Donna Solomon, DVM

Veterinarian
Michigan State University, ’86

I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. In first grade, I would bring home dogs and cats that I believed to be homeless. Fortunately, my older sister would later return them to their appropriate homes. As a teenager, I spent my summers following a large animal veterinarian on his farm rounds in Petoskey, Michigan. In the winters, I would volunteer at a local animal shelter and give baths to pets waiting for their forever home. In high school, I was a veterinarian’s assistant at a local veterinary clinic in Southfield, Michigan. Luckily, during my third year of undergraduate education I was accepted to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After a grueling four years of schooling, I graduated in 1986 and have loved practicing veterinary medicine every day ever since.

My first job as a veterinarian was in Huntington, New York where I practiced for one year in a small animal hospital. I loved New York, but I knew that I would never be able to afford to open my own veterinary clinic. So I moved to Chicago, which is a more affordable, but equally exciting city. After practicing a few years in a fast paced high quality clinic, I finally realized my dream and opened my own practice in May 1990 – the Animal Medical Center of Chicago. I renovated a beautiful Victorian house in the pleasant Lakeview neighborhood and turned it into a state of the art veterinary clinic.

It’s been almost twenty-eight years since I graduated from veterinary school, and I still love talking to clients, the challenge of the diagnosis, designing a treatment plan, and watching my patients improve. My practice caters to those pet owners that treat their pets like family members. What makes my practice special is that we treat our clients like we would want to be treated – with respect, understanding, and empathy. If you ask my clients what makes me special as a veterinarian, I believe that they would say I have great intuition and diagnostic skills. My practice has a strong emphasis on pain management, dental care, preventative and internal medicine.

Client education is a top focus of mine, which does not end in the examination room. I make myself available to my clients for telephone updates and consultations. In addition, I write a reoccurring blog for The Huffington Post on timely pet care issues. It is an opportunity for me to share my veterinary knowledge and experience with many pet lovers across the country. Educating my audience, as well as my clients, is an issue that I am passionate about. I believe an educated pet client is the best pet owner.

I am married to Brad Ginn, an Ombuds at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. We are the proud parents of two sons, Jacob and Sam. Jacob is a film student at the University of Michigan, and Sam is a junior at Oak Park River Forest High School. We share our home with two cats, Lemon and Oreo, and a golden retriever, named Zack.

I have been exceedingly fortunate that my childhood dream came true and I can practice as a veterinarian in the Chicago area. I have a wonderful clientele who have entrusted me in the care of their pets and have an amazingly talented staff that is a pleasure to work with. I am proud to be a Chicago veterinarian and love caring for dogs and cats every day.

Pamela Janik, DVM

Veterinarian
University of Illinois, ’91

Dr. Janik was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and has been involved in veterinary medicine her entire life. Her father is a retired veterinarian so she has always been surrounded by a variety of animals and their caregivers.

She graduated from Miami University before attending veterinary school at the University of Illinois. She worked at a small animal hospital in the suburbs prior to moving into the city and beginning work at Animal Medical Center of Chicago. Dr. Janik enjoys working with senior and geriatric patients and is very interested in pain management. She has been at Animal Medical Center since 1999.

When not working, she enjoys trying new restaurants, reading and outdoor activities. She explores Chicago’s neighborhoods with her dog Tesla whose hobbies include barking at people and taking over the bed.

Meg Ogishi, DVM

Veterinarian
University of Wisconsin-Madison, ’90

From a very young age Dr. Meg Ogishi knew she wanted to work with animals and become a veterinarian. Growing up in Greendale, Wisconsin, she would find baby bunnies to care for, and was always searching for toads and snakes to play with. She also had a parakeet, fish, rabbit, and an ill behaved Cocker Spaniel named Don. She has no idea why she chose that name! Meg truly enjoyed taking AP biology her senior year in high school, and this experience made her dream of becoming a veterinarian seem realistic.

Meg obtained a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996. During her undergraduate studies she was a ski instructor for the ski club, volunteered in the wildlife department of the Milwaukee humane society and also cleaned kennels and large animal stalls at the UW Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She even kept a hamster in her dorm room closet her freshman year of college, much to the chagrin of her roommate. During veterinary school, she worked as an operating room assistant/technician in both large and small animal surgery. She graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine with Phi Zeta honors in May of 2000. Meg worked at Carlson Animal Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois immediately after graduation, and continued to work there until September of 2012, when she joined the Animal Medical Center of Chicago team. She loves working in the city, and being a part of such a talented and caring team.

