Our Doctors
Dr. Murali Konda
DVM, CVA, CVMMP
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (Chi University)
Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner – Animal Chiropractic (Chi University)
Dr. Murali Konda is an experienced veterinarian dedicated to providing compassionate, integrative, and evidence-based care for pets. Born and raised in India, Dr. Konda developed a deep connection with animals early in life while helping his family care for livestock on a dairy farm. This early exposure shaped his lifelong commitment to animal health and well-being.
Dr. Konda earned his veterinary degree in India and later completed a Master of Science degree at the University of Connecticut. He achieved ECFVG certification in 2010 and began his veterinary career in the United States, practicing for nearly a decade at a busy multi-doctor hospital in Dallas, Texas. During this time, he gained extensive experience in internal medicine, dermatology, soft-tissue surgery, orthopedic conditions, and arthritis management. He continues to enjoy surgery and considers it an essential part of comprehensive patient care.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Konda’s professional journey came from his own personal experience with acupuncture and chiropractic care, which led to a significant improvement in his overall well-being. Inspired by these results, he pursued advanced training in integrative and holistic veterinary medicine to offer similar benefits to his patients—when appropriate—alongside strong conventional medical and surgical care.
Dr. Konda is credentialed in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and evidence-based medical acupuncture through Chi University, with additional advanced acupuncture training through Curacore Academy. He is also trained in veterinary medical manipulation (animal chiropractic), medical massage, myofascial and fascial release, laser therapy, ozone therapy, and both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. He thoughtfully integrates these modalities with Western medicine to create balanced, individualized treatment plans.
He enjoys treating all medical and surgical conditions, with a special interest in managing complex and chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis (allergies), arthritis, neurological disorders, and chronic gastrointestinal disease. He finds that integrative therapies – including acupuncture, chiropractic care, laser therapy, and herbal medicine – can be especially effective in improving comfort, mobility, and quality of life for pets with long-term conditions.
Dr. Konda also incorporates regenerative medicine, including PRP and autologous stem cell therapy, in select cases where these treatments may meaningfully support healing and long-term function.
Dr. Konda joined East and West Animal Hospital to further his vision of providing truly integrative and holistic veterinary care, combining the strengths of Western medicine, surgery, and complementary therapies when appropriate. He values open communication and works closely with pet owners to develop thoughtful, realistic care plans tailored to each pet’s needs and family goals.
He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and remains committed to lifelong learning.
Dr. Konda’s goal is simple: to combine science, skill, and compassion to help pets live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Dr. Denise Gonzalez
DVM, PhD, CVA, CVMMP, CCRP
Dr. Denise Gonzalez is originally from San Diego and grew up in a veterinary family, developing a lifelong passion for animal care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and went on to complete a combined Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (2015) and Ph.D. (2016) at the University of California, Davis.
Her senior dogs, Reno and Kali, inspired her to pursue acupuncture as they began to experience chronic pain and mobility challenges. In 2019, Dr. Gonzalez completed her training at Chi University, earning certification as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) in both small animals and horses.
To further expand the care she provides, Dr. Gonzalez continued her education through Chi University, earning certifications in Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) and Canine Rehabilitation in 2024.
Dr. Gonzalez strongly believes in an integrative approach to veterinary medicine, utilizing both holistic (Eastern) and traditional (Western) therapies. Her goal is to improve the quality of life, comfort, and mobility while helping pet owners enjoy more meaningful time with their companions.
Dr. Sarah Cocker
DVM, DACVIM
Mobile Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Sarah Cocker is a board-certified internal medicine specialist who supports our hospital with complex case consultations and advanced diagnostics. Her services include abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, rhinoscopy, laparoscopic biopsies, and cystoscopy.
She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2011. Dr. Cocker completed a small animal rotating internship in Austin, Texas (2011–2012), followed by a specialty internship in internal medicine and critical care in Houston, Texas (2012–2013). She then completed her internal medicine residency training in San Diego, successfully finishing in July 2016. After residency, she continued practicing at Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) before joining MOVES in 2023.
Dr. Cocker enjoys many aspects of internal medicine, with special interests in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases. She authored a hepatobiliary chapter in Ettinger’s Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is a member of the Comparative Gastroenterology Society.
In her free time, Dr. Cocker enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, child, and fur babies.
Dr. Karen Smolen
DVM
Dr. Karen Smolen is an experienced and compassionate associate veterinarian at East and West Animal Hospital with a strong focus on preventive medicine and surgery. With a background in both veterinary medicine and clinical nutrition, she brings a thoughtful, whole-pet approach to care that emphasizes long-term health, early disease detection, and quality of life.
