Dr. Kurt Walter-Hansen
Dr. Hansen received his Masters degree in Animal Science and Economics and also his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Copenhagen, Denmark. He completed a Clinical Internship at Iowa State University in 1981 and a one-year Clinical Residency in Field Services at the University of Minnesota in 1982. He spent the next 3 years as a faculty member of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1985, Dr. Hansen established Shamrock Animal Hospital.
His special interest is surgery, especially orthopedic surgery. Dr. Hansen is one of only a few private practice veterinarians in Minnesota certified to perform the TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery procedures. In 1990 and 1994, he completed advanced course work in orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University. He is Adjunct Instructor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hansen enjoys a country lifestyle with his wife and their menagerie of pets on a farmstead where he has endless projects to discourage idle hands. Occasional travels to far-away lands do provide refreshing breaks and satisfy a curious mind.
Dr. Patricia A. Walter
Dr. Walter received her DVM degree from the Royal Danish Veterinary and Agricultural University. In Copenhagen Denmark, she owned a small animal practice. She taught Surgical Anatomy at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. Dr. Walter completed a clinical residency and Masters degree in Radiology at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine and was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1984. She was a faculty member in Medical Imaging at the U of M Veterinary Medical Center until 2003.
Her special interest are abdominal ultrasonography and pulmonary radiography. She has contributed many scientific articles and textbook chapters to the veterinary literature, and she has presented Continuing Education programs throughout the state, the nation, and abroad. Dr. Walter currently owns Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., a continuing education, telemedicine, and mobile ultrasound service that provides consultation to veterinary practices.
When Dr. Walter has free time she enjoys searching for antiquities, gardening, time with her granddaughter, and sharing traveling adventures with her husband.
Dr. Sarah Wineke
Dr. Wineke received a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire. Dr. Wineke realized her dream when she graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Shortly thereafter she joined the team at Shamrock Animal Hospital.
She has strong professional interests in dentistry, internal medicine, behavior and nutrition. She is an active member of the Minnesota and American Veterinary Medical Associations and the Veterinary Dental Society.
Dr. Wineke tries to continue to travel and explore other cultures at every opportunity, having spent a year of college studying abroad in England. She and her husband also enjoy all manner of outdoor activities from camping to snowshoeing and biking. They live in south Minneapolis with their middle aged, behaviorally challenged, English Setter, "Sadie."
Dr. Mary Matzek
Dr. Matzek joined the Shamrock Animal Hospital team in June 2008. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Minnesota in 1993. In the late 1990's she made a career change and began her studies in veterinary medicine. In 2003 she graduated from the doctorate program at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Her professional interests include feline medicine, companion animal behavior, dermatology, and she has a deep passion for veterinary dentistry. She is a member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Dental Society, American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Dr. Matzek lives with her husband Mark and their twin boys in Hastings, Minnesota. The Matzek four-legged family members include Ulee the Frisbee dog, Biddy the calico kitty, and ZuZuBee the wild jungle kitten.
Dr. Jaime Chou
Dr. Chou joined the Shamrock staff in 2009. She received a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota, followed by her veterinary degree from the University of Minnesota in 2009. During veterinary school, Dr. Chou was highly involved with many clubs and volunteer work.
Her professional interests include dentistry, internal medicine, and surgery, and hopes to pursue advanced training in orthopedic surgery. She is an active member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Dental Society, and American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Chou lives in Shoreview with her husband John and their daughter Samantha who was recently born in August 2010. Her other family members include Emma, a tabby who was an orphaned kitten bottle-fed and raised by Dr. Chou, and Kali, a labrador retriever who was adopted after her previous owner surrendered her due to heartworm disease. Kali received successful treatment and has proven herself to be rambunctious and full of life.
