Derek Paul, DVM

Dr. Derek Paul is a former Naval Officer turned veterinarian.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997 with a BS in Systems Engineering (with merit) and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy.  He served onboard aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) during a Western Pacific deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch, including support of air operations in the Persian Gulf.  Back on land, he served as Air Battle Management Officer in the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command Center, receiving the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service on September 11, 2001.  

After a final assignment as Chief of Standardization for the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, he resigned his commission and returned to Illinois to attend veterinary school, concentrating on wildlife and conservation medicine.  After graduation, he was selected for a small animal medical and surgical internship in the Denver area, where he has stayed and worked ever since.  He has a strong background in emergency and general practice veterinary medicine, veterinary acupuncture, regional management and operations, and veterinary mentorship. 

When not working as Medical Director for both Rocky Mountain Small Animal Hospital and Brooklyn Veterinary Clinic, he acts as a consultant for a veterinary product company in Utah.  He has a wife and two kids, along with two rescued dogs.  In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, competitive poker, board games, good food, craft beer, and working on his house and car.