Suncoast Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

Dr. Laura Leinen brings well over a decade of clinical experience to her role, having served as both an Associate Veterinarian and the Medical Director of a busy, seven-doctor general practice. Throughout her time in practice, she found particular fulfillment in managing complex medical cases, with a special interest in diagnostic imaging, advanced dentistry, and gastrointestinal surgery.

As her career evolved, Dr. Leinen discovered a deep passion for mentorship, particularly in guiding veterinary student externs and supporting new graduate veterinarians as they transitioned into clinical roles. This passion for nurturing talent and fostering growth ultimately led her to United Veterinary Care, where she played a key role in building and launching the organization’s university programs.

Dr. Elizabeth Goldman, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), is a board-certified veterinary internist and seasoned veterinary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in specialty, emergency, and general practice medicine. Recognized for her clinical excellence, strategic acumen, and ability to grow and inspire teams, she has built a dynamic career at the intersection of veterinary medicine, leadership development, and hospital operations. She has an unwavering commitment to advancing the field of veterinary medicine and providing the highest quality of medicine for our patients.

A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Goldman earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with highest honors. She completed residencies in Clinical Pathology at North Carolina State University and Small Animal Internal Medicine at Iowa State University before earning Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2001.

Bio coming soon.

Dr. Mason joined our UVC team as an expansion of her role as a Medical Director for a group of veterinary practices in Massachusetts which are now proudly part of the UVC family. She has over 20 years of clinical experience as a general practice veterinarian. During her 16 years as a medical director, she oversaw DVM performance, leading the team through changes in protocols, policies, formulary, medical records, and diagnostic labs. In her role she was instrumental in vendor negotiations, marketing strategy, and growth planning.

Dr. Mason has scaled her expertise to support the Medical Directors and hospital clinical operations of the 28 general practice locations that make up UVC’s Northeast region. In her current role she works closely with the procurement, data, and IT teams to ensure the needs of all UVC medical teams are met. Her passion is to ensure UVC hospitals are supported with the best and most advanced medical and equipment options and have the best data tools to understand and continually improve the level of medical care delivered in their hospitals.

Dr. Mason has lived in the Boston area since graduation from Tufts Veterinary School in 2000. When not at home with her Havanese and two rescued racing pigeons, she enjoys outdoor activities with her teenage children.

Dr. Hart earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University, followed by a small animal rotating internship in Los Angeles. She then completed a combined three-year residency and master’s program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (SMR) at Colorado State University. Her veterinary interests include neuro-orthopedic pathophysiology, geriatric arthrokinematics, musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, MRI/CT imaging, and research focusing on orthoses/prostheses.

She spent several years in private practice on the East Coast, served on the Specialty Advisory Board for Ethos, and helped lead large Specialty and Emergency hospitals across the Central U.S. for both Ethos and BluePearl. In addition, Dr. Hart teaches advanced musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, has contributed to several veterinary textbooks, regularly practices in and lectures on SMR, and proudly serves as the current President of the American College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR), supporting both equine and small animal Diplomates.

While she currently lives in Connecticut, home will always be San Francisco and frequently goes back to spend time with family and catch a Giants game. In the roster today (along with the human family) are a rescue pup Charlie (pictured) and 2 cats (Thomas and Boo), who in typical veterinary fashion had orthopedically challenged beginnings but now are all happy and mobile.

Paula Bamford has joined our UVC team in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer. Paula has more than 20 years in building operational strength in organizations like UVC. Paula comes from Petco, where she spent the last 6 years as their operations leader building and managing 280+ Pet Care hospitals. In her role with UVC, Paula will work closely with Dr. Hutchins to rapidly build our operations capabilities so we can grow faster and profitably.

Paula comes to us with a demonstrated reputation for implementing and enhancing operational procedures and efficiencies in both public and private companies. Paula is a dynamic and persuasive communicator who is respected for establishing and sustaining loyal professional relationships. She is known as an inspirational leader and motivator with impressive emphasis on quality, accountability, and performance excellence.