When she’s not at work, Meg enjoys hiking, snowboarding, running, reading and has recently taken up sprint distance triathlons. Meg and her husband Ryan live in the Andersonville neighborhood. They have a 5 year old daughter named Naomi, who loves cats and plans to become a cat doctor. Meg and Naomi volunteer together at Tree House cat shelter. Their household also includes Abigail a 14 year old red Doberman, Sheneh an 8 year old Pitbull mix, Pig a 9 year old cat, Sophie a 1 year old aquatic turtle, a beta fish and 2 chickens.

Tim England, DVM

Veterinarian
Michigan State University, ’87

I was born in a rural area outside of a very small town in southern Michigan. My parents still live in the same home near Parma where I was raised. We had dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, rabbits, geese, ducks and assorted chickens during my childhood. I have always been fascinated by animals and loved learning everything I could about pets and wildlife. I can remember watching Wild Kingdom and documentaries on animals from a very young age. The idea of becoming a veterinarian was very appealing to me as a young child, but was tempered by my aversion to blood and body secretions. Luckily, I outgrew that by high school when I decided to attend Michigan State University with the goal to attend veterinary school.

During my pre-veterinary coursework at MSU, I majored in Physiology and Fisheries & Wildlife. Through hard work and study, I was accepted into the veterinary program in my third year of undergrad. I received a bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 1987 and my doctorate degree in 1989. During my time at MSU, I realized that exotic pets were not receiving the same level of medical care as conventional pets like dogs and cats. I was lucky enough to participate in an externship in Miami, Florida which allowed me to learn skills in the care of unconventional pets and zoo animals. I had patients there which included leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, and many species of parrots.

My first years of practice were spent in Jackson, Michigan. Initially, I worked at a small animal practice which allowed me to continue to see exotic pets, as well as, dogs and cats. In 1992, I started my own practice in Jackson and three years later designed and oversaw the construction of a new veterinary hospital. Our success allowed the hospital to quickly expand to a three doctor practice to care for our growing number of patients. In 2008, I sold the practice and joined the team at Animal Medical Center of Chicago.

Since joining this practice I have continued to enjoy treating dogs, cats and some exotic pets. I have a developed an interest in veterinary dentistry after having the opportunity to learn from Dr. Cindy Charlier, a board certified veterinary dentist. I also have an interest in nutrition and prevention of pet obesity. I am a member of many veterinary associations, both locally and nationally. I currently serve on the Animal Welfare Committee of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

Outside of work I have multiple interests, including international travel, photography, and eating good food. My partner and I have a small farm in Southwest Michigan where we grow fruits, vegetables, and bees for honey production. We share our home with a French bulldog named Gladys, as well as, two senior citizen parrots, Griffin & Gator. We also have a cat, Sprout and a koi pond at our home in Michigan. I enjoy working at AMC because of the commitment to quality and the expectation of our clients to provide the best care for their pets.

Elaine Simpson, DVM

Veterinarian
The Ohio State University, ’14

Since childhood, Dr. Elaine Simpson has had a passion for animals. Growing up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, she spent time at Busse Wood: canoeing, fishing, and searching for wildlife. She even created a small pond in her backyard for the fish she caught – ultimately deciding it was best for them to go back and live in the wild.

Dr. Simpson obtained a Bachelor of Art in Biology from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio) in 2010. Not only focused on her studies, Dr. Simpson ran cross country and track. She ultimately achieved All-American status at the national cross country meet in 2009. Dr. Simpson went on to study Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, graduating magna cum laude in 2014. After graduation, she participated in a veterinary internship at Colorado State University which furthered her knowledge in internal medicine and emergency medicine. During this internship, she rescued and adopted a homeless pitbull-mix with fractured hindlegs. Lentil, who is now 3 years old, has become a wonderful city dog!

After Colorado State University, Dr. Simpson returned to the Chicagoland area where she worked at Countryside Veterinary Center, as both a general practice and an emergency medicine veterinarian. Her favorite parts of veterinary medicine are internal medicine, feline medicine, and cardiology. She also loves developing long term relationships with owners and their pets.

