Our Doctors

Michael E. Thomsen, DVM, ABVP

Dr. Mike Thomsen was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with two dogs, two cats, a parakeet, three turtles, assorted goldfish, and innumerable pet snakes, toads, and frogs. He graduated valedictorian from Linn Mar High School and went to Iowa State University for undergraduate and veterinary school.

Dr. Thomsen graduated from veterinary school in May of 1990 receiving the Upjohn award for excellence and proficiency in small animal internal medicine. He joined Kimberly Crest June 1st of that year. After joining Kimberly Crest, Dr. Thomsen added restorative dentistry, endoscopy, ultrasound, and chemotherapy to the services offered to our clients.

Dr. Thomsen passed his specialty boards to become certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline practice in December of 1998. In 2002 he took over the position of Hospital Director when Dr. Laimans retired.

His family consists of a cat, Kiva . You may find some pictures of her scattered about the website. In his free time Dr. Thomsen enjoys competitive cycling, landscape photography, kayaking, and backpacking.

Heidi E. Houghton, DVM 

Dr. Heidi Houghton graduated from Iowa State University in 1996 with undergraduate work in animal science. She spent her first year in Orland Park, IL.  She then returned here, her hometown, and Kimberly Crest, having previously worked here in various capacities since 1987.

Dr. Houghton is married and has one son. She enjoys spending time with her family which includes their Golden Retrievers and cats.  She also enjoys music, traveling, helping with home improvements, and walking in the woods.

Dr. Houghton is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association.  She has a special interest in dermatology and geriatric medicine.

Ryan D. Less, DVM, ABVP

Dr. Ryan Less was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, where he realized at an early age that he wanted to become a veterinarian. Dr. Less completed 2 years of pre-veterinary studies at Iowa State University prior to being accepted to the College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated with distinction in 1998 and was the recipient of the Pearson Award for Excellence in Small Animal Surgery. Following veterinary school Dr. Less completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.  Dr. Less joined the Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital team in June of 2000, and became our primary surgeon in 2002.  Dr. Less achieved board certification in canine and feline practice by the American Board of Veterinary Pracitioners in 2004. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, and the Quad City Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Less has devoted his practice to surgery on dogs and cats.  He has extensive experience performing a wide variety of orthopedic, soft-tissue, and spinal surgeries.  He has completed advanced training in the areas of fracture repair and the treatment of ligament injuries.  In 2010 Dr. Less completed certification to perform Biomedtrix total hip replacement for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia.

In his personal time, Dr. Less enjoys spending time with his wife Marilynn and their new golden retriever puppy. His hobbies include hiking, camping, canoeing, photography, and attending Cyclone sporting events.

Stephanie A. Wedeking, DVM

Stephanie A. Wedeking grew up on a farm in rural Greene County, where her parents are hog and grain farmers.  Stephanie is a graduate from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Upon graduation she began her employment at Kimberly Crest Veterinary Hospital  where she has been since June of 2001.

While employed here at Kimberly Crest, Dr. Wedeking has been able to continue pursuing many of her interests.  She enjoys being a veterinarian because it includes interacting with owners and their companion animals.  “It is a wonderful feeling to be such an integral part of the unconditional bond between humans and animals,” says Dr. Wedeking.  Her main interests include preventive medicine, dentistry, public health, and interactions between owners and their new puppy or kitten.  She says, “Teaching responsible pet owners to have respectable pets is a favorite part of my job”. 

Dr. Wedeking and her family, including the four-legged kids, Little Jerry Seinfeld (cat), and Macey Mae (dog) reside in a small town outside of Davenport.  When Stephanie and her husband are not spoiling their children or working on their fixer-up home she enjoys flower and vegetable gardening and appreciates the outdoors.  She enjoys most activities that get her outside including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and photography.

Laura Bahns, DVM

Dr. Laura Bahns was raised in the Quad cities. She graduated from Pleasant Valley High School and St. Ambrose University with a biology degree.

Dr. Bahns then graduated from Iowa State University in 2003 where she received both the Gentle Doctor Award and the Small Animal Medicine Award at graduation.

She has previously worked at Kimberly Crest during High School and Under grad. She then practiced in Muscatine and Walcott Veterinary Clinics before returning to Kimberly Crest as an associate veterinarian in October 2010.

 Dr Bahns is a member of IVMA, AVMA, QCVMA and AAHA. Her interests include behavior, proper nutrition, senior care, internal medicine and helping to strengthen the human-animal bond. Dr Bahns states, “To me veterinary medicine isn’t just a career but a way of life. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

 Dr Bahns lives in Blue Grass with her husband Scot and both a daughter and son. She also has a mix of pets including cats, dogs, fish and frogs. In her free time Dr. Bahns is active in her children’s school activities including being a member of the PTA, pre-school board and coaching soccer. She also enjoys outdoor activities, landscaping, reading and spending time with family and friends.