What Makes Working With Holistika Veterinary Different
First and foremost, we spend more time getting to know our pet patients, understanding their lifestyle, and finding the best treatment options.
Our main focus is to optimize health. Many animals are "stable" on their current medication and diet, but they aren't thriving. We want to look for ways to change that, to go from surviving to thriving. Our goal is to help alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life. As well as preventative health for our patients of all ages to increase their quality of life. While every patient will be different, this will always be our guiding principle.
As a holistic veterinary practice, we will always favor starting with holistic treatments; however, in our practice, conventional treatments will be implemented as necessary to ensure your pet's health and happiness. This will never be a one-size fits all approach. While over the years, we have found certain treatments, supplements, and diets to work more consistently than others (and those will be our starting point), every animal and situation is unique. For this reason, you as the pet parent are an active participant in your pet's care. You have your own unique understanding of your pet and intuitive connection. Together, we will come up with a plan and strategy that works for you, your pet and personal situation.
Our main focus is to optimize health. Many animals are "stable" on their current medication and diet, but they aren't thriving. We want to look for ways to change that, to go from surviving to thriving. Our goal is to help alleviate their pain and improve their quality of life. As well as preventative health for our patients of all ages to increase their quality of life. While every patient will be different, this will always be our guiding principle.
As a holistic veterinary practice, we will always favor starting with holistic treatments; however, in our practice, conventional treatments will be implemented as necessary to ensure your pet's health and happiness. This will never be a one-size fits all approach. While over the years, we have found certain treatments, supplements, and diets to work more consistently than others (and those will be our starting point), every animal and situation is unique. For this reason, you as the pet parent are an active participant in your pet's care. You have your own unique understanding of your pet and intuitive connection. Together, we will come up with a plan and strategy that works for you, your pet and personal situation.
Our Staff
Dr. Magda Szyrmer VMD
I was born in Warsaw, Poland (hence, the somewhat unusual spelling of my full name - Magdalena Szyrmer). My parents emigrated to the United States when I was 5 months old, and I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Animals were always the center of my world.
When I was little, my parents wouldn't allow me to get a pet. Because of this, I would collect and care for anything that allowed me to get closer to animals. My first pet was a waterbug named Kristin who I “rescued” at our summer campground. Kristin had her own bucket, river plant life in case she was hungry and endless walks in her bucket to get to explore her surroundings. There were heated negotiations between me and the local 6-year olds around who could take her for bucket walks. Sadly, Kristin only lived for 3 days, but let me assure you that she received the best care and attention that I and the local young campers could provide.
As I grew older, my parents finally acquiesced, and allowed me to have pets. We had everything from rabbits, fish, cats, dogs, birds, and squirrels. There was nothing that brought me more joy than caring for our personal pets as well as local injured wildlife.
I grew up, without knowing it, in the philosophy of integrative medicine. My parents’ European background, meant that we were often using alternative therapies as well as conventional treatments at home. My mother would give my siblings and I homeopathic treatments for calming when we were rowdy and wouldn’t sleep at night. We took Polish herbal treatments for upset stomachs. When I had pneumonia as a child, I took antibiotics. I never realized that there was a difference between these treatments. Medicine was medicine. If it worked, it worked, no matter what the philosophy behind it.
As I grew older, I developed many different interests, from music, international travel, learning new languages, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.
I attended Princeton University for my undergraduate education, and later University of Pennsylvania for veterinary school.
During vet school, I developed some health challenges that showed me the limitations of conventional medicine. While invaluable for acute illnesses and life-threatening situations, traditional medicine had few solutions for more chronic and less defined health challenges. However, my personal experiences with holistic treatments allowed me to understand and experience their benefits first hand. With a combination of diet changes and alternative medicine, my own health returned and I have never looked back.
Over the years, I have taken coursework in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Chinese and Western Herbs, Nutrition, Essential Oils, Flower Essences and many more. I am constantly learning and improving what I have to offer my patients and it is unlikely that this learning process will ever stop. Animals have been some of my greatest teachers of what is possible. They are always surprising me and teaching me about the deeper mysteries that lie beneath the surface of things.
