Staff Role: Veterinarian
Veterinarian
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
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 - Specialist
Dr. Rita Ho is part of the Oncology specialty department at Pieper Memorial and Pieper Veterinary Stratford. She grew up in Taiwan and received her DVM from National Taiwan University in 2007, and received certification from Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) in 2010. Dr. Ho completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Westbury, NY, followed by a one-year oncology internship at Texas A&M University. She then completed a three-year residency at the Veterinary Cancer Center in Connecticut. Following her residency, Dr. Ho has worked at several private practices in the Tri-state area and we are pleased to welcome her back to the Pieper Veterinary family.
Dr. Ho has co-authored scientific journals, provided lectures overseas for continuing education in Mandarin, and is a member of several states and national veterinary organizations. Her interests include conventional and novel chemotherapy, immunotherapy, novel targeted therapy, and clinical trials.
Dr. Ho focuses on providing her patients with individualized treatment plans based upon the most up-to-date research and therapies. She strives to provide compassionate care, communicate effectively with families, and assist them in making informed decisions about their pet’s care.
Outside of work, she enjoys movies, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Abstracts
Vaccine-induced ErbB (EGFR/HER2)-specific immunity in spontaneous canine cancer Hester A Doyle, Renelle J Gee, Tyler D Masters, Christian R Gee, Carmen J Booth, Elizabeth Peterson-Roth, Raymond A Koski, Stuart C Helfand, Lauren Price, Deborah Bascombe, Dorothy Jackson, Rita Ho , Gerald R Post, Mark J Mamula Transl Oncol . 2021 Nov;14(11):101205. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101205. Epub 2021 Aug 19.
Vet Pathol . 2011 Jan;48(1):54-72. doi: 10.1177/0300985810390717.
Prognostic markers for canine melanocytic neoplasms: a comparative review of the literature and goals for future investigation R C Smedley 1, W L Spangler, D G Esplin, B E Kitchell, P J Bergman, H-Y Ho, I L Bergin, M Kiupel Vet Pathol . 2011 Jan;48(1):54-72.
Veterinarian - Specialist
Dr. Colleen Bourque is happy to return to Pieper to join the Internal Medicine service after completing her Small Animal Internal Medicine residency at Tufts University. Dr. Bourque is originally from Massachusetts, and after graduating from UMass Amherst, she went on to veterinary school at the University College of Dublin where she graduated in 2017. Following graduation, she completed several one-year internships – a rotating small animal internship in southern Massachusetts, an internal medicine specialty internship here at Pieper, and an interventional radiology specialty internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York. Dr. Bourque has special interests in urology and nephrology and minimally invasive procedures.
Dr. Bourque has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember, and her favorite part of her job is being able to help pets who come in not feeling well and send them home happy to their families.
When not in hospital, Dr. Bourque enjoys spending time with her two cats Luna and Phoebe, along with hiking, skiing, reading, and traveling.
Special Interests:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Minimally invasive procedures
Veterinarian
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
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
