Dr. Mari Amioka

Dr. Amioka attended Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences where she studied Landscape Architecture for two and a half years, but graduated with a degree in Animal Science.  While at Cornell University, Dr. Amioka rode for their equestrian and polo teams.

Following graduation, Dr. Amioka was employed by George Junior Republic, a residential community for troubled teenagers, supervising their equine care program.  After leaving George Junior Republic, Dr. Amioka worked as a Humane Officer for the Tompkins County S.P.C.A. for two years.  She was also employed by a hunter/jumper show stable as an Administrative Aide and "stable bum."  In her spare time, she volunteered for Offender Aid and Restoration counseling inmates at the county jail.

Dr. Amioka decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from Cornell University in 1990.  While in veterinary college, she helped develop and supervise their Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and was employed at the Equine Research Park.  She also worked on the colic crew, a group of veterinary students on call to assist with emergency colic surgeries at the university.  Feeling the need to expand on her small animal experience, Dr. Amioka worked as a technician in the Cornell Small Animal Hospital's Intensive Care Unit as well as on the small animal crew throughout her veterinary education.

Following graduation, Dr. Amioka joined the staff at Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center in July 1990.  Dr. Amioka became certified in veterinary acupuncture in February 1999 and has incorporated this alternative therapy into her general practice.

In her spare time, Dr. Amioka trains and shows her four dogs in obedience and agility.  She also shares her home with seven cats and a Blue-Fronted Amazon parrot.  She is hoping to find the time to resume riding and possibly showing her thoroughbred horse again.  Dr. Amioka's obsessions include gardening and antiquing, with some dabbling in orchid growing.