Dr. Nika Padidar, Emergency Veterinarian, DVM
Dr. Nika Padidar came to TruVet January 2026 as an Emergency Veterinarian and brings a thoughtful, compassionate, and steady presence to even the most high-pressure moments in emergency medicine. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she built a strong foundation in emergency care while remaining deeply engaged in leadership, education, and student wellness initiatives.
During veterinary school, Dr. Padidar completed externships at several renowned hospitals, including Animal Medical Center in New York, Angell Animal Medical Center, San Francisco Animal Medical Center, and The Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin. Her clinical interests are rooted in emergency and critical care, with additional experience spanning radiology and exotic animal medicine. She also held multiple leadership roles at UC Davis, including President of the Fracture Program and Mental Health & Wellness Liaison for the Class of 2024, reflecting her commitment not only to medical excellence, but to team support and sustainability in the profession.
Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Padidar earned a Master of Science in Animal Studies from New York University, where her thesis focused on wild birds as bioindicators of environmental health. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, an academic background that continues to inform her calm, empathetic approach to clients during stressful and emotional situations.
Dr. Padidar is Fear Free–certified (General and Avian), RECOVER BLS CPR–certified, and trained as a CVET Emergency Response and Disaster Service Worker. She is fluent in English and Farsi, conversational in Spanish, and currently studying French. She is an active member of AVMA, CVMA, VECCS, and MCVMA.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Padidar enjoys trail running, hiking, downhill skiing, cooking, hosting dinner parties, and exploring local wine country. She and her husband, Olivier, share their home with Monty, an English Setter, and Lila, a domestic shorthair cat.
What inspires Dr. Padidar most about emergency medicine is supporting clients and patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering clarity, compassion, and steady care when it matters most, while helping patients on their path to feeling better.