Veterinarians
James M. Riordan, DVM
Dr. James M. Riordan is a General Practitioner and the owner of Palatine Animal Hospital since March of 1991.
A native of Palatine, Illinois, Dr. Riordan says that his original motivation to become a veterinarian stems from the time he spent with his predecessor at Palatine Animal Hospital, Dr. George Beatty. "I grew up in the area and frequently accompanied my mother to the animal hospital with our two Labradors," he says. "I was always impressed with the way that Dr. Beatty treated our pets with a firm, but gentle hand. When I was older, I spent a summer working for Dr. Beatty as a technician's assistant, which opened my eyes to the medical challenges veterinarians face in diagnosis and treatment."
Helping ease his way toward becoming a veterinarian was a natural affinity for animals as a kid. "I really cannot remember any specific animal experience growing up," he says. "However, I was always the kid that was not afraid of animals such as snakes and was the one always trying to help an injured critter, whether it was a baby raccoon or kitten. Because of this, I was always hearing that I should be a veterinarian when I grew up, and eventually I took that advice."
Now that he is a veterinarian, Dr. Riordan says there are two sides to the work that he does: the medical and personal. "Although I enjoy surgery and the challenge of medical cases," he says, "I enjoy the interaction between client, pet and veterinarian the most. Many of our clients have been coming here for years, so it is always enjoyable seeing them and their pets again."
Unlike most of his peers, Dr. Riordan's path to becoming a veterinarian started in the History Department of Denison University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1971. He then enrolled in Colorado State University to pursue his interest in science and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in 1975. He also has earned a Master's in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona.
Not long after earning his Master's Degree, Dr. Riordan came to realize that his true calling was in the animal care field and in 1978 he enrolled in Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 and soon after began practicing on the West Coast.
About nine years later, Dr. Riordan decided it was time to make a change. "One major event in my professional career," he says, "was leaving the West Coast where I had been practicing and returning in 1991 to my hometown as the owner of Palatine Animal Hospital. It really was a dream come true."
Dr. Riordan's areas of professional interest include Ophthalmology, and Soft Tissue Surgery. He is also a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
At home, Dr. Riordan has an American Staffordshire Terrier named Joe E., a Pug named Arnie, and a domestic shorthair cat named Gracie. His hobbies include fly fishing, golf, hiking, kayaking, tropical fish, music and audio equipment.
David Luttrell, DVM
Dr. David Luttrell is a General Practitioner that has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since June of 2003.
A native of Bismarck, Illinois, Dr. Luttrell says he grew up in a rural community with a population of about 550 people. "I had many opportunities to see people and their connection with all types of animals, such as rabbits, horses, and a wide range of farm animals," he says. "Country fairs are probably the best examples of this because these animals were cared for as much as any dog or cat."
In such an animal-centered environment, it is not surprising that Dr. Luttrell found himself working in the animal care field at an early age. "In high school, I worked as a Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Helper for Dr. Wes Bieritz in Danville, Illinois," he says. "I was impressed by his enjoyment and enthusiasm for his clients, patients and the veterinary profession after decades of service. He helped me to realize the many benefits of being a veterinarian."
After high school, Dr. Luttrell entered the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences in 1997 and graduated with high honors. In the fall of 1997, he entered the University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana-Champaign where he graduated with honors after earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2001.
Now that he is a veterinarian, Dr. Luttrell says, "I enjoy the bond with the patients. It is very rewarding to see them grow from puppies and kittens into adults, and then through their senior years. I also appreciate the variety of patients and medical issues I see on any given day. Veterinary medicine never gets boring."
Dr. Luttrell goes on to add, "There have been many memorable moments in my career so far. I mostly enjoy the times I can help a seriously ill animal feel better from a timely medicine or surgery. However, some of the most memorable times are the ones when I am with a person and their beloved pet on that final day. These moments always make me realize how special the bond is between people and their pets."
Dr. Luttrell's areas of professional interest include Surgery and Clinical Pathology. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Luttrell and his wife Brenda, a homemaker and former receptionist at Palatine Animal Hospital, have two children. Madelyn is 8 years old and enjoys Girl Scouts, playing with her friends and playing games. Her 2 year old brother Nate likes to play outdoors, watch cartoons, and anything to do with cars. The couple also has a Schnauzer mix named Eddie and a Green-Cheeked Conure named Clarice. Dr. Luttrell's hobbies include hiking, geocaching/letterboxing, playing video games, and following University of Illinois and Chicago sports teams.
Kimberly Ostberg, DVM
Dr. Kimberly Ostberg is a General Practitioner that has been with Palatine Animal Hospital since September of 2004.
A native of Chicago, Dr. Ostberg says that her parents helped motivate her to become a veterinarian as the family always had dogs and cats and made frequent trips to the zoo. During high school, she also worked part-time as a Kennel Assistant, which gave her a taste of what being a veterinarian might be like.
After high school, Dr. Ostberg entered the University of Illinois where she majored in biology with a minor in anthropology and primatology. In 1999, she graduated as a member in the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation's oldest academic honors society, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then entered the University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.
Dr. Ostberg's area of particular professional interest is General Medicine. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
Dr. Ostberg and her husband Tim have one daughter and take care of a King Charles Spaniel named Riley and a domestic shorthair cat named Danny. Dr. Ostberg's hobbies include running 5ks and half marathons, working out, golf, watching Chicago sports teams (she says ESPN 1000 is the soundtrack to her household), and spending time with her family and friends.