During her free time, Dr. Simpson loves to spend time outdoors, gardening, and with her family and friends. She also loves eating at new restaurants! In addition to Lentil, Dr. Simpson shares her home with a 7-year-old orange tabby cat, named Finn, who can be quite sassy!

Dr. Simpson joined the AMC team in 2017 and is excited to be practicing with such a dedicated and caring group.

Nick Anderson

Hospital Administrator
John Logan College

I grew up in the rural town of Carterville in Southern Illinois until moving to Chicago in my early twenties. My family and I were surrounded by animals on our little farm that included a variety of poultry stock which we raised for eggs and showing at county & state fairs. I won several blue ribbons for my prized Red Jungle Fowls, a type chicken. In addition I would constantly beg my dad to let me take in orphaned animals including a silver tailed fox, raccoons, reptiles, and dogs.

My first veterinary job was in an animal hospital cleaning cages at sixteen years old. I fell in love with it & went on to work as a receptionist, a veterinary assistant, and a technician. I attended college at John Logan College with a major in business. After college, I moved to Chicago and began to focus on a career in veterinary management. I have spent the last decade in management including marketing, human resources, and operations management for a veterinary management group before coming to AMC. This combined with the past twenty-one years of experience working with various animals within multiple hospitals shows that coming to work every day to help people and their pets is my passion.

I live with my wife, Sarah and daughter Olivia in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering, cycling, and doing outdoor activities. I am also a Chicago Conservation Corps leader and one of the founding members of the Chicago Volunteer Expo.

I take pride in bringing my veterinary specific management skill to AMC in an effort to better serve you, the client, and your furry friends. If at any time you have a question, concern, compliment, or comment feel free to stop by, or call me. I look forward to working with you and your pet!

Jessica, CVT

Technician
Fox College, 2013

What I like best about AMC: Working with a wonderful staff that is very caring and welcoming.

Favorite AMC Memories: Getting to know all of our wonderful patients, I love when they come in so excited to greet us.

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): Graduating from tech school and becoming a CVT. I love what I do each day and caring for our patients is a very rewarding feeling.

Erin, CVT

Technician
Michigan State University, ’08

Joined AMC: May 2014

What I like best about AMC: The wonderful doctors and staff that truly care for the animals and all of our great clients.

Favorite AMC Memories: Being able to care for and help the sick patients. I also really enjoy the new puppy and kitten visits!

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): I am extremely proud of my education and the career that I chose. While there are hard days, most are very fulfilling and I am glad I can spend my days taking care of animals.

Natalie, CVT

Technician
Parkland College, ’05 and University of Mississippi, ’98

Joined AMC: June 2005 and November 2010

What I like best about AMC: Working with such a great group of smart, dedicated, motivated, and hard-working people. Also, our patients are absolutely our highest priority here.

Favorite AMC memory: When Tara’s fractious cat Simon was sedated, but still managed to slap me across the face so hard that it could be heard across the room!

Tiffany, CVT

Technician
Parkland College, ’03

Joined AMC: October 2008

What I Like Best About AMC: The friendly clients, great patients, and awesome coworkers. Everyone here really cares. It’s great to enjoy coming to work every day.

Favorite AMC Memories: Helping with the free surgery day for some of the local shelters. They have been long and exhausting days, but always worth it in the end!

I love our annual day at the beach every summer too. We always have a super fun time.

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): Making a small difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. My education; I love both of my careers. Also, I am the proud auntie to 2 adorable nephews!

Melissa, CVT

Technician
Fox College, ’10

Joined AMC: April 2013

What I like best about AMC: The compassionate and caring coworkers coupled with all the cute, furry creatures that come through the door.

Favorite AMC Memories: When a little princess hamster broke her leg and Dr. England splinted it with the tiniest of materials. It was a neat thing to be a part of.

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): Completing scho0l, moving to the city, and adopting the quirkiest most loyal dog ever, Buster!

Kaitlyn

Assistants
University of Illinois at Chicago

Favorite AMC memory: Recruiting our patient Pammie to help out at the front desk one day before her procedure. While she wasn’t exactly the most efficient receptionist, she sure was the cutest.

What I like most about AMC: Meeting all the new and goofy puppies who haven’t grown into their floppy paws yet!

