Dr. Deah Hessian is the owner and Medical Director of Palisades Veterinary Hospital. She purchased the fledgling PVH in 1993, her vision was to create a world class facility with a small-town feel. In the spring of 2000, Dr. Hessian moved the hospital into its own building near the center of Fountain Hills and the fountain.
A native of California, Dr. Hessian holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Arizona in Animal Health Science, Education, and Agriculture Engineering. She attended Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1990. She worked at the World Health Organization’s primate lab, the Hawaii Zoo, and the Hawaiian State Veterinarian. After graduating from veterinary school, she spent three more years honing her craft at Tri-City East and Main Street Veterinary Clinics.
Dr. Hessian traces her love of animals to her childhood, where she spent countless hours caring for and developing a deep understanding of animals. She purchased her first Quarter Horse while in veterinary school and soon became a competitive rider. Today, she competes in both American Quarter Horse Association and National Reined Cow Horse Association shows and has won multiple world championships.
In addition to her many years of service to the Fountain Hills, Rio Verde and North Scottsdale communities, Dr. Hessian is an active and respected member in the veterinary and animal care community. She has served on the Boards of the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association, A Dog Owners Group (ADOG, Fountain Hills), Arizona Quarter Horse Association and The Watumull Trust for the Preservation of the Indian Elephant. She also is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (AzVMA), where she is recognized as an AzVMA Academy member with more than double the amount of continuing education credits required for membership.
When not working or riding, Dr. Hessian enjoys giving back to her community through work with various non-profit organizations. She is married to Scott Ruple, her best friend and business muse since 1990. They share their Fountain Hills home with their French Bulldog, Hudson.
