Doctor Spotlight: Meet Dr. Steve Haley!

For Dr. Steve Haley, a career in veterinary medicine perfectly combined his lifelong love of pets with a fascination for science. Growing up in rural Clackamas county, he spent his childhood learning to care for and cherish a wide variety of animal friends. “We raised horses, chickens, ducks, geese, Airedale terriers, and cats.” Dr. Haley remembers fondly. “I have always had a love and respect for animals and know the joy they bring to our lives.” 

This love and respect for animals are at the heart of Mountainside Veterinary Hospital and our approach to patient care. This week, we’re catching up with Dr. Steve Haley to learn more about his life, veterinary career, and the mission behind Mountainside.      

Get to know Dr. Steve Haley

What do you find most inspiring about caring for pets? What are the best things about your job? 

SH: I love the variety! I have told friends and colleagues for years that what I love most is that no day is the same. There is always something new to learn and there is always opportunity for growth in veterinary medicine. Also, I am a very social person and I truly cherish the interactions with our clients and the relationships that have been built over my career.  

Do you have any special interests when it comes to veterinary medicine (ex. chronic disease care/management, surgery, senior care, etc)? If so, what about those fields interests you?  

SH: I have been fortunate enough to have worked with veterinarians and surgeons over the past 20 years who coached me and helped me develop my comfort and skills. Surgery is my happy place because it’s where I can fully focus on what’s in front of me. I love laparoscopic surgery specifically and the benefits that less invasive surgery provides our patients.   

I also enjoy the challenge and reward of chronic disease management. It’s incredibly gratifying to help patients with chronic conditions feel and live better. I’m particularly interested in diabetes management and was a co-author of the AAHA's 2010 diabetes management guidelines.  

What do you think the future of veterinary medicine looks like? 

SH: There is so much happening in veterinary medicine right now! During my career, we have grown in leaps and bounds when it comes to pain management, fear-free handling, early detection technologies for internal diseases and cancers, and new therapies that truly help change outcomes. I think we’ll keep seeing a lot of changes and improvements with time and the doctors at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital will always strive to practice and incorporate these new therapies as they arise.   

Speaking of Mountainside, what was your motivation for opening your own veterinary clinic? What role do you think MVH serves in the community? 

SH: I have always wanted to own a practice! To me, leadership is a lot like coaching: you have a team that needs to be able to deliver excellent outcomes consistently. I really enjoy being a part of that process. Owning a veterinary clinic gives me the chance to develop an amazing team who believe in what we want Mountainside to be. 

You’ve been in the veterinary industry for over 20 years now. What’s one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make veterinary medicine even better? 

SH: Cherish and nurture the spark that got you here in the first place. It's super easy to get overwhelmed and overworked in veterinary medicine. Don’t forget the “why” that motivated and drove you to work so hard in high school, college and veterinary school. It’s a tough and challenging road to become a veterinarian and practice is a continuation of that. Embrace the challenge, it’s a lifestyle.    

Professional veterinary care with heart in Beaverton, Oregon

With his deep ties to the community, genuine care for the human-animal bond, and keen interest in progressing the field of veterinary medicine, Dr. Haley leads by example. He’s committed to building a team that goes above and beyond to provide professional veterinary care with heart. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new friend into your home or are helping your pet navigate their golden years, we’re here to ensure your pet gets exceptional care at every stage of life. Visit our website to learn more about our team and services or to schedule an appointment! 

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