Practice Manager
Hi, my name is Patricia Newell, and I am a Practice Manager at Point Vicente Animal Hospital. I believe I was truly called to this role — throughout my career, I have had the privilege of building meaningful connections with both animals and the people who love them.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, various arts and crafts, and participating in dog shows here in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. I share my home with three Rhodesian Ridgebacks — one an AKC Conformation Grand Champion and CGC certified, another a service dog, and the third working toward his AKC Championship title — as well as two Sphynx cats, a ferret, a pot-bellied pig, and two baby snakes.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favourite part of this work is building lasting relationships with clients and their pets. I love helping owners strengthen their bonds with their animals through training and creative problem-solving, and being a trusted resource for solutions — both big and small.
Why I Chose This Profession
Animals have always chosen me. From the moment I stepped into the veterinary field as a receptionist and worked my way up to Practice Manager, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be. Time and again, owners have told me their pet doesn't warm up to strangers — yet somehow, those same animals relax and shower me with affection. That kind of connection is something I treasure deeply.
Education
I earned my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice with honours from Los Angeles Harbor College in 2002. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Administration of Justice, Summa Cum Laude, from Lamar University in 2019, followed by my Master of Business Administration from Lamar University in 2024.
Memberships
I am an active member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) and the San Diego Rhodesian Ridgeback Club.
Work History
My veterinary career began at Animal and Bird Veterinary Medical Center in Norco, California, where I served as Assistant Manager. From there, I went on to serve as Hospital Administrator at West Oaks Animal Hospital in Houston, Texas, and at Old Richmond Road Veterinary Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, before joining Point Vicente Animal Hospital.