Elizabeth Falk, DVM

Elizabeth Falk, DVM

Dr. Falk is an owner of Northwest Animal Clinic. She began practicing here at Northwest Animal Clinic as a part-time associate in 2005 and switched to full time status in 2015. She is thrilled to have become an owner in 2022.

Dr. Falk practices medicine, general surgery and dentistry. She has a special interest in Feline practice. She enjoys working with her clients to develop the best care and treatment choices for their families.

Dr. Falk graduated with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Western College of

Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1987. She practiced full time at two different AAHA accredited practices in Vancouver, Canada until starting her family in 1997.

After a break for family duties and a move to New Mexico, Dr. Falk happily resumed small animal practice. She was

very proud to become an American citizen in 2021. She is thoroughly enjoying her clientele and all the excellent staff at NWAC.

Samantha Lopez (Shirley), DVM

Samantha Lopez, DVM

We are excited to add Dr. Lopez to our team at NWAC!

Dr. Lopez graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2020 and has been practicing in New Mexico ever since. She was born and raised in Albuquerque and is excited to continue offering care to her community.

Dr. Lopez is skilled in traditional veterinary medicine as well as Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. She is especially interested in preventive care and pain management. While not working Dr. Lopez is bound to be spending quality time with her fiance Cruz, their dog Gus, and their cat,Cassie.

In Memoriam

Michael H. Riegger, DVM

   (August 12, 1949- October 9, 2021)

​

Dr. Michael Riegger was the Chief Medical Officer and Senior Clinician at the Northwest Animal Clinic and Hospital in Albquerque, New Mexico. He founded the clinic in 1974 and was the owner until his passing on October 9, 2021. 

In addition to the practice of veterinary medicine, he was recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in all aspects of veterinary practice management. He held numerous postions in veterinary professional organizations and serves on the Mayo Clinic Leadership Council in Arizona.​Dr. Riegger has authored over 1000 articles and four text books, made more than 400 presentations, serves as an on-line consultant for the Veterinary Information Network, and is a columnist for DVM News Magazine. He has received numerous awards and honors, including New Mexico Veterinarian of the Year and ISU College of Veterinary Medicine Stange Award. He was currently an adjunct professor and hosts a practice management course at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.​He graduated with his DVM from Iowa State University magna cum laude and was a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He has provided the future endowed Michael H. Riegger Leadership Scholarship Fund to annually recognize a third and forth year student displaying academic prowess and community service leadership. Both of these qualities are highly valued and demonstrated by Dr. Riegger in his life and career.​http://www.messingermortuary.com/obituary/DrMichael-Riegger​