Dr. Philippe Coudrai (A&S '80, '84), a Sicklerville resident, noticed the need for veterinary services in the area, and in January he opened a full-service, state-of-the-art animal hospital. Less than a year later, Winslow Animal Hospital has more than 1,500 clients and continues to grow.

Phil, as he is known to friends and colleagues, received his bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from the University of Hartford. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. Shortly after earning his doctorate in veterinary medicine, he settled in southern New Jersey, where he worked on the staff of various full-service and emergency animal hospitals.

Opening his own animal hospital was the culmination of a lifelong dream for Phil, who said he has known since childhood that he wanted to devote his life to veterinary medicine.

In 1996, he established a mobile orthopedic surgical referral service. That meant that on his days off, Phil traveled to hospitals throughout the region to repair broken bones and perform such procedures as hip and knee surgeries. Today, he continues to perform orthopedic surgery about three times a week at Winslow Animal Hospital.

The new hospital, with an in-house laboratory and pharmacy, is equipped to provide a full spectrum of veterinary care, including dentistry, X-rays, emergency surgery, and routine medical exams. Those services are provided by Phil and a full-time veterinarian associate, with the help of a 12-person support staff. Dogs and cats comprise 90 percent of the hospital's patients. Other small mammals, such as ferrets and rabbits, make up the remaining 10 percent.

In addition to running his hospital, Phil volunteers his services as one of two veterinary coordinators for the Camden County Office of Emergency Management. In that role, he is responsible for developing plans to provide shelter for pet evacuation in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies.

Phil has many fond memories of his days at the UofH. For one thing, it's where he met his wife, Leila Persaud (BARNEY '84). The Coudrais have been married since 1983 and have two sons: John-Michael, 7, and Eric, 6.

Phil said he loved the physical beauty of the campus, as well as the personal attention he received. In particular, he cited such faculty members as Libby Swain, Ken Rossner, Ted Maguder, Ralph Aloisi and Doug Dix as especially "positive, encouraging influences."

"I'm considering sending my kids there," Phil said of the University. "It was a great place to be."