Happy New Year 2022!

Last year was another wild and crazy ride for many of us.  Thank you to each of you for being with us throughout this journey.  We are grateful to be in this profession, to do meaningful work, and to have such incredible pet owners to partner with every day. 

As we turn the corner into this new year, we are excited to share our news.  We have spent this past year behind the scenes thoughtfully crafting this next chapter of St Francis’ history.  I am very excited to announce that, as of today, I share the ownership of St Francis with Dr. Jessica Lewis and Dr. Megan Schommer.  I could not be more thrilled to collaborate with these two talented, smart, innovative, compassionate, and hard-working veterinarians.  

Dr. Jessica Lewis has been with St Francis since 2011.  She has served in every job position from veterinary assistant to practice owner.  As our Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer, Jessica reviews and revises medical protocols; leads patient care rounds, doctor’s meetings, and staff meetings; evaluates new medications and products; develops new patient care programs; and assists in creating client education handouts, videos, and articles.  She also serves as our Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Officer.  As a veterinarian, her professional interests include small animal internal medicine, preventative care, nutrition, and anesthesia/pain management.  She has completed the Fear Free certification program and strives to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress related to veterinary visits at St Francis.

Dr. Megan Schommer joined our family in 2020 after spending over 9 years at a small independently-owned practice in Minneapolis.  As our Communications Director and Chief Communications Officer, Megan manages our website and social media channels; creates our monthly newsletters; manages our communications platforms; creates and revises our client education handouts and articles; assists in marketing and public relations; and plans client education events, charitable events, and community outreach activities such as our Winter Solstice Memorial Event.  As a veterinarian, her professional interests include general surgery, exotic companion mammal medicine and surgery (especially rabbits!), dentistry, and critical care.  She is an active member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV).

I will continue to serve as St Francis’ Hospital Administrator, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer where I will manage the business aspects of the practice.  This new chapter allows me a greater opportunity to focus on the areas of medicine that I am most passionate about including geriatric medicine, acupuncture, hospice and palliative care, pain management, and preventative medicine.  I look forward to expanding the care that we provide at St Francis Integrative Services.

We all share the same values and vision for St Francis, and I have no doubt that, together, we will continue to build and nurture this exceptional practice that you have known and loved for nearly 30 years.  In an industry that is rapidly becoming corporate-owned, I am filled with gratitude for this amazing opportunity. 

With gratitude,

Jennifer Blair, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CTPEP
Hospital Administrator
St Francis Animal Hospital / St Francis Integrative Services
1227 Larpenteur Ave W
Roseville MN 55113
(651) 645-2808
www.stfrancisanimalhospitalmn.com
group@stfrancisabh.com