Our Team

Our Veterinary Team

Our Veterinarians

	Dr. Allen Strecker Dr. Allen Strecker, a native of Rockbridge County, graduated from Virginia Tech in 1978 with a BS degree in Animal Science and received his DVM degree from Auburn University in 1982. Following graduation, Dr. Strecker was employed as a mixed- animal veterinarian at an animal practice with two hospitals located in Tennessee and one hospital located in Jonesville, Virginia. In 1985, he returned to Lexington to establish Blue Ridge Animal Clinic. Dr. Strecker's primary duties involve large animal medicine and surgery, with special emphasis in the field of assisted reproduction. He is certified in embryo transfer by the American Embryo Transfer Association. Dr. Strecker is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Society of Theriogenology.
	Dr. Samantha Hogan Dr. Hogan is a mixed animal veterinarian with a special passion for equine medicine. Originally from Georgia, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia and has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, high-quality care to animals of all sizes. Dr. Hogan enjoys the variety and relationships that come with mixed animal practice and is excited to serve both large and small animal patients at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic. She is committed to delivering personalized veterinary care and building lasting relationships with the families and farms she serves. When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Hogan enjoys spending time with her own animals, including her two dogs, Jonesy and Maisy, and her beloved mare, Dakota. She is proud to be part of the Blue Ridge Animal Clinic team and looks forward to serving the animals and people of our community.

	Dr. Emma Polus Dr. Polus grew up in Northern Texas and always knew she wanted to work with animals. She earned her veterinary degree from the St. George’s University, College of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada. Her special clinical interests include production animal medicine and mixed animal practice. Outside the clinic, Dr. Polus loves spending time with her multitude of animals, and once settled in, bringing her horse, Xbox, to Virginia for some quality trail riding.

	Dr. Eileen Whitten Originally from Potomac, Maryland. Dr. Whitten recieved her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Sciences in 1992 and her DVM from VA Tech in 1996. Early in her career, she practiced in Dublin, VA, and in North Carolina. Dr. Whitten came to Lexington, VA, in 2004 and has practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Rockbridge County for almost 22 years. Dr. Whitten's husband Jimmy, teaches Physical Education classes at VMI. She has a 23 year old daughter, Mandolin, and a 22 year old son, Luke, 3 dogs- Lala (13 years old) and CoCo and Dante (both 2 1/2 years old). Dr. Whitten enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with her dogs. She also enjoys reading and going to the movies.

	Dr. Philip Bailey Dr. Philip Bailey, DVM, is working with our team on a temporary, part-time basis to provide relief coverage. With many years of experience in small animal practice, he brings extensive clinical knowledge. Dr. Bailey performs surgeries, dental procedures, and general appointments, with a particular strength in companion animal dentistry. We appreciate his support and the experience he brings to our patients and practice.