Dr Diana Deckert grew up in beautiful Bucks County outside of Philadelphia. Her name came from the Paul Anka song “Diana,” thanks to her dad. After exploring the careers of bus driver, secretary, and artist, she knew by the age of 9 that she would be a veterinarian. She attended Catholic elementary and high schools. As an 8th grader, her success in Math and Science allowed her to represent Philly on the White House lawn, when President Reagan launched the Young Astronaut Program. Twelve years of wearing a uniform was not enough, so she accepted an Army ROTC scholarship to her now beloved Penn State. Cadet Deckert earned her jump wings at the Basic Airborne Course at Ft Benning, Georgia. She graduated with a BS in Animal Bioscience, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and promptly obtained an educational delay from the Army to attend veterinary school. Dr Deckert received her DVM from Purdue in 1997.
Captain Deckert served 4 years in the Veterinary Corps: first at Norfolk Naval Base, overseeing their dozens of working dogs as well as food inspection for the Atlantic Fleet; and then at White Sands Missile Range in beautiful New Mexico - she loved being the small town vet for the people living there. Assisting Fish and Wildlife to work with the local non-native population of African Oryx was one of her highlights in the military.
After completing her obligation, Dr Deckert returned to civilian life so she could focus on being the clinician she always wanted to be. She followed her brother to sunny San Diego. She honed her skills and enjoyed mentorship in some high volume practices, and then filled in as a relief vet to explore all the varieties of veterinary practice in San Diego.
It is with that broad perspective that she can see what a jewel AVCSE is. Drs Riehl and Thomas exhibit a kind leadership that is reflected by the unmatched dedication and respectfulness of the team members. The practice owners also value customer service, high quality medicine, and a clean up-to-date infrastructure, which is all reflected by the top-notch care delivered to AVCSE’s patients. Dr Deckert is so proud to be accepted into this Pack.
Dr Deckert shares her home with 2 redheaded girls: her teenage daughter and a feisty talkative orange tabby cat. They miss having a dog. Her brother with Down syndrome recently followed his big brother and sister by moving to San Diego - it’s fun to show him all the sights. Dr Deckert loves road trips and especially cross-country train trips. She managed to visit each of our 50 states, and that was 20 years ago!
Dr Deckert is honored to be an advocate for your pets, to help educate owners with advice and opinion and options, and to kindle that human-animal bond that all of us treasure. She’s also thrilled to be able to wear a uniform again - scrubs and lab coat!