Our History
The Country Doctor was established in early 1980 by Dr. James H. Langman, D.V.M. Dr. Langman had previously operated another successful veterinary hospital in the area. His decision to retire from that practice and pursue his other love, farming, was met with some resistance from his loyal clients who continued to seek his services. Having no facility in which to treat his patients Dr. Langman began to see appointments in the laundry room of his home in Orefield.
It wasn’t long before this new practice outgrew the laundry room and he found it necessary to build a small hospital on his property. His veterinary skills and James Herriot like reputation continued to draw new clients despite the secluded location of the hospital. Dr. Langman formed a partnership with Dr. Visintainer in 1989 and continued to practice veterinary medicine until his death in November 2001.
Dr. Visintainer, a 1985 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine joined the practice in May 1988. He expanded the services offered and opened a satellite clinic in New Tripoli in August 1989.
Dr. Kimberly Kish, a 1992 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, joined the practice in January 2002. Dr. Kish’s superb veterinary skills coupled with her exemplary client skills greatly contributed to the continuing growth of the practice. Dr. Kish became a partner in the practice in 2008 and purchased the practice in April of 2021, in partnership with Dr. Kelly Trexler-Wertman.
Dr. Kelly A. Trexler-Wertman is a 2004 graduate of Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. She was welcomed back to the practice in June 2004. Having worked for the practice in various positions throughout her educational career. Her excellent skills, friendly manner and compassionate care fit well with the practice. In 2005 Dr. Trexler-Wertman became the first veterinarian in the Lehigh Valley to be certified in Canine Physical Rehabilitation. This certification from the University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine enabled the practice to offer another treatment modality to our patients. Dr. Trexler-Wertman became a partner in the practice in 2008 and purchased the practice in April of 2021, in partnership with Dr. Kimberly Kish.
As our clientele grew in numbers and new medical and laboratory equipment were added, our practice outgrew the Orefield Hospital. Planning for a new facility began in 2002 and construction of the new hospital started in July 2004. In January of 2005 the Orefield hospital and original New Tripoli clinic closed and the current hospital was completed and opened on January 10, 2005.
The Country Doctor Rehabilitation Center was equipped and opened in 2006. The main floor of the original New Tripoli Clinic was converted to a rehabilitation center equipped with an underwater treadmill. Jill Skoutelas, CVT, became certified through the University of Tennessee and works in tandem with Dr. Trexler to create and implement rehabilitation plans for patients.
In December of 2013 Dr. Hilary Palmeiro, V.M.D. was welcomed to the practice. She is a 2005 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Palmeiro had practiced in New Jersey and Delaware before returning to her home state of Pennsylvania.
We survived the pandemic due to the strength and resiliency of our staff. These were difficult months that required a lot from the staff. Due to the increased demand for veterinary services following the pandemic, we found ourselves in need of additional veterinarians. This was a difficult time for many practices and we consider ourselves lucky that we were able to welcome two veterinarians to our staff in May and June of 2022.
Dr. Catherine Illuzzi, D.V.M. is a 2012 graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and came to us after practicing for seven years in Maryland. Her easy-going attitude and friendly manner are appreciated by clients and staff alike.
We were also pleased to welcome back Dr. Kelly Gruber, D.V.M. who had worked with us in numerous positions over the years while pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian. With hard work she realized thar dream and graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and began her career with us in June of 2022.
