Meet Peyton Aaronson, a Palm Springs native whose life and career have both come full circle
In our latest Palm Springs Profiles, we introduce you to a local woman who returned to her hometown in order to fill a critical need. The 2012 PSHS grad is one of the veterinarians caring for our animal companions.
Palm Springs Profiles is our ongoing series designed to help you get to know the people who live, work, and play in our city, helping to make it “like no place else.”
Today we’re pleased to introduce you to Dr. Peyton Aaronson, a 2012 Palm Springs High School graduate who followed in her parents’ footsteps — caring for patients.
Unlike her parents, who dedicated their lives to caring for humans (her mother has been a respiratory therapist at Desert Regional for 35 years and her father was a plastic surgeon here for 30 years), Peyton is filling an urgent need in the desert by caring for animals at VCA Desert Animal Hospital.
A UCLA and UC Davis graduate, her life has come full circle. From the first moment she realized she wanted to pursue veterinary medicine, to the decision to remain in the desert while completing her externship at VCA at the same time her father — Dr. Scott Aaronson, a plastic surgeon who received a star on the city’s Walk of the Stars in 2014 — passed.
“I started thinking about veterinary medicine in elementary school when I would organize my dad’s slides at his office,” she said. “From a young age I was seeing photos of dog bite wounds and repairs. It got me thinking about why these dogs were biting and what care they were being provided.
“During that two week externship, my father passed away. I felt like it was a sign that I should move back home once I graduated to carry on his legacy. I still use his instruments to operate on my own patients.”
Get to know Peyton below.
Want to meet dozens of others who make our city special? Read all our past Profiles here.
Name: Dr. Peyton Aaronson
Age: 29
Connection to the city: I live and work in Palm Springs. I live in South Palm Springs, which was where I was born and raised. I love the mid-century modern architecture and the sense of community — all my neighbors wave good morning to each other and to our dogs!
In her house: Peyton lives with her mom, boyfriend, Desert Tortoise (“General”) and Bouvier des Flandres (“Koa”).
Work details: Veterinarian, VCA Desert Animal Hospital
What’s your story? I was born in Palm Springs and graduated from Palm Springs High School in 2012. My father was a plastic surgeon in the desert for over 30 years, and my mom is a respiratory therapist at Desert Regional Medical Center, where she has worked for nearly 35 years. Once I graduated from UCLA, I was accepted into veterinary school at UC Davis. Once I officially became a veterinarian, I couldn’t wait to move back home and serve the community that raised me!
What keeps you here? The people of Palm Springs have a genuine appreciation for this city. I think we all realize how lucky we are to wake up to sunshine and clear skies every morning, and try not to take that for granted. Also, from my perspective, I feel lucky to care for pets in a community that values animals as an integral part of the family. I am able to connect with people through what means most to them.
Favorite time of year: Springtime, just before it gets too hot for the smoosh-faced pups!
Beat the heat tips: Get in the pool!
Favorite local event: I no longer have the stamina for Coachella Festival, but I love all the pool parties Coachella weekend! Also, hockey at Acrisure Arena. Go Firebirds!
Food recommendations: For nostalgia, it’s Billy Reed’s. More recently its been Gabino’s, Paulbar, Rooster and the Pig, and Bar Cecil.
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People meeting tips: Luckily, I become friends with many of my clients in caring for their furry besties. Also, having grown up here, many of my friends have moved away for school or work, but moved back in their twenties. Now we get to explore Palm Springs in a whole new way as adults!
Best place for first-time visitors: The Palm Springs Art Museum, Moorten’s Botanical Garden, and Seymour’s for cocktails.
What’s missing here? An emergency veterinary hospital – I am hopeful that will come soon!
Who is the most powerful person in Palm Springs? Whoever controls the reservation availability at Bar Cecil!
Guilty pleasure: The Rosemary ice cream from Kreem.
Where would you put your walk of fame star? Next to my father’s on Palm Canyon. I think that would be very special.
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