About Us
Established in 1996
Our Purpose
VetMed Consultants incorporates powerful diagnostic tools and advanced technologies as an extension to the excellent care already provided by your primary veterinarian.
Our commitment is to partner with veterinarians in our community to provide high quality care and minimally invasive diagnostics and treatments.
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.
These techniques result in less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
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.
These procedures replace more invasive open surgeries thus reducing pain and complications.
He founded the first radiation treatment facility in Utah in collaboration with Dr. Hayes, a human radiation oncologist of Companion Curietherapy, LLC.
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.
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.
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.
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
OFFICE MANAGER
BIO COMING SOON
CARLA
TECHNICIAN
Carla joined the VetMed Consultants team in March of 2015. She graduated from Utah Valley University with an associate of science degree, passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam in January of 2009, and became licensed in 2012. Carla is Dr. Watkins’ right-hand person during his endoscopic and laser procedures. Meticulous, compassionate patient care is her primary concern. Carla enjoys reading, crocheting, hiking, camping and spending time with family and friends.
ARIEANNA
TECHNICIAN
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.
JESSIE
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.
ALICIA
TECHNICIAN
Alicia graduated from Bel Rea Institute of Animal Technology in 2021 with an Associates of Science and from the University of Utah in 2022 with a Bachelor's of science in biology. She has a terrier mix and a sweet black cat. She enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, movies, and spending time with her friends and family.
CARLIN
TECHNICIAN
BIO COMING SOON
