Dr. Michelle Allen, DVM
Michelle is a native of Nova Scotia, Canada. She grew up with a love of all animals which led her to take any opportunity possible to volunteer with local animal hospitals and on surrounding farms. After initially attending Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Michelle obtained early entry to veterinary school after her junior year and completed her degree at Atlantic Veterinary College. Although not in her initial plans heading into vet school, Michelle was suprised prior to the start of second year when Patrick proposed. She said yes and they soon became the Drs. Allen. Following graduation Michelle had the opportunity along with Patrick to perform a one year internship in internal medicine and surgery at Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center in Annapolis. This experience was key in shaping how she practices veterinary medicine and she has been fortunate to have maintained a wonderful relationship with many of the doctors at CVRC through the years.
Following her internship she entered small animal practice in Germantown, MD. As family life and children then began to take priority in her life, Michelle transitioned into relief veterinary work through the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. regions serving numerous hospitals throughout. While frequenting the Eastern Shore with Patrick on weekends the charm of the Shore took hold and it wasn’t long before Michelle and Patrick moved East of the bridge.
Read more...Since coming to the Shore Michelle has become well known for her gentle way with her patients. Many refer to her as the cat whisperer due to her amazing ability to create a stress free experience with her kitty patients. With first-hand experience of seeing how reduced stress can facilitate a much more pleasant and effective visit with patients Michelle, along with Patrick, have embraced pursuing a ‘fear free’ approach.
Outside of work Michelle is a mama first. She remains constantly on the move shuttling her children, Kaylee and Kellan, between their many activities. With such a busy schedule you’ll often see the kids in tow at work. Although that’s enough to keep her busy, she’s also got a spoiled lab Ben attached at her hip and the family cat Charlie begging to go for car rides.
Dr. Patrick Allen, DVM
Dr. Allen (or Dr. Patrick) is the co-founder along with the other Dr. Allen (Dr. Michelle) of East Coast Vets. He is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland having grown up in Cambridge. He attended Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!!) for his undergraduate degree before heading north of the border to Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada where he completed his veterinary degree. Patrick also met Michelle while in veterinary school (they were in the same class) and was quick to propose to her prior to starting their second year. They were married at the start of their 4th year.
Following graduation Patrick had the opportunity along with Michelle to perform a 1 year internship in internal medicine and surgery at Cheaspeake Veterinary Referral Center in Annapolis. He was fortunate to work with a wonderful and knowledgeable group of doctors while at CVRC and continues to utilize that experience in his day to day practice. Patrick began his career as a practicing veterinarian following his internship and was an associate at multiple fast paced hospitals in the Washington D.C and Baltimore regions. During this time he also continued building his skill set with specialized training in numerous surgical procedures including the TPLO and TTA for cruciate ligament injuries. To date he has performed over 700 of these procedures. He also performs numerous other orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.
Read more...More recently Patrick, along with Michelle, has taken an interest in a fear free approach to working with their patients. East Coast Vets was designed with this premise in mind, wanting to create the very best possible experience for both you and your family pet.
Outside of work Patrick is active in the triathlon community and busy collaborating with his friend Dr. Salif Bishop on programs to improve animal and public health in Senegal. He also enjoys being out on the water soaking up the Shore life with his family and friends. East Coast Vets is a family practice so don’t be surprised if you see his kids (Kaylee and Kellan), black lab Ben and orange tabby Charlie running about the hospital one day. Promise they don’t bite! Although Kellan might talk your ear off.
Dr. Ellen Ferguson, DVM
Dr. Ferguson is a native of Dorchester County. She obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of South Carolina and later attended and graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. She has always had a love for animals of all kinds. She grew up riding and caring for horses, a passion that helped spark her interest in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Ferguson’s special interests include internal medicine, abdominal ultrasound, and oncology. Cancer has affected her personal life as well which helps give her guidance when helping pet parents through the emotional journey of caring for their pets during times of illness.
At home, Dr. Ferguson enjoys time with her wonderful husband Bart, her mixed breed pup Tulip, Crossfit, and horseback riding.
Beth
Beth is a Client Service Representative who joined in June 2021. After graduating high school, she moved to the eastern shore and began working at a racehorse farm. Beth started her career as a veterinary technician in 2003. Growing up around horses, dogs, cats, and various other animals, she developed a love for animals at a young age and even helped raise and train dogs with her father.
During her time as a veterinary technician, Beth found great satisfaction in being able to assist clients in understanding how to care for their animals. She has two grown daughters and enjoys spending time with her family, driving and riding horses, taking her dog to the beach, reading, and being outdoors. In addition to her love for animals, Beth also owns and trains standardbred racehorses.
Kim
Kim is a Client Service Representative who joined in June 2021. She grew up in Secretary, MD, and has lived in Cambridge, MD for her entire adult life. After working in production and assembly for several years, she completed the Veterinary Assistant course at Chesapeake College.
