Dr. Robert Stein

Dr. Stein was born in Detroit, MI. He attended Huron High School in Ann Arbor where he lettered in Track & Field and he led the trombone section in the Symphonic Band. His collegiate career at the University of Michigan was interrupted by the Viet Nam Era Draft in what was an extremely odd development involving the elimination of college deferments in 1971, an extremely low draft lottery number (3), and the fact that, as a December child, he was a calendar year older than his classmates. He spent most of his Army career as a Specialist 5th Class (E5)playing trombone for the 54th Army Band stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison near Indianapolis, IN. It was during this time of service that he became seriously interested in the field of veterinary medicine.

He had always been an animal lover. Much to his Mother’s dismay, he routinely collected and carefully kept salamanders, turtles, and snakes. His boyhood dogs, especially his collie, Bonnie, were his companions as he searched for adventure in the fields and woods surrounding his country home. Helping animals became the best career he could imagine.

Upon his discharge from the Army Dr. Stein was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service to his unit. That same summer he married his longtime sweetheart, Nancy McClatchey, and they moved to E. Lansing, MI where he began his undergraduate pre-veterinary studies. Working diligently, Dr. Stein achieved a perfect 4.0 scholastic average and was granted admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine after 2 years of pre-veterinary classes. He received the Phi Zeta Award for graduating 2nd in his class and he was awarded the American Animal Hospital Association Award given to the senior veterinary student demonstrating the best overall proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery. Intent on learning more in-depth surgical skills, Dr. Stein applied to, and was accepted into, the Veterinary Internship Matching Program, an opportunity to gain advanced training with specialists that is only available to 10% of graduating veterinarians. During his internship, Dr. Stein concentrated on developing his advanced surgical techniques at The University of Minnesota.

Dr. Stein has a career long passion for improving veterinary anesthesia and analgesia in general practice. He also operates the The Animal Pain Mangement Center along with the Amhesrt Small Animal Hospital. The Pain Management Center sees cases by referral for treatment of chronic pain, pain from acute injuries, neurologic problems, post surgical pain and cancer pain. Dr. Stein utilizes stem cell therapy, a comprehensive pharmacy of analgesic medications, acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy and physical rehabilitation therapy. Dr. Stein is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Certified Veterinary Rehailitation Therapist, a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, Diplomate American Academy of Pain Mangement and Past President of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Stein is also Executive Director of the Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia Support Group which is a website with resources for veternarians to promote high standards of patient care.

Dr. Stein and his family moved to Buffalo in 1981. He became the owner of the Amherst Small Animal Hospital in 1989. Most of his time is spent on improving the capabilities of the practice. His hobbies include aviation, tennis, computers, and bicycling. His family includes his wife of 36 years, Nancy, and his four daughters, Emily, Erin, Elizabeth, and Ellina. In addition they have their 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Winkie and Dobbie; cats Felix, Buzz, and Amelia, and assorted fish and birds.