The friendly, professional staff at VCA Regional Institute for Vet Emergencies and Referrals is made up of dedicated individuals who have made it their mission to help pets live long, healthy lives. To be true to the mission, the hospital team relies on several individuals, each equally important in helping us deliver the best patient and client experience for both you and your pet.
Want to join our team? Visit our Careers section.
Get to know us.
Team Spotlight
Dr. Rick Wearing was born in middle Georgia, but he bleeds Tennessee orange. He grew up in Covington, Georgia and later moved to Charleston, South Carolina to attend the College of Charleston. While studying biochemistry, he decided one day while getting his hair cut to try out veterinary medicine (true story). He went to work for two University of Tennessee doctors who steered him towards the hills of Tennessee. While studying at UTCVM, he met his future wife, who was two years ahead in studying veterinary medicine. Dr. Wearing graduated UTCVM in 1995. Together they landed in Cookeville, TN, where he went to wo...
Donna lives in Chattanooga and has been devoted to the wellbeing of the areas wildlife and pets her entire life. Donna has been hospital manager at VCA RIVER since 2004. She has been in the veterinary field since 1982 and her experience includes working in general, emergency and large animal practice. Outside of work Donna spends her time hiking, biking or kayaking in search of wildlife, terrestrial and celestial photo opportunities. Her black cat "Fuzz" is her constant companion and the subject of many of her photos.
