Meet the Team

Eric Patrin

DVM, Owner

Practicing Veterinary Medicine Since: 2006

Dr. Patrin is a native of Shelburne, Vermont, and followed a winding road to Whidbey Island. He received his B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Russian language and literature from the University of Minnesota in 1996. After a short stint in the “real world”, Dr. Patrin left Minneapolis for San Diego, CA to pursue the biology courses needed for entry into Veterinary school. After completing a B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University in 2002, he was admitted to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from Veterinary school in 2006, a promising opportunity surfaced in Oak Harbor, WA.

Dr. Patrin became familiar with the South Whidbey Animal Clinic (SWAC) as a relief veterinarian for Dr. Robben Jones. Dr. Patrin, wanting to own his own clinic pursued an ownership opportunity in Vermont in November 2008. But, fate brought the family back to Whidbey Island in May 2010 to purchase SWAC.

Dr. Patrin has three awesome kids all in the South Whidbey schools, and a wild border collie mix named Cali.

Robert Jung

DVM

Practicing Veterinary Medicine Since: 2006

South Whidbey Animal Clinic is excited to introduce Dr. Robert Jung to our team! Dr. Jung is a classmate of mine and a good friend. He graduated from Iowa State University in 2006, where he was very involved with student clubs and leadership. We are very excited that Dr. Rob has a special interest in exotic pets such as reptiles and small mammals. In addition to exotics, he has experience working in emergency practice and many years as a commissioned officer at Presque Isle Downs race track.

Dr. Rob was a competitive swimmer at Luther College and has been head coach at St. Jude’s swim team in Erie, Pa. Rob is an avid biker, swimmer, runner and has competed in The Ironman Triathlon Series.

When not at work, Dr. Rob is spending time with his wife Cara, and their three children; Rowan, Stella, and Ryker. The Jung family is very excited to be here on Whidbey and explore all that the northwest has to offer!

Elyse Macartney

DVM

A love for animals from a young age led Dr. Elyse Macartney to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. Macartney made an adventure out of earning her Veterinary degree, by traveling abroad to study at the AVMA accredited Royal Veterinary College in London. Her career then started in Oxford, UK in companion animal emergency and general practice. It is in the UK she met and married her husband, Alastair. She has also been a veterinarian with Petco since 2017, helping to create and review medical information and provide tele-triage services to all manner of pets from backyard chickens to canines and felines.

In addition to veterinary medicine, Dr. Macartney has a degree in animal behavior from the University of California at San Diego. She worked closely with the bonobos at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park, to help understand the generational transmission of knowledge between animals.

Dr. Macartney has lived on the South end for many years and enjoys all the wonder that life on Whidbey Island has to offer with her husband and their three children Finn, Skye and Lila. The Macartneys love kayaking, hiking and camping. Dr. Macartney also has 9 spoiled hens and a very bouncy Aussiedoodle puppy named Darwin.

Laura Babaidhan

Practice Manager

Practicing Since: 2017

Laura has been with South Whidbey Animal Clinic since January 2017. She is a student at the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!) and mama to two beautiful girls, a Goldendoodle named Murph, and their rescue dog, Finn. What she loves about this practice is warm, welcoming atmosphere and getting to know our clients and their pets. She always looks forward to seeing all the familiar faces (and tails) and meeting new ones. We are here to help!

Sabra Whitlock

Veterinary Assistant

Practicing Since: 2015

Sabra has been working as an assistant/technician since 2015. She grew up in Edmonds and has worked in the pet industry since 1998. Sabra moved to Whidbey years ago and has a goal of owning property and horses.

Marissa Conlin

Veterinary Assistant

Practicing Since: 2018

Marissa Conlin and her husband moved from Georgia to Whidbey Island in 2013 and have been coming to South Whidbey Animal Clinic for the care of their two dogs; Khali and Diesel. She joined the SWAC Team in March 2018 and loves being able to take care of pets.