Dr. Deanna Purvis was born in Vancouver, Washington, but despite her West Coast beginnings, she spent many formative years in Pittsburgh, making it feel like home. She received her B.S. in Biology from Penn State University in 1983 and is a 1988 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Immersing herself in furthering her expertise, she continued at the University of Pennsylvania for her internship in small animal medicine and surgery. Subsequently, she pursued two intensive years of residency training in small animal surgery at the University of Tennessee, where her dedication to caring for critically ill and ICU patients blossomed. Driven by her passion, she sought additional specialization, enrolling in the Emergency and Critical Care residency training program at the Animal Emergency Center in Milwaukee, WI. In 1994, she attained Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). For a decade, Dr. Purvis devoted herself to emergency and critical care medicine/surgery in various specialty and referral hospitals nationwide. Yet, amidst the rewarding work, she pondered the root causes of her patients’ illnesses, sparking a fascination with ancient healing traditions and a holistic, preventative approach to healthcare. In 2005, she expanded her skillset by completing training through the CuraCore program in Fort Collins, CO, becoming certified to perform veterinary acupuncture. Driven by her thirst for knowledge, she furthered her training in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine through the Chi Institute.  Dr. Purvis is dedicated to an integrative approach to healthcare, blending Eastern and Western techniques to provide optimal patient care and comfort. She moved back to Pittsburgh in 2013 and now shares her home with her spouse and three beloved dogs—a golden retriever, a lab mix, and a jack russell mix. Beyond her veterinary pursuits, she finds fulfillment in studying Buddhism, reading, traveling, gardening, and leisurely walks.