Greatest life accomplishment: Rescuing my best friend furever and love of my life, Penny, from the local pound.

Molly

Assistant
Illinois State University

Joined AMC: April 2011

What I like best about AMC: The awesome people I get to work with and all the furry friends we get to help on a daily basis!

Favorite AMC Memories: So far, meeting and greeting all of our wonderful patients.

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): Marrying my best friend and rescuing our two hound dogs, Lloyd and Loretta.

Hannah

Assistant

What I like best about AMC: I love the close-knit environment. Even on the most stressful of days the staff treats each other with kindness and warmth. It’s like one big happy work family!

Favorite AMC memories: When the staff brought in their pets for picture day. It was so fun getting to meet all of the furry friends that my co-workers love so much.

Greatest life accomplishment: Attaining my Esthetics license at age 18 and starting my own business with always be a source of pride for me. I loved building my clientele base and working one-on-one with so many different women and men.

Fabi

Assistant

Joined AMC: September of 2014

What I like best about AMC: Watching all the patients running to the cookie jar!

Favorite AMC Memories: Opening all the holiday cards from clients. Everyone looked great!

Debbie

Assistant

Joined AMC: September 5, 2006

What I like best about AMC: As I have been working here since the dawn of time, I really feel like I know many of our clients and patients quite well. It is always nice to see friendly faces!

Favorite AMC Memories: Thanks to Dr. Solomon for providing me with my cat, Tab, who provides me with hours of entertainment and fresh wounds on a daily basis. He is the greatest.

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): A finely tuned sense of humor. Seriously, this took ages.

Deb

Assistant

Joined AMC: June 2017

What I like best about AMC: Being part of a team that I can always count on for support and guidance. Also there is never a dull moment and I learn so much every day.

Favorite AMC Memories: Meeting all the golden retrievers! I am a golden girl and they always make me smile.

Greatest life accomplishment: Obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, as well as serving the people and animals of Chicago through various careers and volunteer opportunities.

Sandra

Care Coordinator
North Park College

Joined AMC: August 2014, but I’ve been a client since 1991!

What I like best about AMC: Getting to meet so many awesome pets and getting to work with such smart, talented, and interesting people.

Favorite AMC Memories: Dressing up Dr. England’s dog, Gladys, for photos in different Halloween costumes was really fun. She’s a riot!

Greatest Life Accomplishment(s): What I consider an accomplishment changes from day to day, but I always get a lot of satisfaction from helping someone–person or dog–learn something new or figure something out. I also really like it when I take a great photograph that captures a pet’s personality.

Kelsey

Care Coordinator
DePaul University

Favorite AMC Memory: Having a client show up for her appointment with three little kittens wrapped up in her coat!

What I like Most About AMC: All the big, goofy dogs who can’t wait to get into the office to see us. They are normally the same ones who knock over the cookie jar trying to get treats… which they always get!

Greatest Life Accomplishment: Graduating from college, creating a great life in Chicago and, of course, rescuing my furry little guy, Zeke!

Nikki

Care Coordinator

Favorite AMC Moment: Whenever we get to have a patient “play receptionist” and hang out with us for the day.

What I like most about AMC: I love working with and learning from such an amazing group of people who share my same passions.

Melissa

Care Coordinator
Arizona State University

Favorite AMC Memory: Everyday I build new memories with each and every client who comes in, new or old, each just as special as the one before!

What I like Most About AMC: The unbelievably intelligent staff at AMC and how we all work cohesively to insure each client is made to feel at home as well as undeniably cared for!

Greatest Life Accomplishment: Graduating college!

Lauren

Care Coordinator
Harold Washington College

Favorite AMC Memory: – My favorite AMC memory is whenever a pet comes in for a “happy time visit”. This is when an anxious pet stops by, not for an appointment, but for snuggles and treats! To ease their nerves, I walk the pet around the clinic while giving them lots of hugs and healthy snacks. It is our goal that by the end of each “happy time visit”, an anxious pet will become more and more comfortable around our hospital and learn to be excited whenever they see us!
What I Like Most about AMC: Everyday is a new experience, and it’s always unpredictable. I am fortunate to learn from and work along side such an experienced and kind staff.
Greatest Life Achievement: Making a life for myself in the Windy City after leaving my home state of Arkansas back in 2012!