Humane Society of Utah Appoints New Medical Director

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new Medical Director who will oversee all medical activities in our Pet Resource Center and Clinic in Murray: Dr. Timna Fischbein. 

Dr. Timna has worked for the Humane Society of Utah for three years as our Shelter Veterinarian and was promoted to her new role on August 13, 2021. Previously, she worked as a veterinarian for a private practice before realizing that her heart was in providing lifesaving care to homeless pets in the non-profit arena. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2012 and has three dogs and two cats of her own. 

Our Communications and Corporate Giving Manager, Shannon Egan, recently took a moment to interview Dr. Timna on her new role and her goals for the future. Here’s what she had to say: 

What is your overall goal and vision as the new Medical Director for the largest animal resource center in the state? 

We are already helping such a large number of animals right now, but my goal is to elevate our standard of care and take everything we do to the next level. Ultimately, I want the Humane Society of Utah to be a role model for other animal welfare organizations in the region. I want us to be a leader that these organizations can and will look up to. 

Can you elaborate on some specific changes you would like to make?

Firstly, I’d like to make significant improvements to our clinic by ensuring all of our policies and procedures are in line with current best practices. For example, I want to improve upon our drug protocols and postoperative recovery procedures. One simple way we can do this is by ensuring animals stay warmer while they are recovering from surgery. This will help them to wake up faster from anesthesia and therefore recover more quickly.  

You mentioned earlier that you’d like all of our medical activities to be more progressive. Can you elaborate on that? 

While our standard operating procedures are already up to par, there is always room for improvement. My plan is to be more progressive and forward-thinking so that our veterinary care is more accessible for the thousands of animals we treat every year. As part of my new role, I will be responsible for staying updated on the animal welfare industry’s best practices and recommendations. This way, we can ensure our care is at the highest standard possible and consistent over time. 

What does it mean to take on such an important leadership role for our organization as a woman?

To me it’s all about inspiring the next generation of animal welfare professionals. I’m excited to be a role-model for other young women who are interested in veterinary medicine and/or animal welfare. Having women in leadership roles gives young people the confidence that they can also achieve similar goals. 

What does this new job role mean to you personally? 

It’s so rewarding for me to be able to bring an animal back from a severe illness or a really deteriorated state and watch them recover and heal and then get adopted. I genuinely believe I am doing the work I was meant to do. I want all the animals who come to us to thrive and live out the happy, healthy lives they deserve. I take my role in helping them achieve this very seriously, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.