About Me
Personal Profile
Being a veterinary dermatologist is the best job in the world. I get to help people and their beloved pets live a better, healthier life by creating a unique, personalized medical and root-cause management plan for whatever disease they are facing.
Here's a little bit about me - and how I got here!
Professional History
Past Positions
Being a lifelong learner is a trait that is really important to me, and that all began as a student at Noble and Greenough School. We were taught to love learning, to be curious about the world, and to take risks. I left Nobles with a commitment to public service and - to this day - believe that I give back by doing the work that I do.
Animal Care and Adoption Center Manager/Director, MSPCA-Angell
2005-2010
Before becoming a veterinarian, I worked in shelters. In fact, I started my career as a volunteer at the MSPCA in Brockton (now APCSM) at the age of 15. I loved working in shelters because you got to see it all; it is truly a place where humanity and animals collide. Being able to serve my community in this role was an honor; I did my best. It brings me such pride to look at where our shelters are going and how far we have come. And, I love that I am still part of the same organization that I devoted so much of my life to - just in a different capacity. MSPCA-Angell truly is an organization like no other.
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
2010-2014
I loved being a veterinarian student at Tufts! I learned so much there - including how to examine sheep (above), spay a dog, study hard, and become a dedicated clinician. Tufts laid such an incredible foundation for me to grow from. And, it was there where I learned that I loved veterinary dermatology thanks to the amazing mentors that I had - Dr. Lluis Ferrer and Dr. Andrea Lam. It was a challenging four years, but some of the best of my life.
Residency - Veterinary Dermatology,
Animal Dermatology Group & Veterinary Healing Arts
2014-2018
A residency is a time when you dedicate your studies and clinical time to a specific subject with the goal of becoming a board-certified specialist in that particular area. The veterinary dermatology residency is a 3-year commitment and requires individuals to publish a peer-reviewed research article, two case reports, and reach numerous clinical milestones. I had incredible mentorship and learned from the best of the best! At the end of residency, you sit for board examination which was a 2-day examination involving histopathology assessment, clinical application of knowledge sections, and more. I passed on the first try and officially became a Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist®. Pictured above are my resident-mates: Nellie Choi (DACVD, Hong Kong), Alicia Web-Milum (DACVD, Oklahoma), Austin Richman (DACVD, Los Angeles).
Veterinary Dermatologist, San Francisco Veterinary Specialists
2018-2020
My first job as a veterinary dermatologist was in the magical city of San Francisco! We came here when I was pregnant with our daughter, Claire, in 2018. My husband was stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma, CA. I had a lot of fun learning the ropes of being a newly minted dermatologist in a really cool city. And, I honestly loved driving over the Golden Gate Bridge twice a day. These were formative years for our family - and will always be remembered fondly.
Present
I founded a company called Live, Learn, Vet (formerly The Allergic Dog) in 2020 because I wanted to create a resource for veterinarians and pet owners to learn more about allergic skin and ear disease in dogs and cats. Over time, this has evolved to be a course website where veterinarians can learn more about medical management, ear disease, immunotherapy, and so much more! I love supporting general practitioners - and the families that they serve. It's a great way to give back to my profession!
Angell-West, Waltham MA
Present
Building a dermatology service at Angell-West is a dream come true! I love being a part of this amazing satellite hospital of the MSPCA-Angell. My technicians are top-notch, caring individuals who love what they do - and love supporting the lives of our patients and their families. Our support staff is incredible - pharmacy technicians, client service representatives, maintenance folks, medical leadership - and they all make working at this hospital the best.
REVIEWER
I am a reviewer for JAVMA and Veterinary Dermatology journals
MENTOR
I mentor interns and externs who rotate through Angell.
WRITER
Philosophy major meets veterinary dermatologist.
LECTURER
I love to lecture to small and large audiences nationally.
"We have nothing but love for Dr. Painter. She has helped us through so much with Beau - and every step of the way, she showed that she cared."
Amy and Beau - Watertown, MA
Contact Me
If you would like to contact me to learn more about how we can work together, fill out this form!