For 12+ years, I have worked as a veterinarian, mostly at holistic and integrative practices in New Jersey, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles. I opened Holistika Veterinary in the fall of 2020 with the intention of practicing medicine differently.
My intention for my practice is to not suppress the animal's symptoms with medications, but rather use food and natural supplements to support the body's own ability to heal. Sometimes, we have to use pharmaceuticals if the symptoms are severe, the treatment is temporary, or the animal is suffering. But for chronic illness, this is not my preference.
Thank you for reading my bio and I look forward to meeting you and your pets!
Animals were always the center of my world.
When I was little, my parents wouldn't allow me to get a pet. Because of this, I would collect and care for anything that allowed me to get closer to animals. My first pet was a waterbug named Kristin who I “rescued” at our summer campground. Kristin had her own bucket, river plant life in case she was hungry and endless walks in her bucket to get to explore her surroundings. There were heated negotiations between me and the local 6-year olds around who could take her for bucket walks. Sadly, Kristin only lived for 3 days, but let me assure you that she received the best care and attention that I and the local young campers could provide.
As I grew older, my parents finally acquiesced, and allowed me to have pets. We had everything from rabbits, fish, cats, dogs, birds, and squirrels. There was nothing that brought me more joy than caring for our personal pets as well as local injured wildlife.
I grew up, without knowing it, in the philosophy of integrative medicine. My parents’ European background, meant that we were often using alternative therapies as well as conventional treatments at home. My mother would give my siblings and I homeopathic treatments for calming when we were rowdy and wouldn’t sleep at night. We took Polish herbal treatments for upset stomachs. When I had pneumonia as a child, I took antibiotics. I never realized that there was a difference between these treatments. Medicine was medicine. If it worked, it worked, no matter what the philosophy behind it.
As I grew older, I developed many different interests, from music, international travel, learning new languages, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.
I attended Princeton University for my undergraduate education, and later University of Pennsylvania for veterinary school.
During vet school, I developed some health challenges that showed me the limitations of conventional medicine. While invaluable for acute illnesses and life-threatening situations, traditional medicine had few solutions for more chronic and less defined health challenges. However, my personal experiences with holistic treatments allowed me to understand and experience their benefits first hand. With a combination of diet changes and alternative medicine, my own health returned and I have never looked back.
Over the years, I have taken coursework in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Chinese and Western Herbs, Nutrition, Essential Oils, Flower Essences and many more. I am constantly learning and improving what I have to offer my patients and it is unlikely that this learning process will ever stop. Animals have been some of my greatest teachers of what is possible. They are always surprising me and teaching me about the deeper mysteries that lie beneath the surface of things.
For 12+ years, I have worked as a veterinarian, mostly at holistic and integrative practices in New Jersey, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles. I opened Holistika Veterinary in the fall of 2020 with the intention of practicing medicine differently.
My intention for my practice is to not suppress the animal's symptoms with medications, but rather use food and natural supplements to support the body's own ability to heal. Sometimes, we have to use pharmaceuticals if the symptoms are severe, the treatment is temporary, or the animal is suffering. But for chronic illness, this is not my preference.
Thank you for reading my bio and I look forward to meeting you and your pets!
Dr. Sally Lane DVM, CVA, CVFT, CCRT, Grad Dip VCHM
Dr. Lane has been practicing integrative and holistic veterinary medicine for 15+ years. After graduating from Havard University with her undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences, she received her veterinary degree from Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in Equine/Small Animal with Honors 2005. She went on to receive a Master's degree in marine biology from the University of San Diego.
Dr. Lane's areas of special interests include nutrition, geriatric medicine, pain management/rehabilitation, cancer care, and novel holistic therapies for acute and chronic conditions. She is currently writing a book on the topic of
companion animal wellness and health.
