We provide exceptional veterinary care through the expertise of our dedicated and compassionate team. Our doctors and staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring that every patient receives personalized treatment and the highest standard of care.
Dr. Brett Darrow is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and certified rehab practitioner. He obtained a BSE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering degree from the University of Iowa and worked in the field before following his passion to the University of Wisconsin to become a veterinarian. Following a one-year internship and two years as a general practitioner, Dr. Darrow attained a highly competitive academic surgery residency at the University of Tennessee.
Professionally, Dr. Darrow continues to contribute to the current literature and the latest technologies, from 3D printing to setting standards for blood transfusions. He has authored (or co-authored) many national and international publications, including two manuscripts in 2023 with two currently in-progress. He has also written two book chapters, one of which all veterinary surgery residents must read to achieve board certification. He maintains active membership in five professional associations on local and national levels. Dr. Darrow thoroughly enjoys mentoring those interested in surgery, from pre-vet to surgical residents.
Dr. Darrow has ranked #1 or #2 in every academic class, from high school through vet school (see CV). Hard-work and meticulous attention to detail goes into every surgery. He has performed 10,000+ orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurological procedures as one of Jacksonville’s busiest veterinary surgeons. Nevertheless, he is most proud of his patient’s successful outcomes and low complication rate.
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Dr. Janina Bartels is a board-certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists (DACVR). She completed her radiology residency at the University of Tennessee following a rotating internship at a referral center Coral Springs Animal Hospital and a specialty imaging internship at the Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego. Dr. Bartels is from Germany, where she graduated from the Veterinary Medicine University of Hannover and received her doctor medicinae veterinariae degree summa cum laude. For her veterinary degree she completed a neurology research project involving neuroimaging in cooperation with the Veterinary Medicine University of Hannover and a specialty clinic in Santa Fe, NM. Her focused interests are ultrasonography, echocardiography, radiology and neuroimaging. Dr. Janina Bartels owns Veterinary Imaging Services in Jacksonville, Florida and provided mobile ultrasonography, echocardiography and Teleimaging to local clinics for the last six years.
In her spare time, Dr. Bartels enjoys being outdoors with her family running, biking, surfing and camping. She has a 4-year-old and 2-year-old son, both of which are already involved and excited about rescuing wildlife with their parents. Another family member is their little Jack Russel Terrier Ruby enjoying all outdoor activities with them.
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Dr. Leo Londoño was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the United States where he obtained his degree in Biology in 2006. He then received his veterinary degree from University of Florida in 2011. After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Hollywood Animal Hospital (2012), he pursued a residency in emergency and critical care at University of Florida (2015) and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC) in 2016. During his residency he discovered his passion for nephrology, hemodialysis and other forms of blood purification. He then completed the hemodialysis academy from UC Davis and received the certification in veterinary extracorporeal blood purification.
In 2015, Dr. Londoño joined the faculty at University of Florida where he worked as a professor of emergency and critical care, and director of the hemodialysis unit until April 2021. He joined Capital Vet Specialists in 2021 where he worked as a critical care specialist. He is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ACVNU), established in 2022. His clinical interests include recognition and management of acute kidney injury, extracorporeal blood purification techniques, endothelial and glycocalyx dysfunction in critical illness. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and lecturing internationally, fishing and spending time with his family.
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ECoVets Veterinary Specialists and Emergency is thrilled to welcome Dr. Tae Rim (Jennie) Kim, to our team as our new Veterinary Neurologist! Dr. Kim brings an impressive depth of training and hands-on experience, having recently completed a rigorous neurology and neurosurgery residency at the University of Florida, where she led complex neurosurgical cases, including craniotomies and vertebral stabilization procedures. Her expertise spans advanced diagnostic procedures such as electrodiagnostics and spinal taps, and she has contributed to research on brain biopsy cytology.
Prior to her residency, Dr. Kim honed her skills through a small animal rotating internship in New York City and then completed a neurology specialty internship at the Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital, where she decided that she wanted to specialize in neurology. She then spent another year learning about complex neurological cases at the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey before moving to Florida for her residency. Her commitment to patient care, client communication, and teaching has been consistently recognized throughout her training. We are excited to have her join our mission of providing compassionate, cutting-edge care to our community.
