Staff Role: Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Christine Ruffin, DVM
Dr. Christine Ruffin, BVM&S MRCVS, is an associate veterinarian undertaking a year-long internship with our specialty surgery department. Originally from just outside of Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Ruffin earned her Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in 2024. She then completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia, where she honed her skills in a variety of clinical disciplines. Her professional interests include surgical oncology, emergency surgery, and clinical research.
Dr. Ruffin is passionate about the human-animal bond and takes pride in being able to support both pets and their families during critical and often emotional moments. She especially values the unique relationships formed with her patients and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time with her Brittany spaniel-English setter mix, Lucee – whom she adopted during vet school – reading on the beach, and horseback riding whenever she gets the chance.
Special Interests:
- Emergency surgery
- Surgical oncology
- Clinical research
Veterinarian
Chloe Fan, BVM&S MRCVS
Dr. Chloe Fan, BVM&S MRCVS, is an associate veterinarian undertaking a year-long internship with our specialty surgery department. Born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised between Toronto and Hong Kong, Dr. Fan earned her B.Sc. in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph in 2020 and went on to graduate with distinction from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2024. Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA Loomis Basin in Sacramento, California.
Dr. Fan’s clinical interests lie in emergency and soft tissue surgery, and she is RECOVER CPR certified in Advanced Life Support. A lifelong animal lover, she knew early on she was destined to become a veterinarian, but it was witnessing her first canine splenectomy in high school that kickstarted her passion for surgery. She takes pride in making a tangible difference in her patients’ wellbeing and helping her community through skilled and compassionate care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Fan enjoys traveling (especially to Scotland), backcountry canoeing, camping, skiing, watercolor painting, and playing video games. She shares her life with two beloved rescue cats, Fish (“Just Fish”) and Goose (“Silly Canadian Goose”), adopted as kittens during her internship year.
Special Interests:
- Emergency surgery
- Soft tissue surgery
Veterinarian
Alexandra Awad, DVM
Dr. Alexandra Awad is an associate veterinarian at Pieper Veterinary undertaking a year-long specialty internship with our Internal Medicine department. Originally from Cranston, Rhode Island, Dr. Awad earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2020. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tufts University in 2024 and completed a rotating internship at the University of Tennessee, where she deepened her clinical expertise across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Awad’s primary interests lie in internal medicine, clinical nutrition, and primary care. She is passionate about the diagnostic challenges that complex cases present and values the opportunity to collaborate closely with pet owners to deliver thoughtful, personalized care. Her love of veterinary medicine began during a formative first-grade field trip to a local clinic and grew stronger through her bond with her childhood pets – Sonya, Maxie, and Lexi – who continue to inspire her today. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, playing Animal Crossing, and watching soccer and women’s gymnastics.
Special Interests:
- Internal medicine
- Nutrition
- Primary care
Veterinarian
Lindsey King, DVM
Dr. Lindsey King is an associate veterinarian at Pieper Veterinary and part of our rotating small animal medicine and surgery intern class of 2024-2025. Originally hailing from Colorado Springs, she graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2016 with a Bachelors of Science degree in neuroscience and behavior, with a particular interest in cognitive neuroscience. In 2024 she graduated from Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she was awarded the OKState Gentle Doctor Award and the ACVIM Certificate of Clinical Excellence. She has a special clinical interest in neurology and cardiology.
Dr. King is excited to join the Pieper Veterinary family as she works on furthering her education, and her favorite aspect of the job is being able to work together with both her clients and her colleagues. Prior to veterinary school she also worked as a train conductor and engineer, and when not working she enjoys hiking, reading, and cross stitch and embroidery.
Special Interests:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Veterinarian
Sarah Byron, DVM
Dr. Sarah Byron is an associate veterinarian at Pieper Veterinary and part of our rotating small animal medicine and surgery intern class of 2024-2025. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she graduated from Murray State University with a B.S. in Agriculture, and later graduated from Auburn University with her degree in veterinary medicine. She has a special clinical interest in both emergency and critical medicine and internal medicine, and is a member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and is Fear-Free certified.
Dr. Byron grew up owning a variety of animals including reptiles, small mammals, and chickens, and was often disheartened at how difficult it often was to find medical care for them. This experience helped inspire her to pursue veterinary medicine and become a resource to help provide care and education for all pets, beyond cats and dogs. During veterinary school she became interested in emergency and critical care medicine and is looking forward to continuing her education and finding even more aspects to focus on. Her favorite part of her job is being able to advocate for her patients, help pet owners through difficult situations, and of course being able to treat so many amazing animals.
Dr. Byron has three cats (Neptune, Monk, and Wizard), and a dog, Koda. When not working she enjoys hiking and rowing or, on rainy days, crocheting, reading, and playing video games.
Special Interests:
- Internal medicine
- Emergency & Critical Care medicine