Dr. Karla Lombana

Some things really do come full circle! Dr. Karla Lombana's veterinary journey began right here at Woodburn Veterinary Clinic, where she worked as a veterinary technician before heading off to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Nearly two decades, a veterinary degree, a few career adventures, and countless four-legged patients later, she's thrilled to be back!

Dr. Lombana earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2013 and is also a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist (cVMA). Her career has been anything but boring, spanning equine medicine, mixed-animal practice, emergency and urgent care, shelter medicine, and small-animal general practice. 

In addition to practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Lombana has a passion for education and has spent years teaching and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals, including serving as the Academic Director of a veterinary technology program. She continues to teach college-level veterinary courses, bringing real-world clinical experience into the classroom (and occasionally a healthy dose of humor).

After many years in the Arizona desert, Dr. Lombana and her family traded saguaros for evergreens and returned to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She shares her adventures with her husband, two daughters, and her wonderful mutt, Penny, who has taken to life beyond the desert farmstead like a true Oregonian! Whether exploring forest trails, chasing waterfalls, splashing in rivers, or enjoying the beach, the whole family is enthusiastically embracing everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

Dr. Lombana believes veterinary medicine is at its best when compassionate care, practical solutions and honest communication come together. She values building genuine relationships with clients and working collaboratively to find the best options for each patient and family.

Most of all, she's excited to reconnect with the Woodburn Veterinary Clinic team, including some of the very veterinarians who helped inspire her career in the first place. For Dr. Lombana, returning to Woodburn isn't just a new chapter—it's a homecoming, and she couldn't be happier to be part of the family again!