08/28/2025
✨ Clinician Spotlight ✨ Dr. Valerie Ordonez, Associate Vet, Bond Vet - Edgewater
What drew you to the veterinary field?
What I love most is the sense of community, being able to help someone in need and celebrate the little wins, like giving a family more time with their pet. I’ve been fortunate to witness that impact throughout my journey, starting as a veterinary assistant in my very first job, then later as a receptionist, a veterinary nurse, and now on the path to becoming a veterinarian. Each role has shown me the power of teamwork and how every member of the hospital contributes to making a difference.
What would you like to learn more about in veterinary medicine, or what really interests you from a medical standpoint?
I’ve been, in a way, unfortunately blessed with getting more involved in surgery. It’s a little ironic because it was one of the things I tried so hard to avoid in the clinic, I used to feel I was terribly bad at it (imagine taking forever just to finish a spay and thinking of everything going wrong! Gasp!). But over time, surgery has become the area I don’t mind diving into and getting my hands dirty with, especially when it’s for the benefit of the patient. During my time in NJ, I’ve been lucky to learn from incredible doctors like Jason Berkowitz, Jeremy Kimmelstiel, and Kerry McLaughlin. With their mentorship and guidance, I feel I’ve been able to grow and optimize my potential, helping my patients to the fullest capacity here at Bond Vet.
A case that has been really rewarding for you (at Bond or elsewhere)?
One of my proudest achievements is the wall in my home filled with framed pictures and letters from clients who have shared their gratitude for the care we provided to their pets. Each note and photo is a reminder of why I chose this field, it represents the trust families place in us and the difference we’re able to make in their lives.