Dr. Derek Cavatorta grew up in Rowley, MA, and attended Triton Regional High School. He began working in the local veterinary community as a teenager and was inspired to study Animal Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He developed an interest in research during a summer internship studying North Atlantic Right Whale fishing gear entanglement at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod. Dr. Derek was admitted to the dual DVM/PhD degree program at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. During this 8-year graduate program, Dr. Derek simultaneously completed veterinary school and earned a PhD in equine immunology. His dissertation research contributed to the understanding of how horses respond to vaccination. He is interested in all aspects of large animal medicine, and he is particularly passionate about preventive medicine, vaccinology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, nutrition, and evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Derek is on the board of directors for NEER-North and greatly enjoys providing medical assistance for horses in need. Dr. Derek founded Black Brook Veterinary Services to provide quality, dependable, comprehensive veterinary care for horses and other large animals in northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

Dr. Derek lives in Hamilton with his wife, Dr. Lauren Sawchyn (a small animal veterinarian and artist), and their pets. His border collie, Tam, often assists him on farm calls. He enjoys trail riding and riding at the beach. A lifelong endurance athlete, Dr. Derek has completed several marathons and can often be found running on the trails around Essex County. He is an avid gardener and will gladly talk to you at length (or possibly ad nauseum) about his vegetable plot. (Source)

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