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PhD, CVA

Dr. Nicole Arana Valencia

Dr. Nicole Arana Valencia

PhD, CVA

Dr. Nicole Arana Valencia

Quote

“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I don’t see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” - A. D. Williams

Professional interest

I have a special interest in Integrative medicine, diagnostic imaging(radiology), pain management, dermatology, and endocrinology.

Personal Interests

When I am not at work, I like to spend time gardening, practicing martial arts and traveling with my partner and son. I also love to do equestrian show jumping. On more lazy days, there is nothing better than to binge-watch a good TV series with my pupper dog, Freyja, a Redbone Coonhound, and my two domestic shorthair kitties, Scarlet and Remington.

Education

DVM, Louisiana State University, 2022

Fear Free Certified, 2022

CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist) in small and large animals, Chi University, 2022

PhD in Equine Neuroendocrinology, Louisiana State University, 2018

MS in Equine Endocrinology and Physiology, Louisiana State University, 2013

BS in Animal Sciences and Technology with a minor in Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2012

How I got here

My story is a bit non-traditional. I always knew I wanted to work with animals, but I could not make up my mind as to how. It was a tug between veterinary medicine and research. I decided to pursue my academic research career in Equine Endocrinology at LSU but when I was close to finishing my PhD, I felt that I needed to fulfill my other dream of working in veterinary medicine. Being a native of Puerto Rico and studying in college at Louisiana State University, Virginia was never really on my radar. When my sister moved to DC, I came to visit her, and I fell in love with the city and its surrounding areas. So, when it came time to start looking for a place to work, Northern Virginia looked like a great place to be. I wanted to be part of a large hospital and expose myself to a wide variety of medical methodologies and diverse clientele. Pender fit the bill for me and had everything I was looking for in a practice. I eagerly look forward to this next phase of my life and to serving the people and pets of Chantilly.