Dr. Rose Bogina is an emergency veterinarian at ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency. Originally from New Jersey, she graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine and animal science. She then moved to Florida to pursue her veterinary degree at the University of Florida, where she graduated in the top ten of her class and earned a professional certificate in Shelter Medicine.
Dr. Bogina has special interests in feline medicine and acute trauma. She is Fear Free Certified and understands how overwhelming emergency visits can be. She prioritizes patient comfort and strives to ensure that both pets and their families feel supported and informed throughout their care. In her free time, Dr. Bogina enjoys going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Dr. Michael Morguess is an emergency doctor at ECoVets Veterinary Specialists and Emergency. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine and animal biosciences. He then completed his veterinary training at the University of Florida where he graduated with high honors and a certificate in Veterinary Business Management.
His clinical interests include endocrine and cardiac emergencies. He is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest veterinary literature to provide exceptional care to pets in need. He prides himself with his attention to detail and communication.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Morguess enjoys hiking with his dogs, paddle boarding, and spending time with his friends and family.
Dr. Sarah Kronz is an emergency veterinarian at ECoVets Veterinary Specialists & Emergency. Born and raised in St. Johns County, Florida, Dr. Kronz developed an early passion for science and animals. She attended St. Andrews University in North Carolina, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Equine Science, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Business. This diverse academic foundation equipped her with a well-rounded perspective on both the scientific and practical aspects of veterinary medicine. She pursued veterinary school at the University of Florida, where she discovered her true calling in emergency and critical care, thriving in high-stakes environments that demand quick thinking and compassion.
In her professional life, Dr. Kronz specializes in wound care and endocrine emergencies, areas in which she applies a meticulous, research-based approach to deliver systematic and effective solutions for her patients. Her commitment to evidence-driven medicine ensures that treatments are not only innovative but also grounded in the latest scientific findings, allowing her to tackle complex cases with confidence. Beyond technical skills, Dr. Kronz is deeply invested in strengthening the human-animal bond, recognizing that veterinary care extends to supporting pet owners through challenging times. This holistic view allows her to provide round-the-clock emergency services that save lives and foster lasting relationships between families and their beloved pets.
Outside of work, Dr. Kronz enjoys hobbies that keep her healthy and encourage a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys spending time at the beach, reading across various genres, and staying active. Most importantly, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her pets Tito, Frankie, and Cleo.
Laurelee Cutaia has dedicated nearly 15 years to the field of veterinary medicine, with over seven years in leadership roles. She began her career in general practice, gaining foundational experience before transitioning into veterinary specialty care over a decade ago—a move that ignited a lasting passion. Laurelee spent nearly 10 years specializing in surgery, where her commitment to patient care and operational excellence flourished.
Currently serving as an Assistant Hospital Manager, Laurelee oversees hospital inventory and plays a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Known for her upbeat attitude and compassionate approach, she finds joy in uplifting those around her and is deeply committed to both animal welfare and team success.
Outside the hospital, Laurelee cherishes time with her family and her beloved German Shepherds.
Kennedy Padgett is the Lead Surgery Technician at ECoVets Veterinary Specialists and Emergency. She holds two degrees in marine biology from the University of North Florida (UNF) and has always known that working with animals is her true calling. Kennedy feels incredibly fortunate to do what she loves every day, providing top-quality care to the animals that need it most.
Her journey in the veterinary field began with a deep passion for animal care. In 2018, she started as a volunteer under Dr. Darrow and quickly advanced to her current role as his Surgery Manager, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the best surgical outcomes for her patients.
Outside of work, Kennedy is an avid outdoors enthusiast. She enjoys fishing, hunting, going to the beach, and reading in her free time. At home, she shares her life with three dogs and three cats, all of whom she has rescued. Her love for animals extends beyond the clinic, making her a dedicated advocate for their well-being both professionally and personally.
We are a comprehensive multi-specialty veterinary hospital dedicated to the well-being of our patients and their caretakers, preserving the human-animal bond. We offer advanced veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic options. We are members of the local community and appreciate the relationships we keep with our referring network of primary care veterinarians.
