Eduardo Acosta, D.V.M.
I hail from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. As a child, much to my mom’s surprise (and initial disapproval) I traded my drum set for an Orange Wing Amazon parrot (named Duque, who is still alive today) and it has been history ever since. Good thing I have a very supporting and understanding mom because I am pretty sure that I am a much better veterinarian than I would have been a rock star. Taking care of Duque made me realize what I wanted to do with my life. I love working with the animals and the clients, and enjoy all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially the human-animal bond. I love how I am part of my client’s and patient’s life and they are a part of mine. It feels like I have the biggest extended family. I love seeing the puppies and kittens grow up and get older, seeing the kids that I have seen as children going out to college, some to pursue veterinary medicine and know that I may have a had a little influence on that. Of course, seeing those children go off to college does make me feel old, what can you do? I cannot envision a life not being a veterinarian and being involved in taking care of all of my clients’ four legged and furry family members.
I graduated from UC Davis in 1996. I previously worked in Long Beach before moving down to San Diego and purchasing Sunset Cliffs Animal Hospital in 1998. Since then, I ventured off to acquire San Carlos Animal Hospital in January of 2014.
When not serving the needs of my four-legged friends, I am a huge outdoor enthusiast and I love going snowboarding, surfing, wake boarding, off-roading, mountain biking, sand dunning, rock climbing, and hiking or just walking around and enjoying the beautiful community that is Ocean Beach. If it is outdoors I like to do it, and I am lucky enough that I get to do all that with my beautiful wife Lisa, our son Gavin and the most amazing dog Lucas Oil.
Laurel Nishida, D.V.M.
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii which has forever made me intolerant to cold. I received my Bachelors of Science in Biology at the University of Hawaii and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. Despite the drastic change in climate, I enjoyed my time in beautiful sunny Colorado. I escaped during winter breaks, though, to thaw out in Hawaii. After living on the mainland, Hawaii seemed too claustrophobic, so after graduating, I moved to San Diego where I’ve settled ever since. After all these years, I still love veterinary medicine with all of it’s challenges and rewards. It’s deeply gratifying when I feel I’ve developed trust and rapport with my clients and patients.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and step Chihuahua, exploring the many cultural events that San Diego has to offer, and trying to stay in shape. My husband and I occasionally dust off the tandem bike and take her for a ride. I am an active member of the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club, a community service organization. Once in a blue moon, I’ve been known to put on my old pair of dancing shoes to indulge my past passion of swing dancing.
Charlotte Pyle, D.V.M.
I was born and raised in San Diego, lucky to live in this beautiful city. I earned my Bachelors of Biology at San Diego State University, then was lucky enough to get some of my first veterinary experience under the care of Dr. Acosta who encouraged my application to veterinary school. I went on to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University in Arizona, then moved back home to graduate and practice right when California shut down for COVID in 2020. My first 5 years of practice were spent at a local multi-doctor clinic where I grew in my skills and confidence, then when Dr. Acosta offered a spot for me to come back home to his clinic, I couldn’t refuse!
I enjoy building the bond between animals and owners through education and informed care. I try to equip owners with the tools they need to know when their pets need our care, but also what they can handle at home to be part of their pet’s healthcare team. I am USDA accredited and a member of the CVMA and AVMA, where I have access to continuing education opportunities so I can grow my knowledge as medicine progresses.
In my off time, I enjoy DIY renovating my first home with my husband, cuddling up with a book and my three crazy kitties, taking motorcycle rides with my in-laws, and occasionally crocheting a gift for friends or loved ones.
Stephen P. Sawyer, BS, BVSc
Dr. Sawyer grew up in San Diego, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from SDSU, he then worked for The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla investigating immunology and its relation to human juvenile diabetes. Following this tenure in research, he ventured abroad to the United Kingdom to pursue his veterinary qualification at the University of Liverpool earning his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc). He worked in two practices in the UK, first in a two vet mixed-animal practice to include dogs, cats, small mammals, horses, cattle and sheep; then another two years in a six vet, exclusively small animal hospital. He returned home to San Diego sixteen years ago and has been in practice in the East County since.
Dr. Sawyer is a member of the AVMA, SDCVMA, CVMA, and is USDA accredited, and whose interest is in soft-tissue surgery and medicine, attending a wide scope of Continuing Education courses to keep up-to-date with the latest theories and treatments of our valued patients.
Dr. Sawyer’s extra-curricular activities include home DIY, golf, baseball, swimming/water polo, camping & hiking locally and throughout the national parks, as well as traveling abroad. He enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends in a relaxing milieu with their children & pets.