Intern Class 2009–2010

Jennifer Bier, DVM

When people ask me where I’m from I have to simply say the East Coast. I was born and raised in Connecticut, attended college in Maryland, and went to veterinary school in Florida. Growing up I spent any available moment at the barn with my horse, Hannah.

I attended college at the University of Maryland where I earned my degree in Animal Science. While there I played flute and piccolo in the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band for 4 years and in the basketball Pep Band for 3 years. With the band I traveled throughout the southeast going to bowl games, ACC basketball tournaments, and even the Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. Needless to say, I am an avid Terps fan! After college I went to the University of Florida where I obtained my degree in veterinary medicine. I love veterinary medicine and all that it has to offer. My special interests include dentistry, surgery, oncology, and animal welfare.

I currently live in Rockville and have two cats - Queen Alexandra and Murray (although Murray missed the memo on feline behavior and acts more like a Labrador puppy!). In my free time I enjoy running, finding new places to eat and shop, being a tourist in D.C., and relaxing!

Taylor Burge, DVM

Growing up outside of Atlanta, GA, pets were always important in my family. Surrounded by dogs, cats, horses and goats, it's not unexpected that I went into veterinary medicine. After getting an animal science degree at Berry College, I went to vet school at the University of Georgia. Although I love the south, I am very excited to be here at Friendship and to have the chance to grow as a veterinarian.

I would like to go into general practice after I finish my intern year so I can develop relationships with patients and clients. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, but I am especially interested in the benefits of preventive medicine, nutrition, and holistic medicine.

I like spending my free time doing outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking and paddling. I also like to curl up with my loving Springer Spaniel, Roxie, and a good book.

Genn Geiger, DVM

I grew up in Farmington, CT, where I developed a love for animals early on with my neighbor’s pets.

Music was my passion, so I started my undergraduate career at George Mason University majoring in trumpet performance and education. After deciding that spending huge amounts of time in an 8 X 10 practice room wasn't for me, I decided to pursue my other interests of biology and animal science and transfer to University of Rhode Island. Once I moved out of the dormitories, I finally was able to have a pet so my boyfriend and I adopted a bearded dragon and 3 ferrets. I graduated in December of 2000 and started veterinary school on the island of St. Kitts at Ross University, and adopted a wonderful dog and 2 adorable cats.

I left the island to complete my clinical training at Oklahoma State and graduated from Ross in January of 2009. My wonderful husband- who followed me to the island, Oklahoma and here- and I got married last month. We live in northern Virginia with our two cats, Minnie and Ginny, and our two dogs Bandit- a heeler lab mix from Oklahoma, and Tess- a sweet island dog.

Jeff Lavine, DVM

I grew up in Cresskill, NJ, a small town just outside of New York City. Since my younger brother is allergic to dogs and cats, I grew up surrounding myself with snakes, frogs, lizards, fish and other exotic animals. I bought my first snake in 4th grade and he is still slithering around an expansive tank in New Jersey today.

I graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. I continued traveling south to attend The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and became an official Gator for life. Joining the team at Friendship Hospital for Animals has been a remarkable opportunity and each day is filled with continued learning and rewarding experiences. My professional interests include general practice, surgery, ultrasonography, dentistry and exotic animal medicine.

My girlfriend Elyse is a 3rd year medical student at The George Washington School of Medicine and we share an apartment with a Panther chameleon, Leopard tortoise and saltwater fish tank. My personal interests include boating, fishing, biking and exploring DC?s restaurants and sites.

Jennifer McDaniel, DVM

I am a native Michigander. My favorite childhood memories are of playing on the beaches of Lake Michigan with my family. I have been surrounded by animals all of my life, thanks to my parents, who allowed all of my found animals to become part of the family. My parents also spent countless hours driving me to and from riding lessons and horse shows. I love training and competing horses and am looking forward to owning my own barn in the future.

From a young age I wanted to be a veterinarian. While still in elementary school my cousin and I would play in college. I would pull out all of my animal books and study to be an animal doctor. When the time came to actually attend college, I earned my undergraduate degree in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan. I then attended Michigan State University and earned my veterinary medical degree. While I have wonderful memories of MSU, I am a lifelong Wolverine at heart and Michigan football fanatic!

Many facets of veterinary medicine interest me. I enjoy emergency medicine as well as emergency surgery. However, my main interest is oncology. My interest in oncology began before vet school when my own dog, Wembly, was diagnosed with cancer. Wembly lived thirteen very happy months after being diagnosed with a fairly aggressive cancer because of the wonderful care provided by her oncologist.

When not at Friendship, I enjoy exploring the area and spending time with my basset hound, Kirby.

Charity VanAcker, DVM

I am originally from Upstate New York, where the majority of my family still resides. My dream to become a veterinarian was recognized at an early age, mostly because my parents ensured my sister and I were exposed to a variety of animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals and wildlife. My first horse, Skippy, still lives at our farm in New York. He's 28 years old now and was my favorite Christmas present of all time (his mane was braided with red bows!).

Upon graduation from Colgate University, I worked for 2 years at a small animal veterinary clinic, gaining practical experience prior to applying to vet school. I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2009. After completing the internship program at Friendship, I hope to pursue a residency in Internal Medicine.

When I am not at the hospital, I can likely be found at the dog park with Bailey, my black Labrador. I also have a cat, Brewster, who would enjoy going to the dog park if he were allowed! My other hobbies include running, hiking, skiing, and kayaking.

I am very fortunate to be joining the caring and knowledgeable community that is Friendship, and am looking forward to an exciting year!