Dr. Allison Melocik graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. She worked in a small animal practice in Baltimore for five years while also doing relief work for an emergency clinic. In July 2004, she moved to Anchorage and after starting her family, she joined the PET team in May 2006.
Dr. Melocik has a special interest in patients with ophthalmology or dermatology disease. She loves to see the patients go home happy and healthy again.
Allison is an avid runner, soccer player and currently keeps busy running after two adorable sons, a German Shepard, "Sabel" and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named "Mitch."
What is it like working and living in Alaska?
We live to play not live for work. Most of us don't have a lot of family here so we have made very strong and valuable friendships. Our co-workers and friends often are our families here in Alaska.
What drew you to live in Alaska?
Alaska allows the recreational outdoor enthusiast the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities ... trail running, skiing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking just to name a few. When I first visited Alaska, I fell in love with the small town atmosphere, the warm and friendly people and the stunning beauty.
What is it like being a vet in Alaska?
I have gotten the rare opportunity to work on porcupines, bald eagles and other wild birds. I never will forget the first time I had to remove porcupine quills from a dog. I thought "only in Alaska."
Then there is the acronym "KBM" (kicked by moose) which I didn't see back on the East Coast! There are few specialists in town, so as an Alaskan veterinarian I can have the challenging task of "working up" many difficult cases that in the Lower 48 are often referred to veterinary teaching hospitals or referral hospitals.
What is one of your most memorable cases?
A bald eagle that was found injured came to PET needing care for his injured talon. The talon was torn off and he was bleeding badly. Fortunately, I was able to stop the bleeding and he was sent to a rehabilitation center. From a medical standpoint it wasn't a challenging case, but it's not everyday that I get to work on a bald eagle!
