In Memoriam
It is with deep sorrow and a broken heart that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Susan Bierman after a 10-year battle with cancer. This is a loss for many that will be felt deeply. Dr. Susan was a mentor to Dr. Nelsen and to so many at Allied and beyond, with whom she mentored with love, wisdom and unwavering support.
Celebrating Dr. Susan Bierman’s Legacy
On Tuesday, June 24th, the veterinary community came together at A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis to remember and celebrate Dr. Susan Bierman. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to share stories, hugs, laughter, and memories of someone who meant so much to so many.
Hosted by Dr. Kara Nelsen and Dr. Erica Moore, the evening was a heartfelt tribute to Susan’s impact—not just as a skilled emergency vet, but as a mentor, a friend, and a steady presence in the lives of countless veterinary professionals across Minnesota.
One of the most touching parts of the night was a board titled “Things I Said Yes To Because of Susan”—a collection of notes from guests reflecting on how Susan encouraged them, challenged them, and helped them grow.
The “old AEVS gang” showed up in full force, reconnecting over shared memories of their time at Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service, where Susan spent many years mentoring and leading. It felt especially meaningful that Allied now shares the same initial—honoring the roots and relationships that helped shape who we are today.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Susan. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to ripple through our profession and our lives.
New Journeys, New Impact
In one of my final conversations with Susan, she reflected on her years mentoring veterinary students at the Golden Valley clinic during the old AEVS days. That was her home base for many years. She shared how she always made a point to “let the student lead.” She allowed each student to guide their own experience, encouraging them to step in when they wanted to learn more, or step back if their interests lay elsewhere. If a student wanted to stay late and scrub in on a surgery, she welcomed it. If they wanted to leave early because surgery wasn’t their thing, that was okay too.
When I think about how we can honor Susan, both individually and collectively at Allied, I believe it lives in mentorship. Mentorship of veterinary students, technician students, new techs and assistants, new vet school graduates, our own interns… many of us first got to know Susan in that role.
I’m proud to say that mentorship and support is already an inherent part of Allied’s culture.
But in Susan’s memory, I have one humble request:
Read Susan’s obituary here.
All Locations Open on July 4th
ALL 5 Emergency Hospitals Open on July 4th. Contact your nearest location.
Brooklyn Park
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Minneapolis
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Eau Claire
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Rochester
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Eden Prairie
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Eden Prairie Expands Care to 24/7 Beginning July 4th
Starting this July 4th, our Eden Prairie location will be open 24/7!
View each of our five locations below:
Brooklyn Park
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Minneapolis
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Eau Claire
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Rochester
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Eden Prairie
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Turning Tragedy into Healing
As we all reel from the recent violence our community experienced, we wanted to share an opportunity to honor Gilbert, the dog owned by Rep. Hortman and her family. While our Brooklyn Park team worked tirelessly to save him, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and passed, surrounded by family. To honor Gilbert, all Angel Fund donations, through the month of July, will support the emergency and specialty care needs of our local police department’s service dogs.
Donations can be made here.
Watch Gilbert’s story on KSTP.
