Doctor Spotlight: Meet Dr. Lisa Thrower!

After over 20 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Lisa Thrower’s favorite thing is still witnessing the deep connection between people and their pets. As a key part of Mountainside’s veterinary team, she’s kind, compassionate, and thoughtful. This month, we’re catching up with Dr. Thrower to learn more about her passion for veterinary medicine and her most interesting case to-date! Drum roll please… 

Meet Dr. Lisa Thrower 

Have you always known that you wanted to be a veterinarian? Did you grow up with lots of pets? 

LT: When I was growing up, my family never had any dogs, cats, or even pocket pets because my brother was severely allergic to anything with fur. We would catch snakes in the neighborhood to keep as temporary pets. We had the occasional fish and even some birds as pets, but that's not the same as a snuggly puppy or kitten. 

I was jealous of my friends who had dogs and cats, so I always said that I would have as many pets as I wanted when I grew up. I thought being a veterinarian was the best way to do that! I guess I had a one-track mind because I never came up with another career option.

What are the best things about your job, either big picture or day-to-day? 

LT: One of the big picture things I enjoy about my job is meeting a puppy or kitten for the first time and then continuing their care until they are a geriatric patient. I get to know the family as well as the pet during their time together and I really enjoy that. 

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

LT: In the most basic sense, MVH is a source of security for local families. Whether they have a sick dog or cat or a new puppy or kitten, we want to be their trusted go-to clinic for help. 

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

One of my most memorable patients was a young bulldog that came in to see me for not eating and gagging and vomiting. His blood work and x-rays didn't tell me what was wrong, so we decided to go to an exploratory surgery based on his age and suspicion for a foreign body. I was quite surprised to find a bright yellow plastic drum stick from a child's play drum set in his stomach extending up into his esophagus. I still don't know why that dog ate the drum stick  - or better yet HOW he ate it!

Compassionate veterinary care in Beaverton, Oregon

Come meet Dr. Thrower!  With her depth of experience and passion for supporting the human-animal bond, she’s the perfect addition to your pet’s veterinary care team. Her special interests include general medicine, dermatology, surgery, and comprehensive dental care. Get in touch to schedule your pet’s next appointment. ​