As a child growing up in Willingboro, NJ, Dr. Rebecca Merrifield saw just how miraculous and wonderful great veterinary care can be. At 13 years old, her family's beloved dog Nicky lost her ability to walk. After carrying her around for several days, her brother took Nicky to the veterinarian. "When he brought her back, she could walk again!" she recalls. "I was amazed, and wanted to help others the way that vet had helped us!"

Dr. Merrifield earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Cook College of Rutgers University. While there, she was an Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar and part of the Cook Honors Program. Dr. Merrifield went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and her professional interests include internal medicine, wellness care and the human-animal bond. Dr. Merrifield joined Mount Laurel Animal Hospital's veterinary team in 1991.

"Pets are treasured family members, and they experience illness and medical problems as humans do," she says. "However, animals cannot always tell us when they're not feeling well. It's up to the veterinarian to assess health problems in pets and educate their owners on the best ways to care for pets in sickness and in health. I consider it a rare privilege to assist animals and people in this way."

Dr. Merrifield and her husband Carl have two daughters, Jessica and Elizabeth, and a three-legged Husky named Taylor Swift. She enjoys reading, crafts, the Jersey Shore and amusement park rides.