Dr. Adrian Helmers was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue veterinary medicine. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Guelph, she decided to go on the adventure of a lifetime to pursue her degree in veterinary medicine and surgery at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Helmers was the recipient of many prestigious awards and scholarships during her time at university.
Following her move to Scotland, Dr. Helmers returned to Canada with two rescue kitties named Daphne and Donald . Having already visited and spent time at some of the wonderful clinics in Kamloops during her schooling externships, Dr. Helmers had already decided that this was the place for her. Upon graduation, Dr. Helmers moved her life across to B.C. permanently, tauting the phrase “West Coast, Best Coast”! Dr. Helmers worked as a locum and relief veterinarian throughout the B.C. Interior, during which time she met Dr. Megan Broschak. Together, they decided to open their own practice that would embody all of their personal and professional values.
Dr. Helmers is interested in all aspects of veterinary medicine, but her special favourites are:
- Dermatology
Dr. Helmers enjoys the diagnosis and management of complex and chronic skin cases, including allergic and atopic conditions. Her greatest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing an itchy dog finally stop scratching! She holds a very special place in her heart for French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, who are very commonly affected by these conditions.
- Cardiology
Dr. Helmers completed extended rotations in cardiology during her veterinary degree. She is very interested in cardiothoracic medicine and surgery, and she is hoping to complete the extended cardiac ultrasound course through the renowned Sound Institution in the US.
- Emergency and Critical Care
Dr. Helmers has extensive experience in emergency medicine, and has worked with various clinics in the Kamloops On-Call Group to provide out-of-hours care to pets in Kamloops and the surrounding areas. She has also worked at Fairfield Animal Hospital, the only 24-hour emergency clinic in the B.C Interior.
- Senior Pet Care
Dr. Helmers LOVES to meet new puppies and kittens, however she is most satisfied when she has achieved the highest level of comfort and quality of life for the senior pets in her care. This includes, but is not limited to, the management of osteoarthritis and canine cognitive dysfunction.
- Dentistry
Dental disease is one of the most common ailments in our pets. Dr. Helmers strongly believes that routine dental care is extremely important for the overall comfort, health, and longevity of our pets. She is very knowledgeable regarding preventative dental health, but is also deemed the “dental surgery nerd” in the clinic.
- Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery
Her exotics work started from an early age, with Dr. Helmers having spent many summers working at zoos and wildlife rescue centres, as well as having travelled abroad to engage in conservation medicine. She chose the R(D)SVS in Edinburgh in part due to their focus on specialty care in exotic medicine. She is proud to be one of the few veterinarians in the B.C. Interior to provide full first-opinion care for a wide variety of birds, reptiles and exotic mammals.
When Dr. Helmers is not at work (does that ever happen?!), she enjoys spending her time outdoors with her family and friends. Her favourite activities are hiking, climbing, trail running and skiing. She also loves spending time at the beach and on the many patios around Kamloops in the summertime. Dr. Helmers loves to support local small businesses, and you can often find her shopping at the Kamloops Farmers Market or along Victoria Street at the many cute shops.
Dr. Helmers has added two dogs to her household during her time in Kamloops: a rambunctious border collie named Edinburgh (“Edi” for short), and a beautiful blue heeler named River. Edi came to her as a teeny 8 week old puppy from a wonderful breeder in Mission, while River arrived at 8 months from the Kamloops SPCA. Dr. Helmers is also hoping to add some exotic pets to her menagerie!