MEADOW LANE STAFF
Dr. Robyn Kopala
Dr. Robyn Kopala is the founding veterinarian of Meadow Lane Equine Clinic. After practicing in the lower mainland for 10 years, Dr. Kopala started Meadow Lane Equine Clinic in September of 2017. She graduated with distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and completed a 1 year internship in equine medicine and surgery at Okotoks Animal Hospital in Alberta. Prior to attending veterinary college, Dr. Kopala completed her Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University. In 2009 Dr. Kopala received advanced training in veterinary acupuncture at Colorado State University. In 2013 she studied manipulation therapy at Options for Animals in Kansas. In addition to her interest in complementary therapies, Dr. Kopala has a special interest in sport horse medicine. Her passion for the sport horse developed at a young age competing with quarter horses at the national level. She later moved into the hunter/jumper discipline, and is now an active competitor in show jumping on the A-circuit.
Dr. William (Billy) Hodge
Dr. William (Billy) Hodge joined Meadow Lane Equine Clinic in 2020. Dr Hodge trained in Europe and spent 6 years in England after completing a year long equine/anaesthesia internship at the Minster Equine Hospital in York. Following his internship he focused his career on equine sports medicine by joining a predominantly lameness based practice performing equine MRI scans, lameness workups and running anaesthesia for surgical cases. He gained valuable experience during this time in reproduction, general practice, equine medicine and the care of the equine athlete. In 2012 he moved to the Hamptons (Long Island, NY) and continued working predominantly in equine lameness on TB’s at Belmont Race Track and sports horses throughout Connecticut and New Jersey. His passion for equine veterinary care led him to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest (2015) where he gained valuable experience in gamma scintigraphy (bone scan) as well as western performance horses. He also continued performing anaesthesia for surgery cases. Dr Hodge is a “certified” ISELP member being 1 of only 2 veterinarians in Canada with these credentials. He has found that ISELP has allowed him to utilize ultrasound, MRI, radiology and scintigraphy to enhance his veterinary care. Combining his experience and ISELP certification he has focused on regenerative medicine to treat injuries and return horses to competition. He has also continued his general practice work as he finds it interesting and rewarding.
Dr. Hannah Morrison
Originally from Scotland, Dr. Hannah Morrison grew up in the lower mainland but returned to Scotland following high school to obtain her veterinary degree from the University of Edinburgh, where she graduated with distinction in spring 2022. Throughout veterinary school, she was able to explore her interests within equine practice including anesthesia, lameness, and general practice. She traveled to one of the foremost veterinary institutions at Colorado State University as part of their exchange program and was able to gain valuable experience in a cutting edge environment. Following veterinary school, she completed a rotating equine internship at Moore Equine Veterinary Center in Alberta with training in surgery, internal medicine, lameness, reproduction, emergency, and ambulatory practice.
Growing up, and through veterinary school, she was able to spend many hours with Dr. Kopala and the team at Meadow Lane Equine Clinic gaining invaluable experience. Dr. Hannah Morrison competed in showjumping from a young age with her two geldings, who she has been lucky enough to own and care for over the past 13 years, fostering her deep appreciation for the equine athlete. Outside of school and work, Dr. Morrison takes full advantage of the outdoor life the coast has to offer - riding, running, hiking (usually with Rosie, her collie cross), biking, and snowboarding.
Lauren
Lauren grew up in North Vancouver and got hooked on horses at an early age. She studied at Olds College in Alberta and graduated in 2007 with honours and diploma’s in Equine Science Business Management as well as Equine Production and Breeding Management. Following graduation Lauren was invited to apply for a position and was subsequently hired as an instructional assistant in the Equine Science program at Olds College. She worked at the College developing the curriculum and assisting with practical courses for 5 years before finally returning home to Vancouver. Lauren then enrolled in and graduated with honours from Douglas College’s Veterinary Technician program and passed her board exam to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in 2014. That year Lauren was lucky enough to find one of the few positions as an RVT in an equine only veterinary practice. The rest is history as she has been working in Equine practice with Dr. Kopala ever since and can’t imagine working anywhere else! Lauren also enjoys riding, photography and traveling when she can find the spare time!