Veterinarians

Marcia J. Levine, DVM. Director

Dr. Levine, founder of Summer Street Cat Clinic, is a graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell. She also holds a Bachlor's Degree in Biology and a Master of Arts and Teaching Degree, both from Cornell. Dr. Levine has been in practice since 1979 and established the Cat Clinic in 1981. She has played an active role on the executive committee of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, WNY Veterinary Medical Society and NYS Board for Veterinary Medicine. In addition, Dr. Levine was a founder of the Pet Emergency Fund, a not for profit charity designed to assist pet owners in financial need for emergency care for their pets. 

When asked, "Why did you decide to open a hospital just for cats?", she will respond that in addition to the joys of working with felines, cats need a place of their own that caters to their special needs.

Stephanie F. Westerman, DVM. Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Westerman is a graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell.  She holds additional degrees in Animal Science from Rutgers University-Cook College and Economics from Occidental College in Los Angeles.  In addition to her work at the cat clinic, Dr. Westerman is a professor at Medaille College's Veterinary Technician program.  She has a special interest in feline cardiology.

Timm J. Otterson, DVM. Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Otterson brings to Buffalo his DVM degree from Louisiana State University.  He has additional degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and Oceanography from Memorial University of Newfoundland.  Dr. Otterson has a special interest in feline medicine, cardiology and behavior, and also enjoys treating ferrets.

He lives in the Elmwood Strip region of Buffalo with his wife, son, two cats, a greyhound and rabbit. Dr. Otterson has served on the boards of the Western New York Veterinary Medical Association and the Buffalo Academy of Veterinary Medicine and is currently a member of the board of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society (www.nfvsonline.org) and president of the Pet Emergency Fund (www.PetEmergencyFund.org).  He spends his free time enjoying the nature of western New York and Ontario by sailing, cycling, hiking, skiing and bird watching. Dr. Otterson is the founder and race director of the Pet Emergency Fund Run for Rover 5K Race and Pet Walk and an avid endurance athlete, having completed marathons and a half-ironman triathlon. 

Patricia A. Adams, DVM. Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Adams is a graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell.  She attended Cornell's Agriculture and Life Sciences College for her undergraduate degree.  Dr Adams has been a veterinarian since 1989 and joined the Summer Street Cat Clinic in 2003.  She is a Buffalo native, married, working part time and raising her three young children. Having worked for many years in a 'mixed: dog and cat' practice, she is enjoying her work with felines and the advantages of feline practice.

Kathleen Cavanagh, DVM. Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Kathleen Cavanagh graduated in 1985 and has spent her career doing a combination of educational initiatives, scientific writing and clinical practice.  She worked at the Summer Street Clinics in the early 1990's before taking a sabbatical to do educational projects including website, textbook and magazine articles dealing primarily with preventive health care.  She strongly believes in working with pet owners to help prevent health problems through proper nutrition and health care.  She returned to Summer Street Cat Clinic two years ago and works primarily at the downtown location.

Dr. Cavanagh is a long-time member of the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners).  She was the 35th member,  one of the longest standing members having joined in the early 1980's, and has has been the editor of the AAFP association newsletter for the last four years. She has consulted for the new AAFP website, www.catvets.com and is the cross-Canada "Ask-the-expert" for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association website www.animalhealthcare.ca    She recently contributed a section on genetic cardiac diseases to The Manual of Cardiology, and has been a contributing editor for Stedman's Medical Dictionary and The 5- minute Veterinary Consult, and writes for popular magazines on pet health care for both professionals and the public. 

Dr. Cavanagh volunteers for profesional quality assurance panels and is a member of the International Emergency and Critical Care Society, and the AVMA.

In addition to our veterinarians, the Summer Street Cat Clinic is staffed with eight licensed Veterinary Technicians and three receptionists. We are all available to answer any questions you may have concerning your cat.