Fernwood Veterinary Clinic
Meet Our Team
Behind every healthy, happy patient is a team of people who truly care. Get to know the doctors and staff who make Fernwood Vet feel like home.
Medical Team
Our Veterinarian
Compassionate, evidence-based medicine delivered by an experienced veterinarian who takes the time to truly know your pet.
Veterinarian
Dr. Poch Mandocdoc
DVM — University of the Philippines, 2001
Dr. Poch has been caring for the animals of Greater Victoria for more than 15 years. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Veterinary Medicine (2001), he brings deep expertise and a warm, unhurried approach that puts both pets and their owners at ease.
His clinical interests include surgery, anaesthesia, dentistry, nutrition, and low-stress handling — a combination that allows him to offer comprehensive, Fear Free–informed care under one roof.
When he is not at the clinic, Dr. Poch enjoys walking along the beach, swimming in lakes with his family, and cooking.
Leadership
Management Team
Keeping the clinic running smoothly so that every visit — for you and your pet — is as seamless as possible.
Assistant Manager
Chad O'Connell
Chad has been part of the veterinary industry since 2013, beginning as a high school volunteer driven purely by a love of animals. That passion never faded — it simply grew into a dedicated interest in hospital management and team operations.
Outside the clinic, Chad loves fishing, camping, and exploring the great outdoors that British Columbia has to offer.
Our Team
Support Staff
The heart of the clinic — dedicated individuals who ensure every patient and client feels welcomed, comfortable, and cared for.
Ryley
Veterinary Support Staff
Originally from Vancouver, Ryley made the move to Victoria in 2015 and never looked back. She has a deep love for animals and brings warmth to every interaction. Outside work you will find her cooking up something delicious, tending to her plants, or out on hiking trails with her cats.
Emily L.
Veterinary Support Staff
Emily grew up in Ontario and holds a PhD in wildlife biology and molecular genetics. After six years working in wildlife, she joined the Fernwood team in 2022, bringing a deep scientific curiosity to companion animal care. She shares her home with her dog Willow and loves hiking, camping, kayaking, and trail running.
Emily F.
Veterinary Technologist Student
Emily F. grew up around animals — five years on a farm with goats and four years in the veterinary industry — and is now pursuing her Veterinary Technology degree. She is passionate about every species she encounters and is the proud pet parent of cat Teddy, chihuahua Russell, and papillon Pip.
Musau-Mulenda
Veterinary Support Staff
Musau grew up in a small town surrounded by beautiful nature, which instilled a lasting love for animals and the outdoors. When not at the clinic, he is strumming guitar, on the soccer pitch, or enjoying quiet moments with his cat Fig.
Mira
Registered Veterinary Technician
Mira worked as a veterinarian in the Philippines for three years after graduating in 2019, then moved to Victoria in September 2022 to join the team as a veterinary technician. She is actively working toward obtaining her Canadian veterinary licence. Mira has a particular passion for dentistry and keeps busy outside work with fitness, long walks, and playing with her cat Sebastian.
Ready to Meet Us in Person?
We would love to meet you and your companion animal. Book an appointment online or give us a call — our team is here to help.