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Dr. Gignac graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in 1993. Modesty prevents him from mentioning that he graduated at the top of his class, and was awarded the Andrew W. Smith memorial medal -- a prize awarded annually to the graduating student demonstrating the most consistent overall academic excellence and clinical proficiency over the entire four years of veterinary school.
After graduation, Dr. Gignac worked in Brampton for one year (which was all he could stand), before moving to Toronto. For the next eight years, he practiced at Doncaster Animal Clinic, a clinic north of the city offering routine veterinary care as well as referrals in veterinary dermatology and animal behaviour.
In November 2001, Dr. Gignac began as an associate veterinarian at Yorkville Animal Hospital (which was known as The Animal Clinic II at the time), and shortly thereafter, became the owner and sole veterinarian of the hospital.
We understand how important it is for people to have a good relationship with their veterinarian, and to see the same doctor each and every time whenever possible. Dr. Gignac greatly enjoys taking the time to get to know each and every one of his patients and clients on a friendly, first name basis.
Medicine is constantly changing and improving, and Dr. Gignac believes strongly in continual learning. He regularly attends continuing education lectures, seminars, and conferences to keep his skills and knowledge up to date, and provides regular continuing educational opportunities for his staff as well. He is a member of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Dental Society.
Dr. Gignac not only provides medical, surgical, and dental care for his patients, but he also places a strong emphasis on the importance of preventive health care. While always trying to keep the clients needs in mind, he is, and will always continue to be, an advocate for his patients first and foremost. Dr. Gignac believes in treating every one of his patients as if they were his very own.
Allen is originally from Windsor, but is now a downtown Toronto kind of guy, through and through. For all of his life, he grew up in a wonderful household full of pets -- dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and a horse (who didn't live in the house). His family was active in wildlife rehabilitation as well, so it was not uncommon to find little raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and birds chattering away in his basement. Currently, he lives downtown with Felipe, his partner of 14 years.
When not working, Allen enjoys exploring Toronto's many neighbourhoods, and especially, eating in all of its many restaurants. He has recently rediscovered skiing, and is getting not too bad, if he does say so himself. He is also an accomplished pianist, organist, chorister and choir director, and has been since he was a wee little thing. In fact, he paid his way through vet school as Music Director and Organist of Knox Presbyterian Church in Guelph. He is a multi-talented renaissance man, and is universally beloved by all (OK, that last part may be just a teeny bit over-the-top).
Dr. Hélène Bouchard
Dr. Bouchard first began at Yorkville Animal Hospital as a locum while Dr. Gignac was away on holidays. Since 2008, we are very pleased to have Hélène join us on a more permanent basis, where she sees appointments every Wednesday. Dr. Gignac is very grateful for the day off, let me tell you.
Since graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1999, Dr. Bouchard has worked at a number of clinics in the Toronto area. She has a keen interest in internal medicine, pain management, and emergency medicine.
Being a self-proclaimed nerd, Hélène can often be found at home snuggled up to her partner Joel and their five cats, watching Dr. Who reruns, or curled up with the latest Harry Potter novel.
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