Dr. Lawrence Santistevan is originally from Colorado and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2018. Following graduation, he completed a small animal rotating internship at VCA West Los Angeles in California, where he developed a strong foundation in veterinary medicine through multiple specialties. He then returned to Colorado to pursue a critical care internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, further refining his skills in managing complex and emergent cases, particularly cardiac emergencies. His passion for cardiology ultimately led him to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he completed a cardiology residency and became a board-certified veterinary cardiologist in 2023.

Dr. Santistevan’s clinical interests include congenital heart disease and complex arrhythmias, areas in which he finds both intellectual challenge and deep professional fulfillment. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships with pets, their families, and referring veterinarians. He finds great reward in teaching and mentoring—sharing his knowledge with veterinary students, interns, residents, and veterinarian colleagues to help strengthen their skills in cardiac medicine and elevate the standard of care for patients.

In his free time, Dr. Santistevan enjoys being in the Colorado wilderness, taking every opportunity to spend time outdoors whether in warm sunshine or snowy landscapes. He loves spending time with his two dogs, Echo and Artie, both of whom have their own congenital heart diseases but live full, uninhibited lives. He also enjoys attending concerts and theater performances, embracing the arts as a source of inspiration and joy. Recently, he has found great fulfillment in traveling to other parts of the world, discovering and appreciating the richness of different cultures, landscapes, and climates.