Shadi J. Ireifej, D.V.M. ’06

Dr. Ireifej’s love for surgery began before veterinary school, during veterinary volunteer and work positions, then grew during his undergraduate and veterinary education. After receiving his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2006, Dr. Ireifej completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Angel Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts in 2007, followed by two one-year small animal surgical internships at Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York.   Dr. Ireifej achieved his board certification in small animal surgery by completing a three-year small animal surgery residency at LIVS (2012), becoming a Diplomat for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS).  After operating for almost 10 years at LIVS, Dr. Ireifej elected for warmer weather, and transplanted to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016. Dr. Ireifej then operated in numerous multispecialty and emergency veterinary hospitals across the United States, as both a surgeon, hospital owner, and department head of emergency/critical care as well as multiple specialties.

In 2017, Dr. Ireifej changed gears in his career, creating a novel and state-of-the-art means of reaching concerned pet owners and their ailing pets worldwide, VetTriage. Dr. Ireifej currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer. His main three goals with his career and the VetTriage platform is (1) spearhead the movement with veterinary telehealth, (2) improve the access and spectrum of care by providing concerned pet owners a convenient and affordable means of seeking veterinary advice, and (3) to aid colleagues in brick and mortar who have been suffering from veterinary shortages, staff shortages, long work hours, mental health concerns, and so many other contributors to work-life imbalance and a poor quality of life inside and outside the clinic.

Shadi has been published in scientific and medical journals and enjoys lecturing to a variety of audiences. He is known for being a positive and energetic force, both professionally and personally. He has since been featured on numerous media outlets and is frequently sought after for giving talks on veterinary medicine and how to empower up-and-coming veterinary professionals so that they have the tools necessary for a successful and rewarding career.

Paula Ospina, D.V.M. ’03, Ph.D. '12, M.P.H.

Dr. Paula Ospina, originally from Cali, Colombia, and raised in the LA area of Southern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona before earning her DVM at Cornell University. After practicing small animal medicine in California, Dr. Ospina pursued a Master's of Public Health at UC Davis. This was followed by a return to Cornell for a PhD in Epidemiology, and a 6 year army reserve commitment. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Ospina has consistently worked in urgent care veterinary settings, gaining extensive experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to urgent care work, culminating in the establishment of her own urgent veterinary care hospital in Auburn, New York, roughly an hour north of Cornell.

In her personal life, Dr. Ospina enjoys renovating her home and rental properties with her husband, and spending time with their three young children. Professionally, she focuses on bridging the care gap between emergency veterinary services and general practice, addressing a pressing need in the area. Dr. Ospina is proud to be part of the Cornell community and is enthusiastic about mentoring students and contributing to the local veterinary landscape. She is pleased to join the team and looks forward to collaborative growth and service.

Cherese Sullivan, D.V.M. '10, M.S.

Dr. Cherese Sullivan is a small animal and exotics veterinarian, as well as the proud co-owner of Skyline Animal Hospital in Houston, Texas.  Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University, preceded by a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from Tuskegee University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience from Penn State University. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Sullivan has worked in general practice, emergency, and shelter medicine.  She is passionate about promoting diversity in the veterinary profession and is the former president of the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association.  She is also a member of the President's Council for Cornell Women.  In addition, she dedicates her time to mentoring aspiring students in STEM and veterinary medicine, helping to guide the next generation of leaders in the field.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Sullivan is an avid traveler who has explored 21 countries and counting. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their twin children, and their beloved Golden Retriever, Cash.