Nika Padidar
Emergency Veterinarian
DVM
Hi, my name is Dr. Padidar, and I am an emergency veterinarian. I am committed to offering clarity, compassion, and steady care to both patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy trail running, hiking, downhill skiing, cooking, and hosting dinner parties. I also love exploring local wine country with my husband, Olivier. We share our home with Monty, an English Setter, and Lila, a domestic shorthair cat.
Favorite Part of My Job
What inspires me most about emergency medicine is supporting clients and patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Being able to offer clarity, compassion, and steady care when it matters most — while helping patients on their path to feeling better — is what drives me every day.
Why I Chose This Profession
My background in psychology continues to inform my approach to client care. I am drawn to emergency medicine because it demands both medical precision and genuine human connection — and I find deep meaning in being present for people and their pets at their most vulnerable moments.
Education
I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where I also held leadership roles including President of the Fracture Program and Mental Health and Wellness Liaison for the Class of 2024. Prior to veterinary school, I earned a Master of Science in Animal Studies from New York University, where my thesis focused on wild birds as bioindicators of environmental health, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco.
Professional Background
My clinical interests are rooted in emergency and critical care, with additional experience in radiology and exotic animal medicine. I am Fear Free–certified (General and Avian), RECOVER BLS CPR–certified, and trained as a CVET Emergency Response and Disaster Service Worker. I am fluent in English and Farsi, conversational in Spanish, and currently studying French.
Work History
During veterinary school, I completed externships at several renowned hospitals including the Animal Medical Center in New York, Angell Animal Medical Center, San Francisco Animal Medical Center, and The Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin. I joined TruVet in January 2026 as an Emergency Veterinarian.