Dr. Stein was born in Detroit, MI. He attended Huron High School in Ann Arbor
where he lettered in Track & Field and he led the trombone section in the
Symphonic Band. His collegiate career at the University of Michigan was
interrupted by the Viet Nam Era Draft in what was an extremely odd development
involving the elimination of college deferments in 1971, an extremely low draft
lottery number (3), and the fact that, as a December child, he was a calendar
year older than his classmates. He spent most of his Army career as a Specialist
5th Class (E5)playing trombone for the 54th Army Band stationed at Fort Benjamin
Harrison near Indianapolis, IN. It was during this time of service that he
became seriously interested in the field of veterinary medicine.
He had always been an animal lover. Much to his Mother's dismay, he
routinely collected and carefully kept salamanders, turtles, and snakes. His
boyhood dogs, especially his collie, Bonnie, were his companions as he
searched for adventure in the fields and woods surrounding his country home.
Helping animals became the best career he could imagine.
Upon his discharge from the Army Dr. Stein was awarded the Army Commendation
Medal for meritorious service to his unit. That same summer he married his
longtime sweetheart, Nancy McClatchey, and they moved to E. Lansing, MI where he
began his undergraduate pre-veterinary studies. Working diligently, Dr. Stein
achieved a perfect 4.0 scholastic average and was granted admission to the
College of Veterinary Medicine after 2 years of pre-veterinary classes. He
received the Phi Zeta Award for graduating 2nd in his class and he was awarded the American Animal Hospital
Association Award given to the senior veterinary student demonstrating the best
overall proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery. Intent on learning
more in-depth surgical skills, Dr. Stein applied to, and was accepted into, the Veterinary Internship
Matching Program, an opportunity to gain advanced training with specialists that
is only available to 10% of graduating veterinarians. During his internship, Dr.
Stein concentrated on developing his advanced surgical techniques at The
University of Minnesota.
Dr. Stein and his family moved to Buffalo in 1981. He became the owner of the
Amherst Small Animal Hospital in 1989. Most of his time is spent on improving
the capabilities of the practice. His hobbies include aviation,
tennis, computers, and bicycling. His family includes his wife of 25 years,
Nancy, and his four daughters, Emily, Erin, Elizabeth, and Ellina. In addition
they have their 2 dogs, J.T. & Red, 6 cats, Duley, Jerry, Felix, Buzz,
Amelia, and Hershey, and their assorted fish.
