Veterinarian
Dr. Mark Caldwell was born in Arizona and has been involved with veterinary medicine his entire life. Not only is his father a small animal veterinarian in Tempe, but his grandfather was a veterinarian for the US Government. Some of Dr. Caldwell’s first memories are assisting his dad at work. Dr. Caldwell attended the University of Arizona for undergrad where he received his bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and a minor in Chemistry. During his time at the UofA he regularly assisted in Thoroughbred breeding and foaling. He was also a member of the UofA TriCats for 3 years – the University Triathlon Team.
Upon graduation he chose to attend the same veterinary school as his father, Kansas State University. For two years in vet school, Dr. Caldwell lived and worked at KSU’s Large Animal Research Center where he worked weekends, holidays, and late nights, helping take care of the University’s equine teaching herd, as well as dogs, pigs, rats, cows, and even white-tailed deer, involved in medical studies. Dr. Caldwell graduated with Honors, and he received the following awards: Francis Lucille Koss Memorial Award for Demonstrating Proficiency in Both Large and Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, and The Society of Theriogenology- Proficiency in Theriogenology Award. He was also elected to membership of Phi Zeta – the honor society for veterinarians, and was a Veterinary Scholar at the American Royal Livestock Show in 2014.
After graduating, Dr. Caldwell progressively made his way back to his home state after working at small animal hospitals in both Colorado and Nevada. In 2017, Dr. Caldwell returned to Arizona where he became a private contractor working at multiple hospitals. Dr. Caldwell met Dr. Fornara while working at one of those hospitals where she was the Veterinary Medical Director- and the rest is history!
Dr. Caldwell is proficient in internal medicine, surgery, preventative medicine, and diagnostic labwork interpretation. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Caldwell is an advocate for client education as well. The Latin root of the word Doctor is the verb Docere which means “To Teach”. Dr. Caldwell believes that the more he teaches, and the more his clients understand, the better the care we can provide for our pets.
Phoenix is where he always wanted to start his family. Together with his wife they have two wonderful baby boys, four dogs, one cat, and ten chickens. Dr. Caldwell is always entertaining his hobbies, and although he no longer skydives, he loves to SCUBA dive, fish, travel, and cook on his multiple grills and wok. Dr. Caldwell is passionate about the international animal volunteer work that he and Dr. Fornara have done. He is excited to continue to make this a bigger project so Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians can continue to give back to animals in need. Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Fornara are proud to say that because of their volunteer work they were Commissioned Kentucky Colonels by Andy Beshear, the standing Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
What is your background?
I was actually born and raised here in the Valley, and I am a third-generation veterinarian. My father was actually a mobile veterinarian growing up, so I've essentially been surrounded by this business my entire life.
Where did you receive your education?
For undergrad, I went to the University of Arizona, and for veterinary school, I attended Kansas State University. While at Kansas State for two years, I lived and worked at the Large Animal Research Center, where we took care of many different animals for research studies. Upon graduation, I graduated with honors and received a few awards.
What awards and honors have you received?
I received the Francis Lucille Koss Memorial Award for demonstrating proficiency in both large and small animal medicine and surgery. I was given the Society of Theriogenology Proficiency in Theriogenology Award, which is a fancy word for animal reproduction. I was elected to membership of Phi Zeta, which is the honor society for veterinarians, and in 2014, I was a veterinary scholar at the American Royal Livestock Show.
What is your professional passion?
I would say that my favorite part about veterinary medicine is just being able to make a positive difference in people and animals' day. Helping them out really puts a smile on my face, and I couldn't be happier that I get to do this as part of my job.
Do you have any certifications or personal interests?
I carry certifications with the American Veterinary Medical Association. In my personal time, I am an advanced open-water scuba diver. I also carry certifications with the American Sailing Association with 101, 103, and 104, which cover keelboat sailing, coastal cruising, and bareboat cruising. Additionally, I have a Category A skydiving license with the United States Parachute Association, but I have lapsed currency on that as I haven't done it for a few years since I had kids.
Can you tell us about your volunteer work?
I also like to volunteer in my free time. One of the things that I'm very proud of is that Dr. Fornara and I, a couple of years ago, went down to Mexico where we donated our time and supplies to treat transmissible venereal tumor in dogs. This is essentially an STD that can cause cancer, but fortunately, it can be treated with medications that we provide. For those actions, we were commissioned Kentucky Colonels by the standing governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so we're very, very proud of that.
What do you enjoy in your personal life?
I love spending time with my two boys, Jack and Henry, as well as with my wife. When I'm able to travel, I absolutely do, and if you can't find me fishing, then you can usually find me behind one of my grills. I have plenty of them.