At Fernwood Veterinary Clinic, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care grounded in clinical excellence and professional integrity. Through advanced, evidence-based veterinary medicine and trusted partnerships with pet owners, we help every pet live a longer, healthier life — creating a welcoming space where pets, families, and our community feel valued, supported, and cared for.
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Veterinarians
Dr. Poch Mandocdoc
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Dr. Poch Mandocdoc earned his veterinary degree from the University of the Philippines in 2001. After spending his early career practicing in the Philippines, he immigrated to Canada in 2007 and has been a proud part of the Greater Victoria veterinary community ever since. He has dedicated his professional life to building genuine, trusted partnerships with local pet parents. As the owner and director of Fernwood Veterinary Clinic, his goal is simple: to create a welcoming, collaborative environment where you and your pet always feel right at home.
Taking a proactive approach, Dr. Poch’s clinical interests include preventative medicine, tailored nutrition, veterinary dentistry, anesthesia, and surgery. He knows vet visits can sometimes be overwhelming, which is why he prioritizes gentle handling to keep stress to a minimum. By taking the time to listen and work alongside families, he aims to make every appointment as positive and relaxing as possible. Fernwood Veterinary Clinic is a true family endeavor, managed closely alongside his wife, Sharon. When he steps away from the clinic, you can usually find Dr. Poch enjoying the beautiful outdoors by walking the local beaches, exploring the lakes, or relaxing at home cooking special dishes for his family. |
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Dr. Kaylyn Stephenson-Hull
Locum Veterinarian
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Originally from Ontario, Dr. Kaylyn Stephenson-Hull "transplanted" to Victoria in 2020 and quickly realized she had found her true home. After practicing at another local clinic for her first few years on the Island, she joined the Fernwood Veterinary team as a regular locum in 2025. She enjoyed the practice and the neighborhood so much that she decided to stay on as a consistent face for the Fernwood community.
Dr. Stephenson-Hull considers it a privilege to provide care to the pets of this vibrant area, bringing a keen clinical interest in preventative care, surgery, and animal behavior. Having personally managed the complexities of chronic allergies at home, she has developed a special passion for dermatology. She takes great pride in helping owners navigate the frustrations of skin disease to find long-term comfort for their pets. Furthermore, she is dedicated to oral health and has completed extensive continuing education in dentistry to provide the highest level of care for her patients. As a certified Fear Free practitioner, her philosophy is rooted in building trust and creating a low-stress environment. When she’s in the clinic, you’ll likely find her "bribing" her patients with a few extra cookies to ensure every visit ends with a new friend. When she isn't advocating for her patients, Kaylyn is a self-proclaimed nature enthusiast. Hiking and traveling are her primary "dopamine drivers," though she also treasures quiet time at home with her beloved senior cat |
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Management Team
Chad O'Connell
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Chad has been in the veterinary industry since 2013, starting in high school as a volunteer. It was immediately clear that this was the industry for him, and he has been working with pets ever since. Chad’s passion for animal care has always been apparent to those who work with him. After years of working as a veterinary assistant, he has developed an interest in hospital management. Chad knows that quality animal care involves extensive work behind the scenes as well as excellent hands-on care.
Now the Assistant Manager of Fernwood, you can still find Chad comforting and helping any animal that comes his way while he helps the clinic run smoothly. Outside of work, Chad can be found fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors. |
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Veterinary Technician
Mira
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Mira practiced for 3 years as a small animal Veterinarian in the Philippines after finishing Vet school 2019. She was interested in gaining more knowledge and experience within the veterinary field, so she decided to look for an international job. Mira moved to Victoria in September of 2022 to work as a veterinary technician and has been loving the role every since. She enjoys working with different types of animals and loves helping owner’s with their concerns regarding their fur babies. Mira also has a passion for dentistry and that is where you will find her most days in clinic.
Mira is currently in the process of obtaining her Canadian Veterinary license and is hoping to be practicing veterinary medicine in Victoria in the very near future. Outside of work, Mira likes working out, going for walks with her boyfriend and playing with her cat Sebastian. |
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Support Staff
Ryley
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Ryley was born in Vancouver and moved to Victoria in 2015. Ryley has always had a love for animals and is happy to be able to get to know the Fernwood fur babies everyday for her job. When Ryley is not at the clinic she enjoys cooking, taking care of her plants, hiking with her cats and getting lots of kitty cuddles.
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Emily L.
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Emily was born and raised in Ontario and moved to Victoria to pursue her PhD in wildlife biology and molecular genetics. Emily has 6 years of experience working with wildlife, and has enjoyed developing skills in the veterinary industry since joining our team in 2022.
Outside of work, Emily spends the majority of her time outdoors - hiking, camping, kayaking, trail running, and exploring the island with her dog Willow, who can also frequently be found at our Fernwood Clinic! |
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Emily F - Veterinary Technologist Student
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Emily began her career in the veterinary industry in 2020. Her passion for animal care was inspired by eight years spent caring for and showing a champion herd of Saanen goats. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with patients and their families and has a special interest in animal nutrition.
Outside of the clinic, Emily enjoys exploring Vancouver Island, pursuing creative projects, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Teddy and Arlo, and her chihuahua, Russell. |
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Musau- Mulenda
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Growing up in a small town with all kinds of beautiful nature, Musau-Mulenda has always cared greatly for animals. She is excited to be able to incorporate that into her daily life, working at Fernwood Vet! Outside of work she enjoys playing the guitar, soccer, and of course, cuddles with her cat, Fig!
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