Meet Mary Von Der Porten
Dr. Von Der Porten is an Associate Veterinary with Selkirk Veterinary Hospital. She grew up in Vancouver and her passion for being a veterinarian is motivated by a deep interest in promoting healthy communities through a strong human animal bond and happy healthy animals.
Mary has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine as well as a Master degree from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Science with Distinction from the University of Victoria.
Mary has a passion for animals big and small. As a lifelong competitive equestrian Mary gained valuable experience in animal care which led her to an academic career in biological and veterinary sciences. Before becoming a veterinarian Mary worked as a bear biologist in Whistler BC and in resource and environmental management in Nelson. Mary moved from the Coast to Nelson in 2010 to be with her husband, and after a brief time in Saskatoon, they are in Nelson for the long term.
Mary’s veterinary employment has included jobs in veterinary science research including reproduction and anesthesia as well as small animal practice. During her DVM Mary and her husband had a beautiful baby girl who is now an active Nelson toddler that loves visiting with animals and playing in the lake. Her ‘fur brother’ Smokey is a Catahoula leopard hound that was adopted in Creston 5 years ago. When not in the clinic you may see Mary shredding powder at Whitewater or blazing the bike trails at Mountain Station – embracing this wonderful town.