Dr. Elizabeth Killham
Associate Veterinarian
Hi, my name is Dr. Killham, and I am a Veterinarian at Bonsall Pet Hospital. I am passionate about providing high-quality care and helping my patients feel comfortable and confident in their treatment.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of veterinary medicine, I'm an avid wingsuiter and skydiver, having completed close to 2,000 jumps, participated in national and world records, and competed in the US National Wingsuit Acrobatic competitions alongside my fiancé, Chris. I also love hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, and any and all outdoor activities, and Chris and I travel extensively in the United States and abroad. Our household includes five furry rescues, a corn snake, and a jumping spider: Susadei, a Great Dane originally from California; Lambchop, a French Mastiff who found his forever home after three prior ones; Periwinkle, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Petrie, a Ragdoll; and Joshua, a recently adopted fifteen-year-old cat who spent his last seven months in a shelter—one or more of whom join me at work most days—along with Rosie Canoli the corn snake and Ester the jumping spider.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of my job is the relationships I form with our patients and their families over their entire lives of care—from puppy and kittenhood to their senior years, and every step in between. As a general practitioner with advanced skills in soft tissue surgery and dentistry, I'm able to be there to support our patients and their owners at every stage of life.
Why I Chose This Profession
My dream from the age of three was to become a veterinarian, and not once has that dream wavered. I feel so lucky to have pursued that goal with the support of family, friends, professors, and mentors. Providing medical, surgical, and dental care to our patients—while supporting their owners and teaching and learning alongside fellow staff—has been the fulfillment of this lifelong dream.
Education
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from The College of William and Mary (2004–2008), followed by my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.
Professional Background
My veterinary interests include mentorship, soft tissue surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, and preventative care, with extensive knowledge in the care of large and giant breed dogs. Continued education and study have allowed me to pursue advanced dental care and surgery within our hospitals, and I've completed surgical laser training that I hope to bring to our local hospitals in the near future.
Memberships
I am a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Work History
After veterinary school, I spent four years at a small animal hospital in North Carolina before following a lifelong dream of moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2016. I served as Medical Director at a small animal hospital outside Portland, OR for three years, then transitioned to Regional Medical Director overseeing multiple hospitals in Southern California beginning in 2020, while continuing to support hospitals in Washington, Oregon, and California. In 2021, I began working with Neighborhood Vet Hospital of Bonsall and Neighborhood Veterinary Hospitals of San Diego as a local Medical Director. Through multi-clinic support and leadership, I've been able to pursue my passion for mentoring new veterinary graduates, students, interns, and technicians.