STAFF OF CAPISTRANO VETERINARY CLINIC

Joseph Keith Cortese, D.V.M., Owner

Dr. Joe Cortese was born and raised in a small town in New Mexico. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1959 and attended college at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM with Mechanical Engineering as his major. He changed his major to Civil Engineering. Unfulfilled, he realized that he needed to take a long, hard look at what he really wanted to do for the rest of his life. He was raised on a cattle ranch and caring for animals was influential in establishing his career. After taking an aptitude test, he changed his major to Veterinary Medicine. After receiving his BS degree in General Agriculture, he was accepted into Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, where he entered his freshman year in 1964. In June of 1968, Dr. Cortese graduated 3rd in his class where he received his D.V.M. degree.

He worked as a veterinarian for a busy practice in La Canada, California for five years before coming to San Juan Capistrano to start "Capistrano Veterinary Clinic" in 1973. Dr. Cortese worked hard and learned a great deal at this busy La Canada practice where he built a strong reputation as a thorough and compassionate veterinarian. While his original plan was to stay a year or two in California and then go back to New Mexico and settle down. California was calling and he followed the call. As it often happens, Dr. Joe fell in love with California.

Owning his own animal hospital was Dr. Cortese's next goal. Only by chance did he end up in San Juan Capistrano. He happened to visit this remarkable town on a Saturday afternoon during the "Swallows Day Parade", an event that celebrates the return of the swallows to Capistrano. That was in March of 1973. He watched the parade sitting on the branch of a huge sycamore tree, which is across the street from his present day clinic. He saw a sign in the strip mall's window saying "For Lease" with a phone number. He called and the rest is history. In November of 1973, Dr. Cortese proudly opened "Capistrano Veterinary Clinic".

Dr. Cortese built a first-class surgical hospital and small animal practice. He began his career by reaching out to help build a better community by being a strong and active member of the Chamber of Commerce. He joined the local Rotary Club serving as their President in the years of 1979-1980 and for a second term in 2000-2001. He also took on the responsibility of being President of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) for the year 1991. This prestigious professional organization includes both Los Angeles and Orange County Veterinarians and it supports a membership of over 1000 veterinarians. This is the largest local veterinary association in the world. In 1990, Dr. Cortese married Goldee. She is his constant support system in cheering him forward in his quest to give back to their community.

In July of 1997, Dr. Cortese was diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma lung cancer. He went through 6 months of standard chemotherapy, followed by "hi-dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue". Finally, Dr. Cortese completed his cancer treatment with 11 weeks of radiation. As of this date, tests have shown no signs of the cancer. He is officially considered cured!

Dr. Joe's wife Goldee, the Rotary Club, the wonderful people of San Juan Capistrano, the staff and clients of Capistrano Veterinary Clinic, and his Veterinary community supported Dr. Cortese with his fight against cancer, both emotionally and financially. Without them, Dr. Cortese would not be here today. Dr. Joe is forever in their debt.

Dr. Cortese received the honored San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Award for "Citizen of the Year" in 2001. He also received the "Don Mahan Veterinarian of the Year" award in 2000 from the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA). He currently serves as President of "The Animal Health Foundation", where help for senior citizen's pets are given and therapy dogs are sent to hospitals and nursing homes to visit the patients. Dr. Cortese is past-president and co-founder of C.A.R.E. "Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort", the grass roots organization that is raising funds to build a humane animal adoption center in San Juan Capistrano. He served as their Animal Welfare Chairman for many years.

Dr. Joe has a son Jeff that lives in Woodland Park, Colorado with his wife Brenda and three grandchildren, Kaleb, Mariah and Joey. A daughter, Kristy that lives in Boston with her husband David. Kristy and David are expecting their first child in November 2006. Another daughter Kathy that lives in Murietta with her husband Scott and his newest grandson Max.

Dr. Joe's future plans…continue to care for God's creatures, enjoy life, one day at a time, and to keep smelling them roses.

Maria Fajardo, Chief Nurse and Clinic Manager

Marie has been with Dr. Cortese since 1989. She has her Veterinary Degree from Mexico. Maria is well trained in your pet's needs. She serves as the very capable clinic manager and chief animal nurse for Capistrano Veterinary Clinic. Maria is married to Armando and they are blessed with three boys, Mando, Omar and Marco. They make their home in San Juan Capistrano along with their two cats Milo & Koda.

Goldee Cortese, Co-owner & Cheerleader

Wife of Dr. Cortese, she offers today's cutting edge in marketing and advertising for the clinic. As the Director of Marketing, she keeps the community advised of all the newest treatments available to pets. Goldee was the former founder and publisher of the very successful marketing and advertising magazine called "The Towne Cryer". Whenever necessary, Goldee will fill in as nurse, receptionist or whatever is needed at the time. She enjoys working with the staff and often is known as the instigator of laughs when not caring for animals or their owners. She and Dr. Joe have one canine child living with them at home; "Gretchen".

Lynda Mac Lellan, Accountant

Information coming....