Company Profile
Veterinary Specialty Center
Company Overview
Veterinary Specialty Center is guided by the belief that companion animals deserve state-of-the-art medical care in a kind and comforting environment. The courage of our patients, the loyalty of their human families, and the devotion of our referral veterinarians inspire our vision. It is sustained by the contributions of our compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated staff and built upon a tradition of providing unsurpassed healthcare for animals.
Company History
Dr. Claude Gendreau was head of small animal surgery and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in the 1970s, when he realized that specialty veterinary care was needed in a metropolitan area the size of Chicago. In 1976, he opened his practice in Northbrook. A few years later he partnered with Dr. Sam Vainisi (who has since retired) to build a new animal hospital at the corner of Deerfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue in Riverwoods, a block from our current location. It was one of the first private specialty veterinary practices to open in the United States.
In the beginning, our practice, Veterinary Specialty Center, was home to surgical and ophthalmological services. Throughout the years, the practice has grown to include numerous specialties – Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, Dermatology, Imaging and Radiology, Neurology, Rehabilitation, Behavior, Holistic Care and Anesthesia and Pain Management – along with Surgery.
As the practice has grown, many top veterinary specialists have come to practice at VSC. Over the years, ownership has grown to include Dr. Mitch Robbins, Dr. Rhonda Feinmehl and Dr. Karen Kuhl. The ownership team has invested in cutting edge, state-of-the-art digital imaging and diagnostic equipment to help specialists diagnose and treat the myriad of cases that have come into the practice.
Veterinary Specialty Center is home to one of the top veterinary nephrologists in the U.S. – Dr. Jerry Thornhill – and one of just two Anesthesiology and Pain Management Specialists – Dr. Jusmeen Sarkar – in private practice in Illinois. Over the past several years, satellite clinics in Crystal Lake and Mokena have been established to make the specialists at VSC accessible to more people.
As our practice continues to grow, we are continually updating diagnostic equipment, more specialists and varied treatment options to meet the needs of our patients and maintain our commitment to being the leading multidisciplinary hospital in the Midwest.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Veterinary Specialty Center Honored as One of Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces 2016
VSC joined fellow honorees and more than 700 C-level Chicago executives at the high-profile Top Workplaces 2016 awards ceremony, now in its seventh year. Companies were selected by employee surveys conducted by Workplace Dynamics that measured such key qualities as company leadership, communication, career opportunities, working environment, managerial skills, pay and benefits. The top finishers were announced during the celebratory annual awards ceremony.
First in the Midwest to offer hemodialysis to companion animals. Veterinary Specialty Center is the only private practice in middle-America and one of 10 nationally to offer hemodialysis
First facility in the Chicagoland area to offer radiation therapy to companion animals
First private practice in Illinois to offer oncology services
First private practice in Illinois with a board certified anesthesiologist on staff
First private practice in Illinois to offer MRI and CT scans
First practice in Illinois to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Only practice in Illinois offering thermography
First practice in Illinois offering Acoustic Compression Therapy (ACT)
Only practice in Illinois with a licensed counselor and grief support group
Hosts the largest, no-cost, annual continuing education event for veterinarians and technicians in the Chicago-area.
One of only a few practices nationally to offer Flouroscopy
One of the few practices with technicians boarded in emergency, critical care and internal medicine
Nutrition consults available
In-house laboratory from the University of Illinois’ Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Account
Pet Insurance
Staff Appreciation Week
Annual Holiday Party
Quarterly Employee Events