Tandem Vet Care Expands In-House Cardiology, Challenging Fragmented Specialty Care

SOMERVILLE, Mass. – January 09, 2026 – For many pet owners in the Greater Boston area, a serious cardiac diagnosis for their animal companion marks the beginning of a stressful and fragmented journey. The path often involves long wait times for specialist appointments, multiple referrals, and anxious trips to distant, overburdened specialty hospitals. Somerville-based Tandem Vet Care is directly addressing this challenge with a significant expansion of its in-house specialty services.

The practice announced today that Elissabeth Mae Roumanis, VMD, a veteran cardiologist with extensive experience, has joined its team. The move is a strategic effort to build a comprehensive cardiology department under one roof, aiming to provide faster diagnostics and more coordinated treatment plans while maintaining the crucial continuity of care between primary and specialty medicine.

This development comes as the demand for veterinary specialty services continues to surge. The 'pet humanization' trend, where pets are treated as integral family members, has led to owners seeking higher standards of care, mirroring human healthcare. However, the veterinary industry has struggled to keep pace, with widespread reports of staffing shortages and capacity issues at major emergency and referral centers, particularly since the pandemic. For pet owners in communities like Somerville, this has often meant traveling to larger facilities in Boston, Walpole, or Woburn, navigating complex referral processes and enduring waits that can last for weeks or even months for non-emergency consultations.

Bridging the Gap in Local Specialty Services

Tandem's decision to integrate advanced cardiology directly into its local practice represents a significant shift from the traditional referral model. By bringing a specialist like Dr. Roumanis in-house, the clinic aims to eliminate the logistical and emotional hurdles that families face when their pets need advanced medical attention.

“Families shouldn't have to wait months or bounce between clinics to get critical answers about their pet's heart health,” said Prem Sharma, CEO of Tandem Vet Care, in a statement. “Bringing Dr. Roumanis onto our team allows us to deliver advanced cardiology care faster and more seamlessly, while preserving the trusted relationships families have with their primary care team.”

This integrated approach has profound implications for both pets and their owners. Faster access to diagnostic tools like echocardiograms and EKGs can lead to earlier detection and management of heart disease, potentially improving long-term outcomes. For pets, especially those anxious about travel or new environments, receiving care in a familiar setting from a consistent team can dramatically reduce stress. For owners, the convenience of a single point of contact for all their pet’s needs—from wellness checks to complex cardiac management—simplifies care coordination and provides invaluable peace of mind.

A New Model for Veterinary Medicine

The addition of an in-house cardiologist is more than just a new service offering; it is a core component of Tandem Vet Care's broader mission to redefine the veterinary experience. The company has built its model on a unique combination of tech-enabled tools, mobile clinics for at-home visits, and modern in-person hubs. This multi-faceted approach is designed to deliver proactive, holistic care that is both accessible and transparent.

Integrating specialty services is the next logical step in this evolution. While it requires a substantial investment in high-tech equipment and top-tier salaries for specialists, the long-term benefits are compelling. Specialty services command higher profit margins than general practice and can significantly enhance client loyalty and retention. By becoming a one-stop-shop for comprehensive care, Tandem positions itself as a market leader in a competitive industry, differentiating its brand from general practices that must refer out for complex cases and from large specialty hospitals that may lack a personal touch.

The model also reflects broader trends in the booming pet care industry, which saw U.S. spending top $150 billion in 2024. As owners invest more in their pets' health and well-being, the demand for integrated solutions that combine convenience, advanced technology, and high-quality medicine is expected to grow.

Attracting Top Talent with a 'Clinician-First' Culture

In an industry grappling with high rates of burnout and turnover, attracting and retaining skilled veterinary professionals is a critical challenge. Tandem Vet Care credits its ability to attract a specialist of Dr. Roumanis's caliber to its professed 'clinician-first' culture, which prioritizes quality of care over patient volume and fosters a supportive work environment.

Dr. Roumanis, who earned her VMD from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her cardiology residency there, highlighted this culture as a key factor in her decision to join the practice.

"The hospital is impressive, with advanced equipment that allows us to practice medicine and surgery at a very high level," Dr. Roumanis stated. "I've been especially impressed by the supportive staff and responsive leadership, which creates an environment where clinicians can focus on delivering the best possible care. Tandem's commitment to building a comprehensive, in-house cardiology service, with an eye toward future growth, makes this an exciting place to practice."

This focus on clinician well-being involves providing state-of-the-art tools, streamlining administrative tasks with AI-powered software, and creating a collaborative atmosphere. By reducing the sources of stress that often plague veterinary professionals, such a culture not only helps in recruitment but also directly translates to better patient outcomes. A supported, engaged, and empowered clinical team is better equipped to provide the compassionate, high-quality care that pet owners increasingly demand.

Dr. Roumanis's role is also unique in that it blends her specialty with continued involvement in general practice, allowing her to remain engaged in wellness visits and surgery. This deep integration ensures a level of continuity rarely seen in veterinary medicine, where a pet’s entire health journey, from puppy or kitten visits to the management of complex geriatric diseases, can be overseen by a cohesive and collaborative team. As Tandem Vet Care continues to grow, its integrated specialty model may well become a new benchmark for comprehensive pet wellness in the region.