Dr. David Matalon graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. But his love of caring for animals didn't begin then. It started at age 13, when he began working for a veterinarian near his hometown of Broomall, PA.
Cleaning cages and runs, bathing pets, feeding and caring for many dogs and cats only solidified his desire to become an animal doctor. " I learned a great deal about myself in those days,” he said. “Everything inspired me to become a vet."
After graduating from Penn, Dr. Matalon worked at animal hospitals around the country.
"I gathered information about veterinary medicine and about the families who love their pets so much. People need to be included in medical decision-making for their animals,” he said. “We need to work as a team to decide what is right for the whole family."
In 2005, Dr Matalon became the owner of the prestigious 75-year-old Morristown Animal Hospital. "Owning a practice was a lifetime goal achieved, but my other professional goals are not yet accomplished. We learn constantly from our pets, clients and staff. You can never stop reaching to improve yourself and the welfare of your patients.
"I've been fortunate to become the proprietor of an animal hospital that has always been a community leader and known for excellence and compassion. It is with great pride that we carry on these traditions started by Dr. Tufts in the 1930's, continued by his son, and then Drs. Jon and Nancy Padover from 1971 to 2005.
“I have inherited a great legacy,” Dr. Matalon noted. “Our enduring commitment to client and patient is underscored by having a very distinguished veterinarian like Dr. Nancy Padover decide to continue practicing with us. That speaks volumes. Dr. Padover has now been with the Hospital four years after the change in ownership.”
Dr. Matalon continues the Hospital’s tradition of community service by serving as president of Morris Township’s Board of Health.
He also is active in local schools lecturing to students on animal health and caring. Dr Matalon donates time and resources to help local rescue groups, like Smitten by Kittens.
“My home, practice and family are here. It is important to give back to the community you live in and help build a better tomorrow.”
DR. NANCY PADOVER, Veterinarian
Dr. Nancy Padover has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 41 years. Thirty-eight of those years have been at the Morristown Animal Hospital. She and her husband, Dr. Jon Padover, acquired the Hospital in 1971 and transferred ownership to Dr. David Matalon in 2005.
At Dr. Matalon’s request, the well-known and highly regarded area veterinarian agreed to remain at the Hospital as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Padover based her decision upon her lifetime love of animals and enjoyment of the challenges of veterinary medicine.
“Each animal is unique and treating a pet is never routine,” Dr. Padover says. “There are always new diseases emerging, new and better lab tests and new treatment procedures.” Dr. Padover always attends continuing education seminars to keep up-to-date on the latest technology and treatments.
To meet diagnostic challenges, Dr. Padover partners with her clients. “I discuss the history of their pets with them,” she said. “It leads to the correct diagnosis for proper treatment. It’s so gratifying to see an animal get better under your care.”
Dr. Padover’s love of animals extends to “creatures of the ocean.” A scuba diver, she is a member of the Society of Aquatic Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Padover earned a BS degree from Michigan State University. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the same university two years later, graduating at the top of her class. “I went through school as rapidly as possible,” she said. “I couldn’t wait to get out and practice.”
DR. MARGARET KEARNS, Veterinarian
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work, says Morristown Animal Hospital Veterinarian Dr. Margaret Kearns, is “to see owners appreciative of us taking care of their pets.” On the other hand, she notes that one of her biggest challenges is “when my patients are less appreciative than their owners!”
A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kearns knew she was going to be a vet “as far back as I can remember.” At the Morristown Animal Hospital, she practices internal medicine, general surgery, and treats everything from diabetes to dermatology cases.
Dr. Kearns urges the Hospital’s clients to call whenever they have a question about their pet’s health. To her, there are no elementary questions. “I’d rather discuss an issue with you before it becomes a problem.”
Dr. Kearns’ concern for pets does not stop at the hospital. She is a volunteer at “Smitten by Kittens,” a local animal rescue organization for which she runs neuter clinics. In her downtime, Dr. Kearns turns in her veterinary garb and frequently becomes the “Fun Aunt,” playing video games with her nieces and nephews. She also enjoys singing and drawing.
Dr. Lorraine Lee, Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Lee, graduate of the
University of
Pennsylvania, aspired to be a veterinarian at the age of 5, and after 15 years of practice, still thoroughly enjoys veterinary medicine. She knows that good medicine and communication must go hand in hand. “People want to feel they are doing the best they possibly can for their pet. I enjoy spending time with clients, answering their questions, and implementing a treatment plan that is best for their situation.”
Dr. Lee resides in Roseland with her husband and two little girls. She has returned to work part-time at
MorristownAnimalHospital. “It’s great to be back, it definitely feels like home here. I’ve always been impressed with the level of compassion and the quality of veterinary care at
MorristownAnimalHospital. I’m proud to be a member of this very impressive team.”
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DR. NANCY PADOVER, Veterinarian
DR. MARGARET KEARNS, Veterinarian
Dr. Lorraine Lee, Relief Veterinarian