Dr. Lu graduated from Peking University in Beijing, China, with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal physiology and biophysics. He then earned a Ph.D. degree in neurophysiology at the Shanghai Institute of Physiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, he studied neuroscience in NIH-funded research labs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Oregon Health & Science University for over a decade, publishing multiple research articles on synaptic transmission in high impact journals. After the birth of his second child, Dr. Lu finally made the long-contemplated career transition and started working as a veterinary assistant ten years ago. In 2018, Dr. Lu graduated from the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University and has been practicing companion animal medicine in Portland area ever since.
Dr. Lu has particularly strong interest in preventive medicine (including dental care), internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. Dr. Lu also prides in providing attentive care to patients with chronic diseases. Dr. Lu firmly believes that partnership with pet owners is key to the success of any treatment or care plan, and always tries to be a good listener and clear communicator in the exam rooms.
Dr. Lu benefited tremendously from working with many wonderful mentors in the past, and has been enthusiastic about mentoring veterinary students and guiding early career veterinarians as well.
When he is not working on the hospital floor, Dr. Lu enjoys learning about new therapies and diagnostics through continued education seminars and workshops, as veterinary medicine is entering an exciting phase of accelerating innovations. In his free time, Dr. Lu enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and one Pitt mix named after Princess Leia at the beach, on the trails or hanging out in the yard. His other, nerdier interests include reading anything to do with history, watching classic or cult movies, and listening to classic rock.
Courtney Woodside, DVM, CVA
Dr Woodside graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1997 and became a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist through training with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2006.
Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Woodside grew up in California, Colorado and Wyoming. She graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, then worked in the field of genetic research. Through a variety of experiences, she’s had the opportunity to work with Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Tigers, Lions, Raccoons, Squirrels, Kangaroos, Orangutans, and a plethora of wild birds.
Dr. Woodside enjoys the detective side of veterinary medicine, solving the mysteries of what’s ailing her patients, in order to provide exceptional care. Her training in acupuncture and herbal medicine contributes additional treatment options for her patients. She values being part of the caregiving team with each pet owner. It’s a wonderful day when she can help enrich the life of someone’s beloved companion.
Starting in 2014, Dr Woodside has provided pro bono work for Animal Aid of Portland, a cat and dog rescue. Animal Aid is unique in that all dogs are in foster homes and cats live in rooms in a remodeled house in SW Portland. Initially, she helped establish intake and isolation protocols and helped set up a system for organizing donated medications. Her weekly veterinary visits save volunteer time and cat stress by avoiding transportation to and from a veterinary clinic for those treatments which can be done on site.
Dr. Courtney lives in Portland with her husband, her two daughters and her terrier mix, Max.
Fun Fact about Dr. C: She has climbed to the top of two peaks that were over 13,000 feet (Mt Whitney and Grand Teton) and she has hiked both the winter and summer routes on Mt Hood. If not engaged in veterinary medicine or outdoor activities, Dr Woodside is often found at Providence Park cheering for the Portland Thorns, or Timbers.
Dr. Newton was born in Illinois, but spent most of her formative years in Arizona. She attended University of Arizona where she earned her bachelors degree in veterinary science, then went on to get her DVM at Midwestern University CVM in Glendale, Arizona. Upon graduating veterinary school, Dr. Newton and her husband decided to move to the PNW to escape the desert, and they have since come to love Portland and the surrounding area.
Dr. Newton has worked for the past five years as a GP veterinarian here in Portland, and has found her passion in veterinary medicine primarily comes from forming relationships with her clients and their animals. She believes strongly in the importance of open
communication with clients, and strives to be a partner in keeping our furry family members happy and healthy. Dr. Newton has taken special interest in dentistry, managing the care of our geriatric pets, and while she loves and has her own dogs, there is a special place in her heart for of all things feline.
When Dr. Newton isn’t in the clinic, she likes to spend time with her family at home, which consists of her husband, their young daughter, and of course her own crew of animals – four cats and two pug mixes.
She enjoys baking, reading, and is a self proclaimed nerd who has been known to visit Comicons when she can.
