Local veterinarian opens new dermatology office

Goshen — Dr. Karen Helton Rhodes, a Goshen resident and owner of North Star Farm on Conklingtown Road, recently opened a new veterinary office in Riverdale, N.J. The new practice, housed in a 19th-century stone cottage that Helton Rhodes purchased and renovated, is limited to dermatology and the treatment of allergy and ear diseases. Helton Rhodes has practiced as a board-certified veterinary dermatologist in the tristate region since 1982. She was head of the department of dermatology at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, actively participating in the training of interns and residents, during that time. Helton Rhodes also held the position of assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Hospital from 1985-1997, a position which facilitated active communication and research opportunities in the area of comparative dermatology. She practiced as the staff dermatologist at Animal Emergency and Referral Associates/Veterinary Referral Centre, a multi-specialty hospital in New Jersey, from 1994 until 2007. She received the Merit Award from the VMA of New York City in 1991 and the Clendenin J. Ryan teaching award in 1992. She was also listed as one of the “Best Veterinarians in New York” by New York Magazine in 2002. She has authored numerous textbooks, refereed medical journals and lectured extensively, both domestically and abroad. Her most recent textbook, published in three languages, is entitled “The 5-Minute Veteriniary Consult: Clinical Companion in Small Animal Dermatology.” In March, Helton Rhodes opened Riverdale Veterinary Dermatology, which will offer a specialty facility for the referring veterinarian and the dermatology client/patient. She is the only board-certified dermatologist in the area and her new practice will be the first veterinary dermatology clinic available to Hudson Valley residents. Riverdale Veterinary Dermatology is readily accessible from Exit 53 on Route 287, approximately 35 minutes from the Goshen area. Visit www.njvetderm.com for further information.