Dr. Lane achieved certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) and Veterinary Food Therapy (CVFT) at the Chi Institute in Florida. She rechieved a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Therapy (Grad Dip VCHM) through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Australia. She has completed advanced studies in homeopathy with Dr. Pitcairn and has accomplished Elite Status as a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Dr. Lane has completed certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute followed by additional training in rehabilitation/physical medicine and a fellowship in Pain Management at the Peak Performance Veterinary Group/Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2009.
Dr. Lane is currently advancing her training by undertaking a course in chiropractic care (CVTP) through the Chi Institute.
Dr. Lane is active in caring for wildlife and exotic animals in sanctuaries and zoological facilities, she was on the Board of Directors for Keepers of the Wild in Valentine, Arizona from 2015 to 2020 until her move back to Southern California in 2021. She throughly enjoys the uniqueness and challenges of working with wildlife and exotics.
Dr. Lane's areas of special interests include nutrition, geriatric medicine, pain management/rehabilitation, cancer care, and novel holistic therapies for acute and chronic conditions. She is currently writing a book on the topic of
companion animal wellness and health.
Dr. Lane achieved certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) and Veterinary Food Therapy (CVFT) at the Chi Institute in Florida. She rechieved a Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Therapy (Grad Dip VCHM) through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Australia. She has completed advanced studies in homeopathy with Dr. Pitcairn and has accomplished Elite Status as a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Dr. Lane has completed certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute followed by additional training in rehabilitation/physical medicine and a fellowship in Pain Management at the Peak Performance Veterinary Group/Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2009.
Dr. Lane is currently advancing her training by undertaking a course in chiropractic care (CVTP) through the Chi Institute.
Dr. Lane is active in caring for wildlife and exotic animals in sanctuaries and zoological facilities, she was on the Board of Directors for Keepers of the Wild in Valentine, Arizona from 2015 to 2020 until her move back to Southern California in 2021. She throughly enjoys the uniqueness and challenges of working with wildlife and exotics.
Cassidy Abrahamson RVT
Cassidy graduated from Platt College with a degree in Veterinary Technology and is currently attending Unity College, working towards a degree in Animal Health and Behavior. She has always had an interest in holistic medicine and after achieving her license as a Registered Veterinary Techinican (RVT), worked at an integrative vet practice, then a veterinary rehabilitation speciality clinic before joining Dr. Magda to help start Holistika Veterinary as it’s Practice Manager.
She is certified in Natural Pet Health Care, Preventive Health Care for the Small Animal Patient, and as a Laser Safety Officer and Fear Free Professional. She is currently working on courses to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP).
Throughout high school she volunteered as a junior docent at the Los Angeles Zoo; during college she did volunteer work with a wildlife rehab organization, eventually becoming a Licensed Satellite Wildlife Rehabilitator. Though she started out mainly rehabbing birds, her “specialty” has become America’s only marsupial, the Virginia Opossum. She also volunteered with Best Friends Animal Society as a part of their TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program and as a foster mom with Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles. She still keeps in touch with many of the families that adopted her foster kitties over the years. She finds their updates are a heartwarming source of pride and joy.
She has two cats and a dog; all rescues. Penelope (abandoned in a parking lot along with her four kittens), Phoenix (who is a traumatic brain injury and coma survivor), and Serenity, a one-eyed, poodle mix.
She is certified in Natural Pet Health Care, Preventive Health Care for the Small Animal Patient, and as a Laser Safety Officer and Fear Free Professional. She is currently working on courses to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP).
Throughout high school she volunteered as a junior docent at the Los Angeles Zoo; during college she did volunteer work with a wildlife rehab organization, eventually becoming a Licensed Satellite Wildlife Rehabilitator. Though she started out mainly rehabbing birds, her “specialty” has become America’s only marsupial, the Virginia Opossum. She also volunteered with Best Friends Animal Society as a part of their TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program and as a foster mom with Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles. She still keeps in touch with many of the families that adopted her foster kitties over the years. She finds their updates are a heartwarming source of pride and joy.
