Albert E. Smith, VMD

Dr. Smith received his AB degree from Princeton University and his VMD degree from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.  During his fourth year at Penn he participated in several oncology externships at the Animal Medical Center in NYC.  He entered private practice after graduation.  Al is a co-founder and past President of the Virginia Academy of Small Animal Medicine.  He is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Dental Society.  He has also served on the Board of the American Red Cross. Dr. Smith's major areas of interest areas of interest are preventative medicine, detistry and laser (LLLT) therapy.

He lives in Albemarle County with his wife Finlay, their sons, two cats, a dog and a quaker parakeet. When not working, he enjoys sailing, fly-fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

Martin B. Betts, DVM

Dr. Betts earned a Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University in 1976.  After a year of graduate studies in Environmental Science he was accepted to and attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  After graduating in 1981, Dr. Betts practiced in Northern Virginia for three and one-half years before moving to Charlottesville.

He and his wife Carolyn share their home with 8 dogs and 1 cat.  They have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren.  He also has a keen interest in the restoration of old automobiles and trucks.  It has been his dream to design and build a veterinary hospital that reflects the needs of his patients and clients.  Having realized this dream at last, he is looking forward to seeing all of you in our new facility.

Chris Middleton, DVM

Dr. Middleton received his BS and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Purdue University.  After graduation, he completed an internship at the University of Georgia.

He lives in Albemarle County with his wife, two border collies, two cats and numerous horses.  His special off-duty interests include music and horses. 

Don Bergstresser, DVM

Dr. Bergstresser graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and has been practicing in Charlottesville since 1993.

He lives here in Charlottesville with his wife Karen, three children, two cats and one dog.  The family enjoys the outdoors and spends many of their vacations traveling to visit relatives. 

Janice L. Raab, DVM, CVA

Dr. Raab is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.  After finishing school, she was an associate in an all exotic animal practice where she recieved extensive experience working with birds, reptiles and small mammals.  Dr. Raab has a strong interest in holistic medicine and has completed certification in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute.  To achieve full certification she completed 6 months of course work, passed the certification examination, and participated in an advanced acupuncture course.

She is married and has two daughters, Natalie and Leah.  She also lives with one dog, one rabbit, and an Amazon parrot.  When not in the office, Dr. Raab enjoys running, biking, riding her horse, and playing with her daughters.

Jennifer Magill, DVM

Dr. Magill joined Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital in May 2008.  She attended Florida State University and went on to the University of Missouri-Columbia for her veterinary medicine curriculum.  Her special interests include geriatric medicine and she believes that senior patients often require more intensive care to maintain an optimum quality of life.

She lives in Albemarle County with her husband, daughter and son, one cat and one dog.  She enjoys gardening, horseback riding, downhill skiing, tennis and of course, long walks with her dog.

Cheryl Thorpe, DVM

Dr. Thorpe attended the University of Connecticut and earned her DVM from Cornell. A native New Englander, Dr. Thorpe moved to Virginia in 1987 to join Charlottesville Animal Hospital after several years of mixed practice in New Hampshire.

Dr. Thorpe has over 25 years of experience as a veterinarian, most recently 6 years practicing emergency medicine and surgery. She is excited to return to day practice as an associate at Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital. "While I enjoyed the intensity of emergency and critical care, I missed the challenge and satisfaction of managing chronic disease as well as developing lifetime relationships with my patients and their owners". says Dr. Thorpe.

Dr. Thorpe lives in Charlottesville with her husband, 3 daughters, 2 dogs and a cat. When not at work, she enjoys cooking for large groups of hungry teenagers, volunteering and nearly any outdoor activity that involves family, friends and dogs."