Deborah Silverstein grew up in windy Oklahoma City before heading to Emory University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1993, followed by a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine (Bull Dawgs!) in 1997. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia in 1998, then spent 3 years at the University of California, Davis as a resident in small animal Emergency and Critical Care. She obtained Diplomate status in 2001, then moved to Philadelphia to join the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a Professor and Section Chief of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her clinical research interests include cardiovascular shock, sepsis, resuscitation therapy, ARDS, and microcirculatory perfusion.
Dr. Silverstein has edited 2 textbooks, over 40 manuscripts, and more than 40 book chapters. She has been invited to lecture nationally and internationally and greatly enjoys teaching (and learning from) all levels of ECC enthusiasts. Dr. Silverstein has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with VECCS through participation on the VECCS Gives Committee (formerly known as the VECC Foundation Board) and chairing the Grant Review committee, as well as with ACVECC as a Regent, Scientific Committee Chair, Vice President, and member of the Resident Training Committee. She is dedicated to the continued advancement and support of veterinary emergency and critical care medicine, especially the next generation of veterinarians and nurses, through her efforts working with VECCS, ACVECC, and Penn Vet
Please join the VECCS Board of Directors in a warm and whole-hearted congratulations to Dr. Silverstein.
Thank you for your years of dedication and service to VECCS!
Presently Emeritus Professor, University of Pennsylvania for 30’years
Dr. Megan Seekins graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. After graduation, she completed a small animal emergency focused internship followed by a residency in emergency and critical care. Dr. Seekins became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2012. She currently works as Critical Care Specialist and Medical Director at BluePearl Northeast Portland Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital in Oregon.
Dr. Seekins’ special interests include respiratory emergencies, CPR and pain and anesthetic management of critical trauma patients. She has a special passion for teaching and provides continuing education in emergency medicine for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians. She is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being in the workplace, as well as building an environment of excellent medical quality, inclusivity and diversity, and a just culture. She believes that we work best when we are our authentic selves and encourages her team members to remember why we found our way to veterinary medicine- to help pets and as a result, help people.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Seekins enjoys traveling, art, wine tasting and all things music, particularly her eclectic vinyl collection. She is also known to love laughing and can often be heard doing this in the hospital.
