From the Front Desk to the Surgical Suite- Dr. Heist has created an exceptional veterinary team! Her team is a perfect blend of high-level clinical expertise and genuine, heartfelt compassion. The team performs in a “Fear-Free” environment.
Team members are certified and highly qualified, with years of rigorous training and specialized knowledge. From managing complex anesthesia and emergency triage to delivering quiet, gentle care to both pets and their owners, our nurses operate at the highest standards of modern medicine. Beyond their credentials, every member of Dr. Heist’s team is a genuine, kind-hearted pet lover. They understand that a visit to the vet can be stressful, which is why they prioritize a “gentle-first” approach. Whether it’s a soothing voice when entering your pet’s personal space, a treat after a blood draw, or a quiet cuddle in the recovery ward, every pet receives the empathy and tenderness team members would give their own pets.
Trusting this nursing team with your fur baby’s health means you are getting more than just medical support. You are getting a dedicated team that provides exceptional standards in all areas of animal welfare.
Dr. Auburn Heist DVM – Director of Medicine/Practice Owner
Dr. Auburn Heist moved from Pennsylvania to Tucson in 1996 and has called Tucson home ever since. After years of working in the field of human medicine as a Medical Technologist, she pursued her lifelong dream of helping animals and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2008. She became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture that same year and became the proud owner of Rincon Vista Veterinary Center in 2013.
Dr. Heist has volunteered in several spay and neuter clinics in Mexico with VIDAS and plans to volunteer her time with World Vets later this year. Her furry and feathered family of rescues includes 1 horse, 4 dogs, 2 birds, and 4 desert tortoises, and in her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, gardening, jewelry-making, and travel. She is a member of AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), SAVMA (Southern Arizona Medical Association), and the World Vets Organization.
