Dr. Gendreau was destined to become a Veterinarian at a very young age. Born to a father who was a Veterinarian in small and large animal general practice in Sherbrooke Quebec, he started observing his father at a young age since the family resided above his father’s small animal hospital. The family also attended many Veterinary conventions throughout Canada since Dr. Gendreau senior was very involved in organized Veterinary Medicine, as President of the Quebec Veterinary Medical Association and, in 1948, as the co-founder of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, its first vice president and subsequently its second president.

Following graduation from Veterinary College, University of Montreal, Claude, realizing he had big shoes to fill, pursued a residency in small animal surgery and a Master’s Degree in Surgery at the University of Guelph, Ontario, his father’s alma mater. After completing his post-graduate studies in 1970, he accepted the position of Head of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Illinois. During his tenure at U of I, he completed the requirements to achieve board certification in surgery in 1974. In the fall of 1976 he resigned his position at the University of Illinois, moved to Chicago and founded the Veterinary Specialty Clinic, which is now operating as Veterinary Specialty Center. VSC is comprised of a group of more than 35 Veterinarians, most of which have achieved Board Certification, assisted by a team exceeding 200 people.

Now, a new concept, Veterinary Orthopedic Center. “Over the last few years, as VSC has grown in scope and volume, I have seen a need for a more limited, more focused, more personalized service” said Dr. Gendreau, who added “I don’t think there is another Center in the Country dedicated exclusively to the practice of Veterinary Orthopedic surgery.”

As a young child I had a huge love of animals, a love which remains strong in me today. I often brought home stray dogs or injured wildlife. In undergraduate school I was fascinated with a physiology course I took as a biology major, which became the first indication that medicine would be my passion. Caring for dogs as part of a job I had while I was in school helped me to realize I needed to combine these passions and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I was accepted to Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1988. Immediately after, I completed an internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine where I was presented the resident of the year award.

Surgery became my focus early on. Surgery is a rewarding specialty because you can literally ‘fix’ problems. You can return function to animals who would otherwise be disabled and you can save animals who may have a life-threatening illness or injury. There is nothing more gratifying than making someone’s beloved pet healthy again through surgery.

My philosophy of patient care is to treat each animal that comes in as if it were my own pet. How I communicate with clients, how I interact with the animal, the medical decisions and recommendations I make, all center around the belief that each pet has an owner who wants the very best for their companion. Every animal that I see is important to me.

Meet Dr. Timothy James, a passionate and skilled veterinarian based in Fishers, Indiana. With a career that spans over two decades, he has dedicated his life to the care and well-being of animals. Dr. James earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2003, after earning a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin. His journey in veterinary medicine took off from there.

After completing his veterinary degree, Dr. James dove into the world of surgical excellence. He became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2007 and went on to complete his residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergency and Referrals in Chattanooga, Tennessee, between 2011 and 2014. By February 2017, he proudly became a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, specializing in small animal surgery.

Throughout his career, Dr. James has honed a diverse set of skills. He’s not just an experienced surgeon; he’s worked in both bustling referral centers and smaller rural practices, performing everything from soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries to critical care medicine. His expertise doesn’t stop there—he’s also adept at managing canine rehabilitation plans, helping clients navigate their pets’ recovery journeys.

Currently, Dr. James serves as a surgeon at the Veterinary Orthopedic Center, where he collaborates with a team of specialists across various disciplines, ensuring that pets receive the highest standard of care. He’s not just about the surgery; he’s also deeply involved in client and referral hospital communications, making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to post-operative care.

Before this role, Dr. James worked at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Indianapolis, which is the largest private veterinary referral center in Indiana. His experience also includes working with the North Georgia Veterinary Specialists, where he handled a mix of soft tissue, orthopedic, and neurologic surgical cases. He also previously served as the sole surgeon at Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists, managing all surgical aspects and fostering strong communication with clients and referring hospitals.

Dr. James’s commitment to education shines through his time at the Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies and Referrals, where he not only treated emergency cases but also taught students and interns. He played a pivotal role in initiating a surgical residency program, mentoring the next generation of veterinarians.

In his earlier career, he worked as an associate veterinarian at Commerce Veterinary Hospital, where he was instrumental in implementing new surgical and medical protocols to advance the practice.

Outside of his impressive credentials, what truly sets Dr. James apart is his compassionate approach to veterinary care. He understands that every pet is a beloved member of the family, and he strives to connect with clients on a personal level, ensuring they feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Dr. Timothy James is not just a veterinarian; he’s a dedicated advocate for animal health, a mentor to aspiring veterinarians, and a trusted partner to pet owners navigating the challenges of veterinary care.