Teamwork is the fuel for success – this applies to our collaboration with referrers and owners, as well as within our team – our independent physicians discuss patients with each other, as well as with experts from around the world, so that every patient can benefit from the input of our diverse tea
Yaiza & Stijn
our growing team
Professor Dr Stijn Niessen DVM PhD DipECVIM PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS - EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist - Internal Medicine - Medical Neurology - Endocrinology - Ultrasound - Endoscopy - Medical Cardiology
Stijn is a specialist in companion animal internal medicine (DipECVIM, EBVS, and RCVS specialist), the highest possible specialist title. He is a professor at the Royal Veterinary College in London and Michigan State University in the USA, and has over two decades of experience in clinical care, research, and teaching. He is also President of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His expertise includes internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes care, and improving the quality of life of pets with chronic diseases. Stijn is also committed to the professional development of veterinarians worldwide through the Veterinary Information Network and the Virtual Veterinary Internship. He has numerous scientific publications to his name and is a sought-after speaker at international veterinary conferences. His approach combines in-depth medical knowledge with compassionate care for both animal and owner. He has also conducted research on objectively assessing quality of life in animals, particularly in the context of euthanasia. His colleagues value his dedication to both clinical excellence and education. Stijn remains committed to innovation and improvement in veterinary medicine and believes in a future led by veterinarians, not corporate managers. That's why Yaiza en he founded the Niessen Forcada Institute of Independent Veterinarians.
Dr Yaiza Forcada DVM PhD DipECVIM PGCertVetEd MRCVS - EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist - Internal Medicine - Medical Neurology - Endocrinology - Endoscopy -Feline Medicine - Clinical Genetics
Yaiza is a European recognised specialist in companion animal internal medicine (DipECVIM, EBVS, as well as RCVS), the highest specialist qualification achievable, with a particular focus on endocrinology, gastrointestinal diseases, and feline medicine. She obtained her veterinary diploma in Madrid in 2002 and subsequently completed an internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London. Between 2005 and 2008, she completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Liverpool, after which she obtained her specialist qualification in 2008. In 2015, she obtained her PhD from the University of London for her research into the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in cats, in which she was the first in the world to conduct a genetic association study. Yaiza remains an honorary lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College in London and is an international speaker at veterinary conferences. She is also co-founder and director of the Niessen Forcada Institute of Independent Veterinary Specialists. She is actively involved in education and training, including developing online mentorship programs for veterinarians. Her passion for internal medicine, but also coaching, and teaching makes her a leading figure in the veterinary community.
Drs Melanie Bouwmeester - Ultrasound - Internal Medicine - Medical Cardiology
Melanie works as a highly experienced clinician in internal medicine and cardiology under the direct supervision of Specialists Yaiza and Stijn, as well as our top ultrasonographer. Besides being a veterinarian, she is also trained as a veterinary ultrasonographer, and is one of few in the Netherlands to hold an International Veterinary Ultrasound Society Certificate, issued by a renowned institute of which she recently became a Board Member and President (https://www.ivuss.org). Melanie also holds a Master's degree in Cardiology from the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies. She has many years of experience working in secondary veterinary medicine at referral centers in the Netherlands. Melanie is in her element when she can combine beautiful imaging, patient care, thorough explanations for pet owners, and knowledge transfer to colleagues—exactly what we at the Niessen Forcada Institute of Independent Veterinary Specialists strive for!
Dr Pete Mantis DVM, DipECVDI, FHEA, PhD, FRCVS - EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist Diagnostic Imaging - external Radiograph assessment
We are assisted in interpreting our imaging by Dr. Panagiotis (Pete) Mantis and his team at VetLearn. Fellow veterinarians can also send us radiographs for Pete and his team to assess.
Pete completed his Specialist Training in Diagnostic Imaging at the Royal Veterinary College and subsequently worked in referral hospitals in London. He spent a year at the Swedish University of Agriculture in Uppsala and transferred to the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, in 2000. He became a Senior Lecturer in Radiology and remained at the RVC until joining Dick White Referrals in the UK in 2017. Pete is a Europees and RCVS-specialist in veterinary diagnostic imaging, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He's a regular author, speaker, and CPD instructor in small animal radiology, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. In short, Pete is a true legend in radiology, and we're thrilled to have him on our team!
Dr Sarah Mason BVSc BSc PhD CertAVP(SAM) PGCertEd DipECVIM (Oncol) (add Rad Oncol) FHEA FRCVS - EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist - Oncology and Radiation Oncology
Sarah can be booked for a telemedicine appointment by fellow veterinarians (click on "book an appointment" above), as well as by pet owners themselves (email us at info@veterinaryspecialistconsultations.com). Sarah is a very caring, understanding specialist oncologist (DipECVIM, EBVS, and RCVS), with dual qualifications in oncology and radiation oncology, and 15 years of experience in multidisciplinary referral centers. Having seen and treated thousands of cancer patients over the years, she is pragmatic and highly experienced in providing treatment and management recommendations, while emphasising the client's capabilities and considering the unique needs of each individual pet.
Sarah is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has published extensively in the field of clinical canine and feline oncology. A cancer diagnosis is naturally a shock—if you're unsure about whether or not to treat, Sarah can offer support in her characteristic, non-intrusive manner. Sarah conducts her teleconsultations in English.
Welcome to Niessen Forcada veterinary Specialists
Specialist or residency-trained? Come work with us!
Are you a veterinary specialist (in training) looking for a way to work independently yet collaboratively, with ultimate flexibility over your workload (starting at 1 hour per week!) and, of course, your own trusted way of working, and the support of like-minded professionals? Do you identify with our values? Then feel free to contact Yaiza and Stijn in confidence at info@veterinaryspecialistconsultations.com. All disciplines are welcome. Hybrid telemedicine and in-person work are possible. Non-Dutch speaking colleagues are very welcome! We believe in the power of diversity in all its beautiful forms.
