Dr. Jim Ack is Dr. McCarron’s husband and partner. He grew up in Cleveland and spent some pre-college years training Arabian and Quarter horses in Colorado, where he fell in love with the West. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ohio State University in 1988. After several years of private practice in Ohio, an opportunity in the biomedical field and an itch to return to the West led to career in Utah. Over a 9 year span he became an officer of two private companies and a Director of a public company. In 2000, he took on the job of managing partner of the practice, and ultimately led the team of professionals constructing the new hospital. He has also been active in the community, serving as a founding member of the Salt Lake Vest Pocket Business Coalition, an organization advocating for local, independent businesses in the Salt Lake City area. He has also served on the City’s Business Advisory Board, several planning and zoning committees, and an advisory committees to two Mayors.

Dr. Lynn McCarron, DABVP, is the owner and founding practitioner of University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center. She was raised in Ohio, attended undergraduate college at Kent State University, and received her DVM from the Ohio State University in 1988. Her entry to private practice was in rural Ohio in the role of James Herriott, caring for a large variety of farm animals, as well as dogs, cats, horses, and miniature pigs. A move to Utah associated with Dr. Ack’s career proved to be a great one for her, as she found it to be an incredible place to live, play and work. After eight years in practice Dr. McCarron pursued rigorous advanced accreditation as a specialist in dog and cat medicine and surgery, and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners – one of but a few in all of Utah. She has strong interests in cancer care, geriatric medicine and internal medicine, especially endocrinology. Her daughter and son share her attachment to an Australian Shepherd named Jed, and a cat named Baxter (after Baxter Black the veterinarian-comedian).

Dr. Rachel Walton grew up in Ogden, Utah, and spent much of her teenage years raising guide dogs and other service dogs. From her involvement in these programs, she learned the importance of the human-animal bond and decided to pursue a career working with animals. She completed her undergraduate education in biology at the University of Utah (Go Utes!) and then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Colorado State University. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Walton worked at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center as a technician and was excited to join the team as a veterinarian. Her professional interests include soft tissue surgery, medicine, and ophthalmology. The Walton household includes Jake, a border collie mix, Dory, a chocolate lab, three cats: Hermione, Max, and Padme, and one very understanding husband, Jeff, a school teacher. Dr. Walton and her husband welcomed their first human child, Olivia, in March 2011. In her free time, Dr. Walton enjoys reading, photography, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and pets.

Dr. Heather McIlvenna (Mac-ill-venna) was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii-Hilo and then her veterinary degree from Washington State University. She worked in Sante Fe, New Mexico following graduation at a very busy emergency and general care clinic, before moving to Utah to be closer to the mountains and her family. She lives with her sister and two lovely dogs, a kind old golden retriever named G-Wak and a young boisterous retriever mix named Marigold. Dr. McIlvenna enjoys spending as much of her spare time as possible outdoors. She is an avid canyoneer and a novice rock climber. She also loves hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains with her dogs and gardening. She has a particular interest in geriatric care and pain management, as well as soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior.

Dr. Kunchur was born and raised in India in the cities of Bangalore and Pune. Her father is an equine veterinarian, so she grew up around horses, dogs, and other animals. Therefore, she knew early on that she wanted to work with animals. She received her veterinary degree from Nagpur Veterinary College in Nagpur, India, and then came to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in hyperbaric medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her veterinary licensing, including a clinical year of veterinary school at Iowa State University. From there she completed a small animal medicine, surgery, and emergency internship at the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. She has been a practicing veterinarian here in Salt Lake City since 2003. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine. Her family includes her daughter Nayantara, son Arnav, their cat Asterix, and her husband Balky Nair- who heads a research and development company. In her free time she enjoys traveling, watching Indian movies, and relaxing at local bookstores.

Dr. Jessica Zelnik was born in the US Virgin Islands and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Washington State University.  Dr. Zelnik has been a practicing veterinarian in the Salt Lake Calley since 2009 and joined us here at University Veterinary Hospital in the fall of 2012.  She has received advanced training in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and pain management.

Jessica is an avid skier and mountain biker.  She also enjoys running and hiking with her dogs: Kami, a Boxer, and Jake, a Schnauzer mix.

