how much the staff members care about each client and their pets. Dr. Katie has been such a wonderful mentor to me, and I love hearing Dr. Monica’s ideas,” Dr. Kara said. “Every day I come to work excited to learn and to grow my client base and know-how.”
The Importance of Dental Care for Our Pets
One aspect of animal care, that all of these veterinarians are concerned about is oral health for pets, especially with February being National Pet Dental Health Month as designated by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Katie tries to communicate to her human clients that a pet’s oral health is related to longevity and quality of life. Periodontal problems often lead to loss of bone, and animal patients in those later years have pain and discomfort, falls, and fractures.
“In our industry and this practice, it is all about how we can make the changes now to the family’s approach at home,” she said, “and with routine cleanings we do it so we don’t have those sad cases in the later years.”
Loving Your Work with Humans and Their Pets
Overall, Dr. Katie says what the practice’s new veterinarians all share with her is a deep passion for their work. “There is no way to show up in this industry without loving what you do,” she said. “We are absolutely honored that our clients choose us to care for their pets.”
For More Information:
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Contact Info
- Phone: 240-728-2550
- Email: hello@veterinaryparkpotomac.com
- Address: 12525 Park Potomac Ave, Suite E Potomac, MD. 20854