Dr. Marissa Lizama

Dr. Marissa Lizama was born and raised in Torrance, California, where her love for animals began at an early age. That passion was shaped by her childhood dog, Snowball, whose illness left a lasting impression and introduced her to the profound impact compassionate veterinary care can have on both pets and their families. What began as a personal experience grew into a deep fascination with the science of healing, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis in 2022. She then continued her education at Western University of Health Sciences, where she will receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2026. Dr. Lizama has a strong interest in companion exotics, ophthalmology, and surgery, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. She is especially drawn to the diagnostic challenges of veterinary medicine and values the opportunity to advocate for patients who cannot speak for themselves.

At home, Dr. Lizama cares for a lively group of pets, including her Cockapoo, Snowball, two guinea pigs, JoJo and Robert E. O. Speedwagon, and a leopard gecko named Tenga. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, watching anime, cheering on the Dodgers, and exploring how things work through hands-on problem-solving. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family throughout her journey into veterinary medicine.