Welcome, Dr. Abigail Leon — now accepting new patients.

Dr. Shim is on maternity leave Aug 2026 – Jan 2027.

ABOUT · OUR VETERINARIANS

The doctors behind every visit.

Internship-trained, Fear Free certified, and genuinely in love with what they do. Meet the veterinarians who care for your pets at Southpaw — plus the trusted relief vets who step in when they’re out.

Dr. Braham and Dr. Chiang, Southpaw's founding veterinarians
Dr. Lena Braham

Dr. Lena Braham

Pronounced like “graham” (as in graham cracker), but with a B.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

University of California, San Diego · 2005

Cal Poly Pomona · Masters in Animal Science, 2009

University of California, Davis · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2014

Veterinary Medical & Surgical Group · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2014–2015

Dr. Braham is originally from Los Angeles and worked as a receptionist and technician for many years before applying to veterinary school. Prior to going to veterinary school, she worked at Cedar Sinai doing gastrointestinal research and has maintained a special interest in chronic GI disease in dogs and cats.

She calls Pasadena home with her new husband, bonus daughter, and their two mischievous cats, Hamilton and Augustus. When she’s not planning her next adventure, you’ll find her sweating through a workout, hunting down the best travel spots, or cheering extra loud at Padres games.

Dr. Connie Chiang

Dr. Connie Chiang

Pronounced “Chang.”

EDUCATION & TRAINING

University of Virginia · 2008

Western University of Health Sciences · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

VCA West Los Angeles · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2012–2013

Dr. Chiang started in the field as a veterinary assistant during high school in Springfield, Virginia. She soon realized how unusual it was that she loved going to work, and it became her dream to be a veterinarian. Now having been in the field for over 20 years, she still can't imagine doing anything else.

She lives in Northridge with her husband, two daughters, and cat son Tomi. She is a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings movies! When she used to have free time, she loved reading, traveling & puzzles.

Dr. Abigail Leon

New patients welcome

Dr. Abigail Leon

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Stephens College, Columbia, MO · 2015

Los Angeles Pierce College · Veterinary Technology, Registered Veterinary Technician, 2019

University of Minnesota · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2025

VCA Animal Specialty & Emergency Center · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2025–2026

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Leon has always had a passion for animals. She began working in the veterinary field as a veterinary assistant before becoming a veterinary technician, eventually pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Her experience in each of these roles has given her a unique appreciation for every member of the veterinary team and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Dr. Leon has a special place in her heart for cats and senior pets and enjoys helping them live happy, healthy, and comfortable lives.

When she's not at the hospital, you'll likely find her curled up with a good book, knitting or crafting, baking sourdough, or searching for her next favorite restaurant. She also enjoys exploring local art fairs, spending time with family, and relaxing at home with her two cats, Violet and Denisovich.

Dr. Carina Cortez

Dr. Carina Cortez

EDUCATION & TRAINING

University of California, San Diego · 2013

Western University of Health Sciences · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2022

Full bio coming soon!

Dr. Linda Shim

Back January 2027

Dr. Linda Shim

EDUCATION & TRAINING

University of California, Berkeley · 2009

University of California, Davis · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2015

VCA Animal Specialty Group · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2015–2016

Dr. Shim has particular interests in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, cardiology, and neurology. In her spare time, Dr. Shim enjoys hiking with her twin sister, watching movies, and going to amusement parks with her friends and family.

Relief veterinarians

Relief veterinarians, or locum veterinarians, provide coverage when our regular veterinarians are out of the office. They are beyond skilled and are trusted members of our team!

Dr. Lisa Youn

Dr. Lisa Youn

University of California, Berkeley · 2007

Michigan State University · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2011

California Animal Hospital · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2011–2012

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)

Dr. Lisa Youn grew up in the small town of Greenville, MI. Her love for animals was apparent early on as she owned a menagerie of pets including lovebirds, cockatiels, rabbits, and hamsters. Her special interests include internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, geriatric medicine, and working with rescues! In her free time, she likes collecting vinyl records, playing the ukulele, going to concerts, and nearly finishing craft projects. She lives in Hollywood with her cleft-lipped shih tzu named Kabu, and her sweet yet opinionated cat named Mr. Lee.

Dr. Tracy Noda

Dr. Tracy Noda

University of California, San Diego · 2010

University of California, Los Angeles · Post-Baccalaureate

University of California, Davis · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2018

I originally grew up in the Los Angeles area and traveled up and down the coast before settling back in familiar territory. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, eating new foods, and spending time at home with family and my three cats.

Dr. Theresa Loo

Dr. Theresa Loo

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Minnesota · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

VCA West Los Angeles · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2012–2013

Dr. Loo has been a staple in the Los Angeles vet community for 15 years and is the author of the critically acclaimed picture book “Perfect,” a heartwarming story about cat adoption. She is also the founder of Cat Therapy — a cat care and health website that provides tools and resources to raise a healthy and happy cat!

Fun fact: she and Dr. Chiang are internmates!

Dr. Katrina Jung

Dr. Katrina Jung

Kansas State University · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2012

Michigan Veterinary Specialists · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2012–2013

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Emergency & Critical Care Internship, 2013–2014

Dr. Jung is a brilliant veterinarian that practices emergency medicine at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital. We are blessed that she helps us out at Southpaw!

Dr. Gloria Hu

Dr. Gloria Hu

University of California, San Diego

University of Minnesota · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2007

Advanced Veterinary Care Center · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2007–2008

Dr. Hu is the founder of Varum Vet — an integrative housecall practice.

Dr. Hu's veterinary roots began early, bringing home stray animals that her parents graciously let her keep. She grew up on the East Coast as well as overseas in Taiwan, and after high school returned to the United States for college, graduating cum laude from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience. While applying to veterinary school, she worked in a research lab studying Alzheimer's disease and has published papers in academia. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 2007 and went on to complete a small animal internship at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in the South Bay, gaining extensive hands-on experience in conventional medicine across a wide range of species and conditions. She has worked at various ER, urgent care, GP and specialty hospitals all over Los Angeles the last 2 decades. In recent years, Dr. Hu has expanded her focus to include integrative medicine, inspired by her own health journey and cancer diagnosis.

Outside of work, Dr. Hu loves spending time with her husband, 3 children, and their 4 beloved fur babies.

Dr. Richard Yi

Dr. Richard Yi

University of California, San Diego

Ross University · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

University of Florida · Clinical Year, 2013

Veterinary Medical & Surgical Group · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2013–2014

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT)

Dr. Ruby Jong

Dr. Ruby Jong

University of California, Berkeley · 2011

Colorado State University · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2019

VCA Animal Specialty Group · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2019–2020

Dr. Erin Evans

Dr. Erin Evans

University of California, Davis · 2008

Iowa State University · Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2013

VCA West Los Angeles · Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship, 2013–2014

AFTER HOURS

Pet emergency?

We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, by appointment only. If your pet needs urgent care outside our hours, these 24/7 hospitals near us can help.

During our hours, call or text (818) 935-5444 →

Animal Urgent Care · Burbank

VetNow Animal Urgent Care · Studio City

BluePearl Pet Hospital · Studio City

Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital · West Hollywood

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital · Woodland Hills