Dr. Hygan Baghoyan
Dr. Hygan Baghoyan was born and raised in Southern California, where her love for animals began early—often “seeing appointments” with imaginary patients and the family dog. This deep connection to animals, paired with a passion for science, led her to the University of California, Davis, where she earned a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation Biology. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences.
During veterinary school, Dr. Baghoyan completed externships in cardiology, critical care, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, radiology, and surgery. After graduation, she gained extensive experience in emergency and general practice across Southern California.
A proud member of the California Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Baghoyan has also served on several boards throughout the years. Having returned to San Diego several years ago, she’s grateful to be part of the team at Helen Woodward’s Companion Animal Hospital, where she once volunteered.
She has a special place in her heart for geriatric dogs and for nervous cats and dogs who need a little extra patience and compassion in the clinic. Dr. Baghoyan is committed to delivering high-quality care and to client education.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling, being out in the sun, baking sourdough bread, and she cherishes her summers in San Diego being outdoors with her husband and their rescue pup, Pebbles. She is also fluent in Western Armenian.
Dr. Giovanna Dowell
Dr. Giovanna Dowell graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University. When not in the clinic, Dr. Dowell enjoys spending time with her family and being active outdoors. Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. Dowell is so happy to have made it back home where she can serve her local community.
Dr. Anh-Thy Huynh
Dr. Anh-Thy Huynh was born and grew up in Paris, France before moving to San Diego in 2005. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, San Diego and went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University. Dr. Huynh is particularly drawn to soft tissue surgery, shelter medicine, and internal medicine cases. When not in the clinic, she enjoys snowboarding, building intricate 2D and 3D puzzles, traveling and exploring new countries, trying new foods, and indulging in her favorite pastime—drinking milk tea. Dr. Huynh is excited to be working with Helen Woodward Companion Hospital to serve the greater San Diego community.
Dr. Isabella Healy
Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Isabella Healy earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, she completed a rigorous internship at the San Diego Humane Society, where she received advanced training in high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgery, emergency medicine, and community-based veterinary care.
Dr. Healy brings a compassionate, wellness-centered approach to her practice, with a strong interest in preventative care and soft tissue surgery. When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Healy enjoys spending time at the beach with her fiancé and their Italian Greyhound.
Chelsea Camacho, Hospital Manager
Chelsea graduated from Sarah Lawrence with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and focus in pre-medicine. Chelsea has been at the Helen Woodward Animal Center since 2013. She is a San Diego native but has worked at hospitals in Seattle, Washington and Orange, California. She has specialty experience in avian, feline and wildlife medicine. Her passion for outreach has made her a key part of the growth and development of the Center’s Pets Without Walls program where they provide free veterinary care to San Diego’s homeless population and low income seniors from a mobile vehicle. She is also on the Center’s Emergency Response and Rescue Team. Her areas of interest include dermatology, dentistry, and virology. Chelsea enjoys reading books, open water swimming, scuba diving, and going on adventures with her rescue cat Star Fox.