Dr. Jennifer Forney was born and raised in central Michigan.  She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame with a dual major in Anthropology and Preprofessional Studies.  From there Dr. Forney moved back home to pursue her veterinary degree at Michigan State University.  Upon graduation, Dr. Forney and her husband move to the Southeast where she worked for six years as a small animal veterinarian in Savannah, Georgia.  During her time there she also helped establish and oversaw an animals rescue program that made medical care and new homes available to hundreds of animals in need.  A new opportunity for her family brought Dr. Forney to Utah and to University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center in the spring of 2013.

Dr. Forney’s veterinary interests are varied and range from internal medicine and hormonal diseases to preventative medicine and soft tissue surgery.  Outside of work, her interests include camping and a cast array of outdoor activities.  Dr. Forney and her husband have three mixed breed dogs and each is from a different state-Roscoe (Michigan), Shoshone (Wyoming), and Wally (Georgia).  In August of 2011 Dr. Forney and her husband, along with the furry members of the family welcomed the newest addition, Joey, the first human baby to join the Forney family.

Dr. Alyssa Hughes is a 2008 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and for the past five years practiced as a companion animal veterinarian in rural Vermont.  She is a native of central New Jersey, but has spent time living in Maine and California, and recently relocated to Salt Lake City for her husband’s residency in Orthopaedic surgery at the University of Utah.  Besides her commitment to providing all her patients with the best veterinary care possible, her particular interests include soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, feline medicine, and hospice care.  She lives with her husband, their two sons, and two energetic Catahoula Leopard Dogs.  When she’s not spending time with her patients at University Veterinary Hospital, she enjoys reading, running, sewing, yoga, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing.

Dr. Taylor Howard studied Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University while working in entomology at the National Aquatic Monitoring lab. He graduated from Ross University with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree on the Island of St. Kitts. He spent his fourth year in clinical rounds at Iowa State Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center in Ames. While his time in the wonderful midwest was short lived, the Pacific Northwest was where he chose to find his first start. He worked in mixed animal practice in Scio, emergency medicine in Albany, General Practice in Portland and mobile veterinary GP and Dentistry in Eugene. He grew up exploring the beautiful terrain of the high desert and always new he would return to Utah. His goals in practice are toward diversity in exploring medicine, communicating with his clients and being part of a major cornerstone in his community. His love for animals is not limited to dogs and cats. He has treated on more than one occasion a turtle, snake, fish, horse, llama, alpaca, cow, chicken, pig, goat, rabbit, small mammals and some birds.  His interests and hobbies include mountain biking, climbing, camping, and all things snow. His family consist of one wife (and fellow veterinarian) named Courtney, three dogs named Brody, Frank, and Sheila. He has a cat named Cooper and a hamster named Moo Moo (and more pets to come)!

Dr. Kathy Jermaine grew up in southern California. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She attended Western University of Health Sciences Veterinary School in Pomona, California. Afterwards she spent a year at a rotating internship at California Veterinary Specialists where she had the opportunity to work side by side with specialists in a variety of fields including emergency/critical care, surgery and internal medicine. She then moved back to California’s central coast to work at a small animal general practice and emergency hospital before moving here to Salt Lake City. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and preventative medicine. In her free time Dr. Jermaine enjoys hiking, climbing, mountain biking and photography.

Sasha Reid has been in the veterinary field for the past 18 years, starting as a receptionist and technician, then progressing into the role of hospital manager.  She managed a practice in Montana for 8 years before joining UVHDC in 2011.  In 2005 she completed her Certified Veterinary Practice Management certification, to which there are only 4 in the state of Utah.  Her favorite part of her job is seeing the staff achieve their goals and hearing all the positive feedback from clients (an occasional puppy or kitten snuggle doesn’t hurt either).  When not at work she enjoys yoga, running, camping, hiking, and generally spending time with her family in the beautiful Utah Mountains.  She shares her home with her husband, 3 crazy kids, 3 even crazier dogs, and an unimpressed bearded dragon.

Dr. Lynn McCarron, DABVP, is the founding practitioner of University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center. She was raised in Ohio, attended undergraduate college at Kent State University, and received her DVM from the Ohio State University in 1988. Her entry to private practice was in rural Ohio in the role of James Herriott, caring for a large variety of farm animals, as well as dogs, cats, horses, and miniature pigs. A move to Utah associated with her husband’s career proved to be a great one for her, as she found it to be an incredible place to live, play and work. After eight years in practice Dr. McCarron pursued rigorous advanced accreditation as a specialist in dog and cat medicine and surgery, and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners – one of but a few in all of Utah. She has strong interests in cancer care, geriatric medicine and internal medicine, especially endocrinology. Her daughter and son share her attachment to an Australian Shepherd named Kieran and a cat named Basil.

