Dr. Phil Ries graduated from the Ohio State University in 1988 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. After which, he completed a one year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. Dr. Ries spent a year as a general practice vet then completed a small animal internal medicine residency at Iowa State University. In 1994 Dr. Ries was certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine (ACVIM). As a veterinary internist, Dr. Ries' areas of interest include gastroenterology, care of the critical patient, endocrinology, infectious diseases, caring for patients with heart disease and respiratory medicine. He joined the staff of VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1995.