Dr. Telenko

Dr. Telenko’s path to emergency medicine is a testament to the power of pushing past one's comfort zone. While he admits to being initially intimidated by the fast-paced nature of the ER during his clinical rotations at Kansas State University, the experience ultimately revealed his true calling. Today, he thrives under pressure, craving the unique drive and profound reward that comes from stabilizing and saving patients in life-threatening conditions.

A USDA-accredited veterinarian with nearly a decade of experience in the field, including five years as a veterinary assistant, Dr. Telenko is committed to providing gold-standard care. His clinical interests are broad, ranging from complex surgeries and parasitology to shelter medicine. He prides himself on being part of a team-focused environment at VEHC that prioritizes medical excellence and client education over corporate pressures.

Dr. Telenko’s Best Advice: "Avoid cold water baths when treating heat stroke. It is a very deadly, expensive, and easily preventable disaster."

When he hangs up his stethoscope, Dr. Telenko swaps the ER for the great outdoors. An avid fly-fisherman and gardener, he enjoys "home-steading" with his wife, Melissa, and their son, Forrest. His passion for the land runs deep; he grows his own tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers to craft delicious homemade salsa, and he dreams of one day opening a successful farmstand.

The Telenko household is a lively one, filled with a diverse crew of rescues that reflect Dr. Telenko’s heart for animals in need. The pack includes Nugget, an 8-year-old canine known as a "Lil' Napolean," and Odin, a 1-year-old affectionately described as "Daddy's Goofus". They are joined by Jasmine, a resilient 3-year-old Parvo survivor, and Kwazii, a feline who was found deep underground in a pipe. Rounding out the family are 12 chickens and the cherished memory of Shiva, the dog who first inspired Dr. Telenko’s journey to becoming a DVM.

Why he loves VEHC: "It’s a great environment to grow. We have friendly, team-focused operations with plenty of room to advance my medical knowledge without the pressure of corporate upselling."