Dr. Smolen earned her Bachelor of Arts from Queens College in New York City, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York Medical College. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 1994 and has spent decades helping pets live healthier, happier lives through attentive, personalized care.
As a general practitioner, Dr. Smolen is deeply passionate about the science of animal health and building trusting relationships with pet owners. She takes time to listen, clearly explain medical options, and partner with families to create practical, compassionate treatment plans tailored to each pet’s needs.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Smolen enjoys staying active through biking and walking in nature. When relaxing at home, she loves sketching, drawing, and painting animal-inspired art—an extension of her lifelong appreciation for animals. Her own animal family includes Tito, her four-pound terrier mix; Maui, her three-year-old Indian Ringneck parakeet; and Spike, her big tabby cat.
Dr. Stacey Wallach
DVM
Relief Veterinarian
With over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and more than a decade as a hospital owner,Dr. Stacey Wallach brings a deep passion for animal care and building strong client relationships. After relocating from St. Louis, Missouri to beautiful San Diego in 2023, she has enjoyed the flexibility and variety of relief work, allowing her to support veterinary teams throughout the region.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Wallach loves spending quality time with her husband and three teenage children. She enjoys hiking, exploring local farmers’ markets, and soaking up the San Diego sunshine. A lifelong animal lover, she shares her home with her beloved dogs and, when she’s not at home, you’ll often find her at the barn riding and spending time with horses.
Our Staff
Lauren
Our Practice Manager, Lauren, has been working with animals her whole life. She started her first job working with horses at 9 and moved into working with small animals at 19. It was then that she found her passion for caring for our small furry kids and their humans. In 2016 she became an RVT and had been going strong ever since. When she’s not working, she spends her time with her family, including her dog Fievel and chameleon Mr. T.
Mini
Mini was born in Punjab, India and came to the United States in 1981. She has been with East and West Animal hospital since September of 2020. When Mini is not working, she is cooking her favorite traditional Indian dishes. She loves all animals, but her favorite part of her job is interacting with the clients.
Haile
Haile grew up in Poway, California, and relocated here up north about two years ago. She has two wonderful and loving doggies at home: Nitrous, a 160lb Great Dane, and Mama, an 8lb Pomeranian. When she’s not at work, she is hiking, at the gym, or out seeking new places for good food.
Diana
Bio Coming Soon!
Danielle
Danielle joined EWAH in January 2019. She was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to California in 2015. She has had empathy, respect and love for all animals since a very young age and plans to continue her education toward a Veterinary Science degree. When Danielle isn’t working, she’s enjoying hiking, dining, and riding horses all around Southern California with her faithful little companion named Ginny a 4lb Yorkshire terrier/chihuahua mix.
Esperanza
Esperanza has been with East & West Animal hospital since 2021. Her favorite breed of dog is Chihuahua, as she has three at home. She graduated from Cal state university of San Marcos, and is now pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. When Esperanza’s not working, or in school, she’s at the gym or in search of a lively venue to dance and hang out with friends.
Cristal
Cristal started her career in the veterinary field in 2019. She has 3 fur babies Princess, Toast, and Yolk who she loves to spend time with.
Adriana
Adriana has always been an avid animal lover. After graduating from Mission Hills High School in 2020 she pursued a career in the veterinary field. Immediately after finishing her certificate program at Pima Medical Institute, Adriana started her career as a technician. Fairly new to East and West Animal Hospital, she is onto her second year of experience in the field. When Adriana is not working, she enjoys cruising by the beach and caring for her three cats (Mochi, Marley, and Yoshi) as well as her turtle, Jeff.
Sonja
Sonja has been with our office for about a year and a half. She has been working with animals for over 30 years. She lives in Oceanside with her family. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two daughters. Her fur babies include two dogs and three cats.
Miriam
This is Miriam, one of our vet assistants who joined our team last summer. She started working with animals when she got a job at Petco. She loved taking care of all the different types of animals. She wanted to get more involved, so she attended a vet assistant course. Now seven years later, here she is, loving her job. At home, she has a turtle and a dog who love to sunbathe together.
Chris
Christopher works with East and West Animal Hospital part time. He has been working in veterinary medicine since 2003. Since he was a young child, he always knew he wanted to work with animals. After spending years in software development, he decided to do what he truly loved. He has lived in San Diego his whole life and has two children Luke and Rayna, a rambunctious chihuahua named Fievel and a chameleon named Mr.T.
Lara
Bio Coming Soon!