Dr. Rachel Walton grew up in Ogden, Utah, and spent much of her teenage years raising guide dogs and other service dogs. From her involvement in these programs, she learned the importance of the human-animal bond and decided to pursue a career working with animals. She completed her undergraduate education in biology at the University of Utah (Go Utes!) and then received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Colorado State University. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Walton worked at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center as a technician and was excited to join the team as a veterinarian. Her professional interests include oncology, soft tissue surgery, medicine, and ophthalmology. The Walton household includes Violet, a Golden Doodle; Gertie, a Chocolate Lab, and two cats: Hermione and Padme.  Dr. Walton and her husband Jeff also have two human children.  In her free time, Dr. Walton enjoys reading, photography, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and pets.

Dr. Heather McIlvenna (Mac-ill-venna) was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii-Hilo and then her veterinary degree from Washington State University. She worked in Sante Fe, New Mexico following graduation at a very busy emergency and general care clinic, before moving to Utah to be closer to the mountains and her family. She lives with her sister and her lovely dog,  a boisterous retriever mix named Marigold. Dr. McIlvenna enjoys spending as much of her spare time as possible outdoors. She is an avid canyoneer and a novice rock climber. She also loves hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains with Marigold and gardening. She has a particular interest in geriatric care and pain management, as well as soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior.

Dr. Jessica Zelnik was born in the US Virgin Islands and grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.  She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Washington State University.  Dr. Zelnik has been a practicing veterinarian in the Salt Lake Valley since 2009 and joined us here at University Veterinary Hospital in the fall of 2012.  She has received advanced training in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and pain management.

Jessica is an avid skier and mountain biker.  She also enjoys running and hiking with her dogs: Kami, a Boxer, and Jake, a Schnauzer mix.

Dana joined University Veterinary Hospital in the fall of 2017.  She has called Utah “home” her entire life.  She’s always loved animals and has previously owned cats, dogs, rabbits, and even shared a home with a tortoise and raccoon. 

Dana holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice and while her past experience is mostly Criminal Justice related, working with troubled youth, victims of violent crime, and various Criminal Justice agencies and professionals across the State of Utah, she’s grateful to be working in a job where she has daily contact with animals.   

Dana enjoys interacting with staff, Doctors, animals, and clients and having the opportunity to work with great people who truly have a passion for caring for many four legged friends.  She loves to read books and play a round of golf in her spare time.

When not at work Dana enjoys spending time with her family and taking in an occasional hockey game, and are excited to have added a new English Cream Golden Retriever puppy to their family !  They’re looking forward to the hikes, runs, and games of fetch they will get to share with their new family member for years to come.

Dr. Adrienne Pincetl grew up in the 9th and 9th area. After a decade of adventures in Colorado and Montana, she is thrilled to be working so close to home. She joined University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center in July 2018.

Dr. Pincetl completed her undergraduate education at Montana State University. She went on to receive her Master’s in Public Health from Colorado School of Public Health and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University.

Professionally, Dr. Pincetl’s interests include internal medicine, geriatric care, and alternative medicine. Dr. Pincetl was certified in medical acupuncture for veterinarians in 2017.

In her free time, Adrienne loves spending time outside with her husband Danny and their Newfie/Lab mix Frances.

Dr. Lynn McCarron, DABVP, is the founding practitioner of University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center. She was raised in Ohio, attended undergraduate college at Kent State University, and received her DVM from the Ohio State University in 1988. Her entry to private practice was in rural Ohio in the role of James Herriott, caring for a large variety of farm animals, as well as dogs, cats, horses, and miniature pigs. A move to Utah associated with her husband’s career proved to be a great one for her, as she found it to be an incredible place to live, play and work. After eight years in practice Dr. McCarron pursued rigorous advanced accreditation as a specialist in dog and cat medicine and surgery, and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners – one of but a few in all of Utah. She has strong interests in cancer care, geriatric medicine and internal medicine, especially endocrinology. Her daughter and son share her attachment to an Australian Shepherd named Kieran and a cat named Basil.