Doctor Spotlight: Meet Dr. Jamie Cheshier!

As Dr. Jamie Cheshier reflects on her 13+ year career, it’s hard to imagine her as anything other than a veterinarian. But, she says, this profession found her during her undergrad where she studied psychology and evolutionary/biology. “I distinctly remember how much I loved my class on primate behavior,” she recalls. “And still, I was trying to figure out my next steps, thinking about medical school or becoming a Physician’s Assistant.”

We’re so grateful she found her calling in vet med instead! With her passion for preventative medicine and treating senior/geriatric pets, Dr. Cheshire is a compassionate partner in each patient’s care. This month, we caught up with her about pet dental health tips, advice for new pet parents, and the role of Mountainside Veterinary Hospital in serving the Beaverton community. 

Get to Know Dr. Jamie Cheshier

Can you tell us more about your path to becoming a veterinarian? When and how did you know it was the right career for you?  

JC: In undergrad, my best friend of 10+ years mentioned to me that she thought I should pursue veterinary school. I took her words to heart and in the midst of all my human health applications, I also applied to veterinary school. As I went through interviews, the conversations with the veterinary programs came more naturally and spoke to my heart more. The rest is history. 

I chose to attend the veterinary program at Washington State University and things have worked out beautifully. This is a profession that combines my interests in healthcare and science with my love of animals into one amazing career. 

What do you find most inspiring about caring for pets? 

JC: The connection between people and pets and the beauty of the human-animal bond inspires me all the time. We rely on animals for laughter, comfort, strength, companionship, and more. They rely on us to care for them, be patient, kind, and true. It is an honor to be a trusted partner in the relationship people have with their pets. 

One of the best and most rewarding parts of my job is connecting with my patients and clients to offer insight and expertise. Being a part of the relationship that people share with animals is something truly remarkable.

Can you tell us a little more about your passion for caring for senior/geriatric patients? 

JC: Older pets tend to know their likes and dislikes and their people have a keen sense of what brings that pet joy. They also know what enriches their bond with the pet. Cases tend to be a bit more complex in seniors, who may have multiple health concerns. There is often a need to balance chronic conditions with acute care. 

I enjoy working through the patient histories and clinical signs to find the root cause of the challenges that senior pets and their people encounter. It’s rewarding to find strategies and solutions to maintain mobility, comfort, and joy for my patients as their bodies mature. 

Plus, I just can’t resist those sweet gray muzzles and white whiskers. 

What’s new and exciting in the field of veterinary medicine? Any new developments you’re looking forward to? 

JC: Veterinary medicine, much like human health, is continuously growing, innovating, and exploring new treatment methods. There are new medications emerging for pain management, allergic skin disease, parasite control, endocrine diseases and more. It's an incredibly exciting and creative time. 

We are also facing challenges and sometimes struggle to provide care for all the pets in need. Shortages in veterinarians and support staff, financial constraints, rising costs, and the ability to do our best for as many as possible is a continuous challenge. I am incredibly optimistic though. Innovation, intelligence, and collaboration abound. 

I love the increase in urgent care practices that bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care. We are seeing an increase in the use of technologies that improve care in the clinic, home monitoring abilities, and early disease detection, all of which positively impact patient care. 

I think we must realize that veterinary medicine is not a one-size-fits-all healthcare provider. In order to help as many pets as possible we need to be open to exploring new ideas, new treatments, and a spectrum of care for our patients. The ability of practitioners to proactively and preemptively discuss the cost of care is becoming more widespread. Doing our best means doing our best in the time, place, and boundaries presented by an individual’s situation while still working diligently to find solutions that improve the health and well-being of our patients. 

This month, we’re also blogging about the importance of pet dental health. What do you wish owners knew about their pets’ dental care? 

JC: I want people to know that it is important to stay on top of dental care in whatever way they can. Home dental care is great and can slow the progression of disease. Talk to us about the options available and what might be both accepted by your pet and your lifestyle. Also, regular cleanings really do help limit teeth having to be extracted due to advanced periodontal disease.

Speaking of extractions… please avoid bones and super hard treats and chews. The risk of tooth fracture (and subsequent need for extraction) is real. There are a number of chews recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) that can maximize benefit and minimize risk. And if choosing a treat or chew that is not on the VOHC list, talk to us about how to assess the risks and benefits for you and your pet. 

What role do you think MVH plays in the community? How do you see the clinic growing and supporting the community? 

JC: MVH is an extension of the joy, love, and connection our community has for its pets. We are here to serve, educate, and celebrate the role pets have in our lives and the health of the community. We strive to be an approachable source for information and petcare as well as an ally in the health of Beaverton, the scientific community, and the veterinary community.  

I see MVH participating in the community fairs, school career days, public health information events, and more. We want to be a visible and interactive part of this wonderful community that we call home!

Do you have a most memorable patient or moment during your career in veterinary medicine?  

JC: One of my most memorable moments/patients was a sweet, gentle dog who presented to me with a temperature  of 109 degrees after accidentally being left in a hot car. The family was devastated, the dog was in really bad shape, and statistically, the odds were stacked against us being able to save him. 

Through experience, and the knowledge on how to treat heat stroke appropriately, the collaborative actions of our incredible team, and what must have been a bit of luck too, we not only stabilized him, but he went on to make a full recovery. 

The teamwork, dedication, and flawless execution of care that day was incredible. And being able to transform the family’s guilt and heartache into joy and many more years with their sweet boy was a feeling I’ll never forget. Something magical happened with that case and I dubbed him “The Dog Who Lived.” (A Harry Potter reference for those unfamiliar)

Any advice for new or first-time pet owners?

JC: Don’t underestimate how important socialization and training is in the health and well-being of your pet and your relationship with them. Be proactive, ask questions, read books and articles, work with your veterinarian and reputable trainers to address challenges early and create a happy, healthy, well adapted pet. Doing this work will benefit you, your pet, and the bond you have immensely.

When you’re not at the clinic, what are you up to? Hobbies, organizations, interests, etc? 

JC: Between work, the pandemic, and completing an MBA in Healthcare Administration, I was pretty busy and homebound for a few years. Now I am enjoying the rediscovery of my hobbies and outside interests. Hiking, gardening, home improvement projects, and travel delight me. I also enjoy dinners out with friends and nights at home with my family and 17-year old cat.

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