Veterinarian Overview
My name is Ron Scharf. I received my Bachelors degree from Columbia University in 1981 and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell in 1985. I bought the Friderici Animal Hospital in 1993. It was established in 1936, and has been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association since 1946. This is a challenging accomplishment; only 17% of veterinary hospitals in the United States are so designated, and we are one of only 9 in the country that have been accredited for this long. My medical philosophy is this: I am conservative in the use of pharmaceuticals (if on the fence regarding the use of a drug, or procedure or vaccine, I do less) except in the case of parasites. Several parasites that animals carry are transmissible to us humans. I am aggressive about parasite prevention and I take a proactive approach to preventing and treating them. The professional training I received at Cornell is invaluable in my practice of veterinary medicine. Additionally, I am open to the possibility that there are alternative approaches to the treatment of animals that have not yet been proven or accepted by Western medical science. I was accredited in the practice of veterinary acupuncture in 1988 by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. I studied under Richard Pitcairn, DVM, in his Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy in 1999 and 2000. I am also able to perform stem cell therapy in animals, mostly for advanced degenerative arthritis in animals who are too old or otherwise unable to get corrective surgery. I pride myself on the time and effort I put into client education and informed decision-making with my clients. I am accessible on the phone and always return calls the same day. I believe that helping create the greatest wellbeing of our patients as well as the satisfaction of their owners are the primary reasons that my staff and I work so hard every day. My sincere hope is always that our efforts are successful.
