Backroads Veterinary Care, LLC

Degrees and Certifications

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, 2002
• Residency in Field Service, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1988-90
• M.S. in Herd Medicine (Epidemiology), Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, 1988-90
• Internship in Ambulatory Medicine of Farm Animals, Cornell University, 1987-88
• D.V.M., Colorado State University, 1987
• B.S. with distinction in Biology, University of New Mexico, 1983 (Go Lobos!)
• A.S. in Allied Health, University of Albuquerque, 1978

Biography

Backroads Veterinary Care was formed in February, 2009 following my return to New Mexico after an 18 year career in practice, teaching, and regulatory medicine in California.  After completing my internship and residency in the on-farm care of large animals, I worked as clinical veterinarian and acting clinical director at the Stanford University Dept. of Comparative Medicine prior to accepting an Associate Professorship at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, CA.  There I enjoyed teaching and caring for campus dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. I then joined the Animal Health Division's Emergency Program in the CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture and was involved in the planning for, and response to, animal disease outbreaks and disasters.  After working in the Southern California Exotic Newcastle disease outbreak in poultry, the foot and mouth disease outbreak in cattle and sheep in the U.K., and the recovery following Hurricane Floyd, I returned to private practice - and to New Mexico.

My veterinary career has been diverse yet focused on preventing and eliminating disease and suffering in animals of all species and passing my passion for learning on to others. 

I am proud to provide veterinary care to the following non-profit organizations

• Dew Paws Rescue - Rescuing abandoned dogs from New Mexican shelters http://www.dewpaws.org

• International Gay Rodeo Association - Dr. Hamlen provided veterinary services to the IGRA Rodeo in Albuquerque, Oct, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013. http://www.igra.com/