About VetMed
Established in 1996
Our Mission
VetMed Consultants incorporates powerful diagnostic tools and advanced technologies as an extension to the excellent care already provided by your primary veterinarian.
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Our commitment is to partner with veterinarians in our community to provide high-quality care and minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments.
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We provide procedures that are not routinely performed in general practice, including minimally invasive image-guided interventions which are becoming the next level of improved patient care.
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These techniques result in less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
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As pet owners today are embracing minimally invasive procedures, we are excited to provide these innovative technologies.
MEET OUR EXPERIENCED
DOCTORS
MELISSA TUCKER
DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dr. Tucker is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She obtained board certification in order to provide compassionate, specialized care for pets with more challenging medical issues. Dr. Tucker grew up in North Carolina and attended Western Carolina University, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in Business Management.
She attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University, where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and extended her training with a small animal medicine and surgery internship. Upon completion of her internship, she practiced emergency medicine in Colorado Springs. After two years, she elected to pursue her specialty in internal medicine-which took her to Pullman, Washington, where in 2013 she completed a Master’s degree as well as her residency training in small animal internal medicine.
Following her specialty training, Dr. Tucker relocated to Salt Lake City with her furry friends. In the summer she is an avid rock climber and in the winter, every free moment is spent on the ski slopes. Dr. Tucker is proud to be a member of the National Ski Patrol and currently volunteers for the ski patrol at Brighton Resort.
CLAYTON WATKINS
DVM
Dr. Watkins earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1988 and founded VetMed Consultants in 1996.
His career has been dedicated to bringing non-invasive diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, endoscopy, CT and fluoroscopy into general practice making it available and affordable to everyone.
He has been trained in non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures and has developed new techniques.
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These procedures replace more invasive open surgeries thus reducing pain and complications.
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He founded the first radiation treatment facility in Utah in collaboration with Dr. Hayes, a human radiation oncologist of Companion Curietherapy, LLC.
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He has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1984 and they have four children.
JOHN HAYES
MD, CONSULTANT
Dr. John K. Hayes obtained an M.D. degree in 1983 from the University of Utah Medial School.
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He became a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist in 1989 and trained with many notable leaders in the field os brachytherapy, a subspecialty of radiation oncology.
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He focused on CT-based treatment planning for brachytherapy as a University of Utah professor, and has been pioneer in developing protocols for cancer treatment. ​
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He desires to share his abundant experience in human oncology by consulting with veterinarians committed to the treatment of animals with cancer.
MEET OUR
ANIMAL-LOVING
STAFF
AmberLee graduated from UVU with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. She has been around the animal world since she was born; as she is Dr Watkins' oldest child. AmberLee helped open up the VetMed Clinic in June 2017. She spends most her free time with her two Cane Corsos; 'Havoc' weighing in at 180 lbs and 'Khaos' weighing 160 lbs! AmberLee also loves spending her summers boating out on the lake, and has a lifelong goal of traveling to at least one new country every year; which she has been able to accomplish every year since 2007.​
AMBERLEE
OFFICE MANAGER
Arieanna joined VetMed in November, 2019. She certified as a veterinary technician in 2013 and graduated from Utah State University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences. She competes in dog shows with her Miniature American Shepherds. She is passionate about responsible breeding, genetics, canine nutrition, and helping pets through modern medicine and technology. She also has a blue parrot named Azure with a fun vocabulary.
ARIEANNA
TECHNICIAN
Jessie started working for VetMed Consultants in February 2022. She started her career working with large animals for four years. She has a special interest in anesthesia and is excited to expand her skills in small animal medicine. She is currently a student in a veterinary technician program and is scheduled to graduate at the end of 2022. Her and her husband have 2 cats and 2 geckos. Jessie enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.
JESSIE
TECHNICIAN
Carlin joined the VetMed Consultants team in October 2022. She graduated from Utah Career College in 2007 with an associate of science for Veterinary Technician. She then graduated from Weber State University in April 2022 with a bachelors of science for health promotion and a minor in nutrition. Carlin has a big passion for fear-free handling and is fear-free level 2 certified. Carlin’s goal is to always make her patients feel comfortable and loved. Carlin is an outdoor enthusiast and has a passion for fitness and health. She is often out trail running with her two dogs (Wirehaired Pointer and English Springer). She has completed a full ironman and will soon add ultra marathon 50k to her list.
CARLIN
TECHNICIAN
Mackenzie joined the VetMed team in October 2023. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry. She entered the veterinary world as a tech assistant and grew into the technician role over several years. She is passionate about being a technician, always striving to learn more and provide top tier care to her patients.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking and gaming with her fiance, birdwatching, and baking.
MACKENZIE
TECHNICIAN
