EMERCENCY/CRITICAL CARE
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE EMERGENCY AND
CRITICAL CARE SERVICE...
• Randall Derbin, VMD
• Montine Mansell, DVM
• Kathy Olsen, DVM
• Rand S. Wachsstock, DVM
• J. Michael Walters, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Our Mission
We’re Here When You Need Us
Critical Care Medicine Always Available
A State-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital
Our Compassion and Dedication
Mission Statement
The Emergency and Critical Care Service will make available the highest level of care for patients and their owners. We will provide around-the-clock services every day, so that no matter when a situation arises, quality veterinary care is available. We welcome challenging, complicated cases and have an ongoing commitment to approach diagnostics and treatments aggressively. We will always provide and have access to specialized medical and surgical procedures as well as advanced in-house diagnostics. We will approach all patients with the knowledge that they are cherished family members. We are devoted to providing a caring environment that treats people and animals with dignity, kindness and respect.<Back to Top>
We’re open when your family veterinarian’s office is closed... nights, weekends and holidays
Few aspects of pet ownership are more terrifying than when an animal is taken ill in the middle of the night or during weekend hours when your veterinarian’s office is closed. Our Emergency Service exists to care for your pet under just these circumstances, and we’re no farther away than your phone. A medical diagnosis takes more than a phone call, but that’s where it usually starts as our well trained and caring staff member answers your questions and directs you on how best to cope with your pet’s problem. We treat a variety of medical and surgical conditions affecting dogs, cats, birds and exotics. When you arrive, your pet will be examined and assessed by one of our critical care veterinarians who will explain the treatment options available to you. Please remember that cases are seen on the basis of need, with the most severely affected patients being seen first.<Back to Top>
Critical Care Medicine Available 24 Hours a Day, Every Day,
365 Days a Year
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine is a veterinary specialty that can save a pet’s life. Should your pet become injured, or suddenly develop an acute, life threatening disease, he or she will require prompt, emergency care. In addition to the initial emergency treatment, in some cases many days may be needed for the disease process to run its course before recovery occurs. During this time, close monitoring and advanced life support measures in the critical care unit (CCU) may be needed. Much of what happens in the critical care setting is initially planned for and started in the emergent phase of the disease. A vigilant team led by a veterinarian who is specially trained in emergency and critical care medicine will improve the quality of care your pet receives during this crucial time, resulting in a greater likelihood that he or she will survive. Critical care clinicians communicate daily with pet owners and involve the referring veterinarian in the ongoing management of their patients. <Back to Top>
A fully equipped state-of-the-art veterinary hospital…
By referring you to us, your regular veterinarian is demonstrating his/her trust in our ability to properly care for your pet. We are fully equipped to handle virtually any circumstance that may arise. Our state-of-the-art equipment and treatment regimens are identical to those found in human hospitals. Our superb in-house laboratory can provide fast, accurate, lifesaving diagnoses enabling us to aggressively and effectively treat your pet. In order to be proactive rather than reactive, we have an extensive monitoring network and outstanding professional and support personnel. In those circumstances that demand it, the Emergency and Critical Care Service has ready access to the on-site Board Certified Specialists that comprise the Regional Veterinary Referral Center. When seconds count … we are here for you!<Back to Top>
Compassion and dedication…
As you leave the hospital, you will be given a copy of your pet’s record including all X-rays and results of diagnostic tests. The attending doctor will contact your regular veterinarian upon discharge to notify them of your visit, and we remain available to them even after your pet’s stay with us is completed. We understand that it takes much more than just medical skill to fully care for animals. It takes compassion and dedication – something to remember as you consider the kind of care you want to give your pet. We care about that one special pet – yours!<Back to Top>
Behind the name…
Dr. Randall Derbin
He is originally from northeastern Pennsylvania. He spent his undergraduate days at Penn State University where he received a BS in biochemistry and a BS in animal bioscience. He went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine where he received his veterinary degree in 2001. The following year, he completed his internship at a local referral practice. He has since been practicing emergency medicine in the area and currently resides in Fairfax with his chowhound, Mandalay. He has a strong interest in managing traumatic, toxicological and surgical emergencies. In his free time, he enjoys golf, volleyball, watching baseball and hanging out with friends.<Back to Top>
Dr. Montine Mansell
Dr. Mansell is originally from the Atlanta area. She attended both undergraduate and veterinary school at Auburn University in Alabama. After graduating in 2004 from veterinary school with her DVM, she worked for a local practice before completing an Emergency /Critical Care internship at the Regional Veterinary Referral Center. Montine enjoys photography, traveling and playing softball. She lives with her dogs Cagney and Gidgit and guinea pig, Gerti.<Back to Top>
Dr. Kathy Olsen
Dr. Olsen is a native of upstate New York. She completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and graduated from their School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Michigan the following year, then spent the next nine years in private clinical practices in Seattle. Dr. Olsen joined the emergency staff at RVRC in 2000. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter and showing her dogs in obedience, rally and agility trials.<Back to Top>
Dr. Rand S. Wachsstock
Dr. Rand S. Wachsstock is a graduate of The University of Illinois. Dr. Wachsstock taught both there and at Yale University. He has actively practiced emergency medicine since 1984 and believes comprehensive state-of-the-art medical care should be readily available to all pets. He owns and operates The Emergency/Critical Care Service at The Regional Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, Virginia. In 2005 he was appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia to the Radiation Advisory Board. Dr. Herring and Dr. Wachsstock are co-founders of Radiocat, a veterinary practice dedicated exclusively to the care and treatment of feline hyperthyroidism.<Back to Top>
Dr. J. Michael Walters
Dr. Walters is the director of our Critical Care Unit. He is the only Board Certified Criticalist in Fairfax County. He is a 1992 graduate of Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. After spending a year in private practice, Dr. Walters completed an internship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. Over the next seven years he stayed in private practice where he co-managed a large emergency service. His chosen career in emergency medicine led Dr. Walters back to academia in 2001 where he pursued advanced training at Colorado State University. In 2004, he completed his residency-training program at CSU in emergency and critical care medicine as well as receiving a Master’s degree in clinical sciences. He enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities.<Back to Top>
