Dr. Derek Paul, DVM, CVA (IVAS) is the Associate Director (ER) and Veterinary Acupuncturist for Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. He is an Illinois native who left the land of Lincoln to serve his country. After graduating With Merit as a Systems Engineer from the United States Naval Academy, he served six years in the Navy, including tours on board an aircraft carrier and inside of Cheyenne Mountain working for NORAD. He received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his service as NORAD Air Battle Management Officer during the attacks of September 11, 2001. Following Naval Service, Doctor Paul returned to Illinois for Veterinary School, where he concentrated on Wildlife and Conservation Medicine and ran the Wildlife Medical Clinic. After graduation, he returned to Colorado for an Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. For the past 10 years, Doctor Paul has served as a Senior Emergency Associate, Locum Emergency and General Practice Relief Doctor, and Veterinary Acupuncturist. He also does consulting work for a pet services company. When he is not helping make Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies the premier emergency/specialty hospital in the Front Range, he enjoys hiking, traveling, paddleboarding, playing poker, listening to music, and seeing shows and movies with his family. He is married to JoAnn, an experienced Veterinary Technician, and they have two kids, Ella and Gavin.
