MEET THE DOCTORS
Rebecca Swimmer, DVM
Internship
Animal Specialty and Emergency Center
Los Angeles, CA
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Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
North Grafton, MA
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Masters in Neurobiology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
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Bachelors in Animal Science
with High Honors
University of Illinois
Urbana, Champaign, IL
Dr. Rebecca Swimmer grew up in the suburbs of Chicago knowing from the age of five that she wanted to become a veterinarian. It has been her lifelong dream come true to open Vet Villa Animal Hospital and to combine high quality veterinary medicine in a loving environment.
Dr. Swimmer’s educational pursuits began at the University of Illinois where she received her Bachelors of Science with High Honors in Animal Science. While an undergraduate, she developed a special interest in neurology and went on to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University where she graduated with her Masters in Neurobiology.
She continued her educational journey in Boston where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University. Research has played a large role in her journey, and she has been honored with training grants from the National Institute of Health both as a student at Harvard University as well as during her training at Tufts University. She has presented her research findings at veterinary conferences and has also been published in The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
After completing her formal education, Dr. Swimmer moved to Los Angeles where she completed a rigorous small animal rotating internship at the Animal Specialty and Emergency Center (ASEC). While at ASEC, she received advanced training with board-certified specialists in Emergency and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, and Oncology. She further applied this knowledge and honed her skills during her years as an emergency and critical care veterinarian prior to transitioning to small animal general practice. She has also enjoyed donating her time to the community by performing spays and neuters for local rescue foundations.
Dr. Swimmer's professional interests include preventative wellness care for both dogs and cats, trauma medicine, dermatology, and geriatric medicine including hospice care to improve comfort for older patients.
Dr. Swimmer loves sharing her free time with her husband, young daughter, and her two rescue kittens, Atlas and Squirrel. She is excited to be part of the San Gabriel Valley. High quality medicine, state of the art equipment, and compassionate care are the foundations of Vet Villa Animal Hospital.
Welcome to the Vet Villa Family!
Dr. Bailey Hand was born in Lihue Kauai, and raised in Laguna Beach, CA. She has been in the
veterinary field since the age of 15, working her way up from kennel attendant to veterinary
assistant to surgical and veterinary technician. An avid horseback rider, she rode in state-wide
equestrian hunter-jumper competitions, winning blue ribbons in numerous shows. She
interned at local equine surgical hospitals, and although horses will always hold a special place in her heart, Dr. Hand decided to pursue her passion in small animal medicine.
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Dr. Hand obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly, Pomona, and her
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State
University. Although she enjoyed Oregon and the changing seasons, she was thrilled to return
to southern California and to join the team of professionals at Vet Villa Animal Hospital. Her
special interests include cardiology, ultrasound and radiology, as well as helping her canine and feline patients receive the best possible medical care.
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During her free time, Dr. Hand enjoys spending time at the beach and in the ocean, trying
unique foods and restaurants in Pasadena, going to the gym, and tending to her jungle of house plants. She also loves to spoil her dog, Ellie, and her two cats Theodore and Clarabelle.
Bailey Hand, DVM
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Oregon State University
Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine
Corvallis, Oregon
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Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona, California
Dr. Arellano grew up in the local San Gabriel Valley area. Her first pets included snakes, geckos, mice and eventually her first cat, Galaxy. She has been on the path to become a veterinarian starting at a young age and began with volunteering at animal shelters. Eventually, she obtained her Bachelor Degree in Animal Science at UC Davis. She took a gap year before veterinary school to solidify her technical skills and expand her knowledge in the field where she volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific and a small animal private practice in Pasadena. Afterwards, she completed her veterinary training and obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the Ohio State University. She always planned on returning back to sunny California to begin her career in small animal private practice medicine. Her interest includes preventative wellness care, feline geriatric medicine, and dentistry.
During her free time, Dr. Arellano likes to explore new restaurants, visit Disneyland and museums, and relax at home with her cat, Luna.
Lauren Arellano, DVM
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Columbus, OH
Bachelors in Animal Science
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA
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Bachelors Degree of Science
Biology
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA
Christina Rostami, DVM
Dr. Rostami grew up in Los Angeles, California surrounded by a diverse array of pets in the
household. Early on she developed a keen interest in veterinary medicine and delved into her
veterinary career by volunteering at various kitten and dog rescues, along with contributing to
equine care at a physical therapy center for special needs children.
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Her academic journey led her to a Bachelor’s degree in biology at UC Irvine, followed by the
attainment of her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Western University of Health
Sciences in Pomona, California. Dr. Rostami's veterinary passions encompass preventative and internal medicine, as well as continual refinement of her surgical skills to ensure optimal patient care.
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In her leisure moments, Dr. Rostami indulges in quality time with loved ones, beach outings,
hikes, and video games. Adding to her joy, she shares plenty of moments with her cherished
chinchilla, Teddy.
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Cardiology specialist available for existing Vet Villa patients only scheduled by appointment.
Dr. Nakamura was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended University of California at Davis for undergraduate studies and Tufts University for veterinary school. He completed a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and an emergency and critical care Residency at Tufts University thereafter. He was in private practice in New Jersey for two years and then came to Southern California to complete a cardiology residency at Advanced Veterinary Care Center. Dr. Nakamura is board certified in both Emergency/Critical Care and Cardiology.
Dr. Nakamura enjoys running, traveling and attending sporting events in his free time along with taking care of his highly allergic Shih Tzu, Yuki.
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