She has two cats and a dog; all rescues. Penelope (abandoned in a parking lot along with her four kittens), Phoenix (who is a traumatic brain injury and coma survivor), and Serenity, a one-eyed, poodle mix.
Laura Kirschbaum RVT, CCRP
I have known from the young age of 6 years old that my purpose for being on this planet is to help and heal animals. Growing up in Los Angeles with alternative parents opened my eyes to the wonders of homeopathic and Chinese herbs. I started my journey in high school when I spent a summer volunteering with Los Angeles Animal Services, mostly working alongside the veterinary team where they allowed me to give medicated baths and watch examinations with other minor treatments. Seeing the animal shelter system from the inside allowed me to understand the deep need for more volunteers and donations. With that knowledge and empathy I founded and ran a club to engage other students with my passion.
My first job in the animal field was in 2012 with a specialty and emergency hospital where I learned the ropes while attending classes at Los Angeles Pierce College. I was able to get a good taste of surgery, internal medicine, critical care, and emergencies while working at that clinic, but still felt something was lacking. That’s when I found the world of integrative medicine for animals and rehabilitation. In 2014 I switched to a rehabilitation and holistic animal clinic and immediately knew I would never go back.
After graduating from Pierce College with an Associates Degree in Animal Science and attaining my Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license, I continued my education through the University Of Tennessee and became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). I continue to love doing this side of healing work and can’t see myself looking back. Mostly, I enjoy a hands-on approach to healing and find myself giving out massages to our patients without even realizing it!
I currently have four adopted dogs: Echo a pit/beagle mix and Myer a Carolina Dog mix who have both been abducted by my parents and brother; Murphy is an American Bully and Maude is an English Bulldog mix who reside with boyfriend and myself. In my free time I am learning Web Development and computer programming, but I really enjoy drawing, painting, jewelry making, ceramics, and crafting. Yoga and hiking make up a huge part of who I am, but I enjoy lounging on the couch in a dog pile just as much.
My first job in the animal field was in 2012 with a specialty and emergency hospital where I learned the ropes while attending classes at Los Angeles Pierce College. I was able to get a good taste of surgery, internal medicine, critical care, and emergencies while working at that clinic, but still felt something was lacking. That’s when I found the world of integrative medicine for animals and rehabilitation. In 2014 I switched to a rehabilitation and holistic animal clinic and immediately knew I would never go back.
After graduating from Pierce College with an Associates Degree in Animal Science and attaining my Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license, I continued my education through the University Of Tennessee and became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). I continue to love doing this side of healing work and can’t see myself looking back. Mostly, I enjoy a hands-on approach to healing and find myself giving out massages to our patients without even realizing it!
I currently have four adopted dogs: Echo a pit/beagle mix and Myer a Carolina Dog mix who have both been abducted by my parents and brother; Murphy is an American Bully and Maude is an English Bulldog mix who reside with boyfriend and myself. In my free time I am learning Web Development and computer programming, but I really enjoy drawing, painting, jewelry making, ceramics, and crafting. Yoga and hiking make up a huge part of who I am, but I enjoy lounging on the couch in a dog pile just as much.
More Bios Coming Soon!
Why the name "Holistika"?
When Dr. Magda was choosing a name for her new veterinary services, she wanted something that conveyed the idea of holistic or natural. She also wanted something original and not just a combination of words that already exists.
Dr. Magda is originally from Poland. In Polish, there are many words that have the ending “ka” in order to denote the feminine. And so, she decided to create her own word: Holistika. It still has the word “holistic” in it, but also adds a bit of foreign and feminine flair to it.
And so, the name of our veterinary practice: Holistika Veterinary, was born.
Dr. Magda is originally from Poland. In Polish, there are many words that have the ending “ka” in order to denote the feminine. And so, she decided to create her own word: Holistika. It still has the word “holistic” in it, but also adds a bit of foreign and feminine flair to it.
And so, the name of our veterinary practice: Holistika Veterinary, was born.