Ella Rak

Short Pump - Emergency

Dr. Ella Rak is originally from Vienna, Virginia and received her Bachelor's degrees in Dairy Science, and Animal and Poultry Science ('17) from Virginia Tech. After graduation, she served as an agriculture Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon before returning to Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ('23), and her Master of Public Health ('23). Dr. Rak’s veterinary interests include surgery, forensics, and emergency medicine. 

Dr. Rak recently completed her hospice and palliative care certification. She now has her official CHPV (Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian) designation. The International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV) program is currently the first and most comprehensive program for veterinary hospice. CHPV focuses on expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based end of life care, ranging from pain management and psychological wellbeing, to euthanasia or hospice-assisted natural death, and everything in between.  The IAAHPC is even helping lead the formation of the American College of Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Care (ACVHPC) as a new AVMA board-certified specialty.  

Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Rak is an avid hiker, traveler, and home baker.