Four Achieve Diplomate Status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology

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Animal Dermatology Clinic Marina del Rey is proud to announce that four people have achieved Diplomate status. Dr. Mollie Mesman, Dr. Catherine Milley, Dr. Charli Dong and Dr. Kimberly Lo join the ranks of nearly 300 board-certified veterinary dermatologists in the United States. To achieve board certification in dermatology, a licensed veterinarian must complete a three-year residency teaching program, publish original research in the field of animal dermatology and pass a rigorous two-day exam.

Dr. Mesman attended Louisiana State University graduating at the top 10 percent of her class and earning her doctorate of veterinary medicine in 2012. She completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. In July 2013, she began a residency with the Animal Dermatology Clinic Marina del Rey and obtained her Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in November 2016.

“I am very excited and proud to join the American College of Veterinary Dermatology,” Dr. Mesman said. “This is an accomplishment that I have been working towards for nearly 12 years. There were many obstacles during my journey, and I could not have succeeded without the support of my family, my colleagues and all of my mentors at Animal Dermatology Clinic.”

Dr. Milley earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Calgary and went on to graduate from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Following graduation, Dr. Milley worked at a small and large animal practice seeing patients both in the clinic and on the farm. She then spent six years practicing small animal medicine and surgery at a large hospital in Alberta, Canada. It was there that Dr. Milley discovered her passion for veterinary dermatology which led her to pursue a specialty career in the field. Dr. Milley accepted a residency position with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in July 2013 and obtained her Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in November 2016.

“I am thrilled to be accepted as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Dermatology,” Dr. Milley said. “This has been a goal of mine for many years, and I’m excited to see it become a reality. I am grateful for the support of Animal Dermatology Group and the guidance and mentorship I have had through my residency. I would like to thank my husband, family and friends for their encouragement, love, and unwavering support. I am looking forward to this next chapter!”

Dr. Dong earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in 2012. Prior to accepting a Residency position at Animal Dermatology Clinic in 2013, she completed a one-year rotating internship at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center. Dr. Dong obtained Diplomate status with the ACVD in November 2016.

“Achieving Diplomate status of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology has been a lifelong goal and I couldn’t have done it without the support from Animal Dermatology Clinic, my fellow resident-mates and my family,” Dr. Dong said. “I look forward to contributing to the college and assisting future residents in joining us in this growing field.”

Dr. Lo completed her Bachelor’s degree at UC San Diego and graduated in 2012 from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to accepting a residency position at Animal Dermatology Clinic, she completed a one-year rotating internship at VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. Her special interests include both allergies and autoimmune skin diseases. She currently sees cases in the Tustin, Mission Viejo and Ontario clinics. Dr. Lo obtained her Diplomate status with the ACVD in November 2016.

“I am so happy to now be a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, and am eternally grateful for the support from my family, friends, mentors and fellow residents over these past few years,” Dr. Lo said. “It is very exciting to begin a new chapter in my career. It still does not feel real, but I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

ACVD is the official specialty organization accredited by the American College of Veterinary Medical Association which maintains the high standards and post-graduate training and certification in veterinary dermatology.