Sacramento Animal Hospital’s Veterinary Staff
Karen Mulvihill, DVM & Partner 1990
Dr. Karen Mulvihill obtained her DVM from UC Davis in 1988. After working in general small animal and emergency practice, she settled at SAH in 1990. She became a partner in the practice in 1994. Always devoted to animals, at the age of 9, Karen aspired to be a jockey turned wrangler, but decided in high school to use her talents to care and treat animals. Dr. Mulvihill enjoys all aspects of family veterinary medicine, and has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery. She is board certified in canine and feline practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
Dr. Mulvihill has been married for more than 25 years and has two sons and two golden retrievers. She is a devoted spectator at all her sons' sporting events, and when time allows, Karen can be found skiing, hiking in the Sierras, or traveling with her family.
Erin True, DVM & Partner 1997
Dr. Erin True originally started caring for animals who weren’t traditional companions by pursuing her masters degree in marine biology and working with California Sea Lions. She soon saw the error of her ways and went on to attend UC Davis Veterinary School, obtaining her veterinary degree in 1995. She has been with Sacramento Animal Hospital Since 1997 and recently became an owner in 2006.
Dr. True has a particular interest in canine reproduction and sports medicine. In addition to practicing as a veterinarian, Dr. True has been breeding and showing Australian Shepherds for 15 years under the kennel name Navarro Australian Shepherds. She actively trials dogs in conformation and herding and occasionally stumbles around the agility ring.
Diana Cortez, DVM, Partner & Hospital Director 1993
Dr. Diana Cortez began her career at Sacramento Animal Hospital well before becoming the outstanding veterinarian she is today. Hired in 1994 as a kennel assistant, Dr. Cortez quickly established herself as an empathetic voice for the well being of all the animals in her care. It wasn’t long before she worked her way up the ladder, first to the position of vet assistant, and then to veterinary technician. She remained a part of the SAH team as she completed her undergraduate education in animal sciences and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, both at U.C. Davis. After a year spent in Southern California at an internship in small animal oncology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, and surgery, she returned to Sacramento Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian. In 2006, Dr. Cortez became a partner in the practice, sharing ownership duties with Dr. Karen Mulvihill and Dr. Erin True. Though this new responsibility represents the fulfillment of her lifelong dream of working with animals, she says that her favorite aspect of being a veterinarian is helping the families of her patients through the process of healing and caring for their pets.
When not at the hospital, Dr. Cortez spends much of her time with her son, her cats, Chapulin and Deditos; her terrier mix, Jefe, and her new Rottweiler puppy, Maya.
Rebecca Meyers, DVM & Associate 1999
Dr. Rebecca Meyers graduated from veterinary school at Texas A & M University and has been at SAH since 1999. Dr. Meyers loves helping newly adopted animals and their families get a great start together. She also has a special interest in the care and comfort of older dogs and cats. She just really enjoys the variety and rewards of being in family practice, taking care of all ages and sizes of dogs and cats.
Dr. Meyers lives with her husband, who is a faculty veterinarian at UC Davis, their two sons, and their animals. They have one cat, Molly, and four dogs: a golden retriever mix, Goldie; a labrador mix, Jack; and two miniature dachshunds, Rocket and Bear. It is never boring at the Meyers' house! Becky loves watching her sons' soccer games and almost all outdoor activities, especially riding bikes, skiing, and going to the beach.
Patty Nicholas, DVM & Associate 2007
Dr. Patty Nicholas was raised in Belmont, California with two brothers and one sister. Yes, she was the middle child. At 12 years old, she raised rabbits, lambs, and a steer named Bernard and also was active in the 4H Club. Throughout high school and college she played volleyball. She likes to say as a fun fact, her brother grew up to invent the Soni-Care toothbrush.
Dr. Nicholas graduated from San Francisco University in 1985 with a degree in Laboratory Medicine. Her specialty was Microbiology, which she worked with for 15 years. Dr. Nicholas, since being a little girl, had always wanted to be a veterinarian. In 2007, she got her “dream job” when she graduated from UC Davis Veterinary School and started working here at SAH! “The most enjoyable part of being a veterinarian,” says Dr. Nicholas,” are not only my patients, but also the pet owners, working together with a common goal in mind so everyone’s needs are met.”
Dr. Nicholas lives with her husband Larry, who is a Psychologist that specializes in family law. They’ve been married for 26 years and have one son who is married to a wonderful daughter-in-law, and they have one beautiful son. Also, living with them are their animals: two kitties, Bissel and Wally; and two border collies, Myles and Reesy. In her free time, Dr. Nicholas involves her dogs in agility, tracking, and herding. However, her main love is in obedience and she proudly holds three Obedience Trial Championships. Once a month, she volunteers for the SPCA feral cat clinic, performing spay and neuter surgeries.
Lesley Scheblein, DVM & Associate 2008
Dr. Lesley Scheblein grew up in the foothills community of Shingle Springs, California where she shared her family's small acreage with a variety of horses, dogs, and cats. She completed her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Biology. While at Cal Poly, she worked as an assistant riding instructor and spent many hours on her own Quarter Horse, April. In 2006, Dr. Scheblein returned to Northern California where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in small animal medicine. She also worked as a technician, with many hours spent right here at Sacramento Animal Hospital.
Dr. Scheblein has always wanted to be a "family vet" in a community practice, and is excited to return to the SAH team! Outside of the office, she shares her life with a tuxedo kitty, Petey, and yellow lab, Cooper. A lover of the outdoors, she enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and skiing.