Animals have always been a passion of hers, and she finds joy in getting to know the unique personalities of each pet that comes through the door, whether it’s a new puppy or kitten. Kim knew she was in the right profession as she enjoys what she does, the people she works with, and the people she meets.
Kim lives with her husband and their pets which include 2 black Labs and 2 cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, doing various crafts, playing outside with her dogs, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Michelle
Michelle joined the ECV team as a Veterinary Technician in August of 2022. She attended Chesapeake College from 2014-2016 pursuing general studies and completed their Veterinary Assistant course in 2015. She began working in a veterinary clinic in 2015 and is currently
enrolled in an online Veterinary Technician Program through Ashworth College. Michelle loves being able to be a voice for animals while caring for them in times of sickness and health.
Michelle grew up on the Wye River in Queenstown and moved to Easton in July 2022 to live with her boyfriend, his lab mix Tucker, and her orange tabby cat Ducky.
Michelle has always had a love for animals, being outside experiencing nature, and observing animals in their natural habitats. She grew up with Labrador Retrievers, and raised and cared for turtles, a sun conure, and a litter of kittens, she also had fish and hermit crabs and was an avid bird watcher.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places, working out, going hiking and to the beach, paddle boarding, collecting seashells, gardening and caring for indoor plants, playing with her pets, and playing Animal Crossing.
Becky
Becky joined our team as a Veterinary technician July of 2021. She grew up and attended school on Kent Island. Becky began working in veterinary emergency care in 2010 and took her veterinary assistant course. She left emergency care when her daughter was born and pursued Internal Medicine and Oncology where she worked for 7 years at Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine and Oncology in Annapolis and attended the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician program.
Becky always enjoyed being around animals. Her dad raised and trained Chesapeake Bay Retrievers which helped her appreciate the bond a dog could have with their owner. Becky would always go to the veterinary visits with her dad and loved learning the medical side of caring for a pet. When she came home from college and started her job with an emergency clinic, it opened her eyes to a whole new side of pet care. “Being able to see a patient go back home to their family after the care we were able to provide was incredible. Between emergency, oncology, internal medicine, and now primary care, you never stop learning new things to help furry friends.”
Becky has 2 children, 2 dogs (Delta and Kenai, Chesapeake bay retrievers) , 3 cats, some chickens, and a pet turkey named Blitz. Becky and her family love spending time outdoors on the farm, gardening, and swimming in the pool.
Hailee
Hailee joined our team as a Veterinary Technician in November of 2022. She was born and raised in Cambridge. She graduated high school in 2012 and completed the veterinary Assistant program at Chesapeake College in the spring of 2015.
Hailee started her career with animals as a boarding technician at a local pet resort. Working there made her realize how much she adores animals and wanted to continue working in the animal field. From there she started working at a local animal hospital and her love for helping animals grew. Animal rehabilitation is Hailee’s greatest passion. This led her to spend time working and learning at the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Annapolis Junction. Hailee knew she was in the right profession when she got to see how rewarding it was to see an animal be happy and healthy again after suffering from an injury or illness.
Outside of work, Hailee lives in Cambridge with her husband. They have 1 dog and 3 cats together, as well as raising waterfowl. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends!
Lexi
Lexi joined the ECV team as a Veterinary Technician in June of 2021. She was born and raised in Dorchester county and attended Cambridge South Dorchester high school.
Lexi has always loved and owned various different animals and decided she wanted to further her knowledge on how to properly care for them, as well as teaching the community how to provide proper care.
“When I see the look on the faces of pet parents when we are able to provide care and relief to their beloved pets, that’s when I know I’m really making a difference.”
Lexi has 3 pit bulls, 2 beagles, chickens and she grew up with miniature horses at her grandmother’s house on the weekends. She has been surrounded
by animals her whole life and loves that she has the opportunity to carry her passion over into her career.
Megan
Megan is a Veterinary Technician at ECV. She was born and raised in Dorchester county. Megan developed a strong interest in working with animals growing up and began working in Veterinary medicine in 2009. Currently Megan can be seen caringly interacting with clients as a part of the patient care team and also is an integral member of the surgical team at ECV.
In her spare time she loves riding her horse, going to the beach, water parks and being with her husband and two children, two dogs, 3 cats, 2 horses and 12 chickens.
Melissa
Melissa is a dedicated Customer Service Representative at East Coast Vets. She grew up in Cambridge and completed the veterinary assistant program at Chesapeake College in 2014. She began working as a veterinary technician initially which has benefited her tremendously as she has transitioned into working as a CSR.
Melissa’s love for animals and desire to help pet parents led her to the veterinary profession. She always knew that this was her calling, whether working directly with pets or assisting their parents. Melissa loves the interaction she has with the pet parents, and being able to provide the best care for their beloved pets.
Outside of work, Melissa resides in Trappe with her cat crew and her silly pittie Lilah. She enjoys taking walks and cuddling up to watch TV with her furry companions.
