Veterinarians
Mark McConnell, BVMS, MRCVS
Hospital Co-Director, Chief of Staff
A native of New York, Dr. McConnell studied zoology at the University of Idaho and earned a Bachelor's Degree in 1986. He traveled to Scotland to continue his studies at the University of Glasgow's College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was awarded his degree in Veterinary Medicine and membership into the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1992.
A year later, Dr. McConnell joined the Emergency Veterinary Hospital as a full time veterinarian. In 1996 he became Chief of Staff, and now devotes time to his role as Hospital Co-Director as well. Dr. McConnell is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, the Lane County Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
An avid skier and cyclist, Dr. McConnell is often accompanied in his outdoor pursuits by his wife Mary Beth. At home, the McConnells enjoy the companionship of their many pets.
J. Ingrid Kessler, DVM
Hospital Co-Director, Chief of Medicine and Surgery
Dr. Kessler grew up in New York City, where a Siamese cat was instrumental in her rearing. She attended Cornell University and she received her Bachelor's degree in Classics in 1985. After graduate work in Ancient Philosophy and Classics at Stanford University, she found her true calling and set her sights on veterinary medicine. In 1994, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with honors from Michigan State University.
Dr. Kessler joined the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in 1996 after two years of general practice. Since that time, she has enjoyed her role as a full time veterinarian. She now serves as Co-Director of the hospital and Chief of Medicine and Surgery as well. Dr. Kessler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, as well as the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, the Lane County Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
An iron-distance triathlete, Dr. Kessler spends much of her free time swimming, cycling and running. At home, she enjoys relaxing with her husband Andy and their numerous cats and dogs. At the end of the day, she has been known to pick up a game of Scrabble.
Lisa Iverson, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
Originally from the Lone Star State, Dr. Iverson studied at Texas A&M University where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science in 1989. She went on to attend Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1994.
In 2002, Dr. Iverson left general practice to join the veterinary team at the Emergency Veterinary Hospital. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
Dr. Iverson spends much of her leisure time with her dogs, cats, llamas and horses. Her husband Tracy also raises and shows guinea pigs and rabbits. She has earned her black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an assistant instructor of Tae Kwon Do.