About Us : Our Doctors
  Dr. Jim Thompson, DVM   
 
  I did my undergraduate work at the University of Arizona and then graduated from the Colorado State University Veterinary School in 1986.  I practiced in my hometown of Phoenix for six years.  Looking for a slower pace, I moved to Whitefish, MT to raise my family and purchased the Whitefish Animal Hospital in 1992.  During my free time (if any), I enjoy my family time, watching my three boys play hockey,  and all outdoor activities.






 



 

  Dr. Joanie Bechtle, DVM
 
  I am a native Montanan having grown up in eastern Montana.  I received my BS at Montana State University (Go Cats) in 1992 and then my DVM from Washington State University (WAZZU) in 1998.  My husband and I then moved to Bellingham, WA where I practiced for 2 years.  In 2000 we had the opportunity to move back to Montana to be closer to family, and that is how I ended up in Whitefish.  I have been with Whitefish Animal Hospital since that time, now working part-time to spend time with my young children.   My husband of 15 years, Eric, and I have 2 boys, who keep me busy on my days "off."  We also have an American Eskimo Dog and a long-haired cat.  I enjoy knitting, gardening, camping, hiking, landscaping, skiing, and spending time with my family, especially playing with my kids.  My special practice interests include dentistry, internal medicine, and soft-tissue surgery, but I enjoy all aspects.


 
 

 


  Dr. Melissa Genovese, DVM      
 
  I obtained my B.S. in biology and a minor in mathematics from the University of Puget Sound.  In 2001, I graduated from the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  During veterinary school, I met my husband, Bob, an equine veterinarian at Lasalle Equine in Kalispell.  Upon graduation, we moved to his home state of Ohio, where we practiced for 5 years.  Longing for the west coast lifestyle and the mountains, we relocated  to Whitefish in 2006 with our family, including twins, Mason and Olivia, and 2 cats, Rhubarb and Jasper.  In my free time,  I enjoy practicing yoga, running (solo or pushing the kids in the stroller), hiking, and snowboarding in the beautiful outdoors. 
 
 
 
 

  Dr. Laura Thiel, DVM 

  I grew up in West Virginia in a large family that included many dogs, cats and horses.  I did my undergraduate studies at Ohio University, then graduated from Ohio State University Veterinary School in 2001. After graduation, I headed out west to the Sierra Mountains where I met my husband, Nick. I enjoyed practicing veterinary medicine in Nevada for 7 years before moving to the Flathead Valley in 2008.  I have enjoyed getting to know the area and in my spare time, I've been exploring the various hiking and snowshoeing opportunities with my son, Owen, daughter, Ada, and two golden retrievers