Derek Cavatorta DVM, PhD

Dr. Derek Cavatorta grew up on the North Shore and started working in the local veterinary community as a teenager. This led him to study Animal Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

During a summer internship at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod, Dr. Derek developed a strong interest in research while studying North Atlantic Right Whale fishing gear entanglement. He was later accepted into the dual DVM/PhD program at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Over the course of eight years, he earned both his veterinary degree and a PhD in equine immunology. His dissertation focused on how horses respond to vaccination, contributing valuable insight to the field of equine preventive medicine.

Dr. Derek enjoys all aspects of large animal practice, with particular interests in emergency care, preventive health, infectious disease, general dentistry, ophthalmology, nutrition, and evidence-based medicine. He currently serves on the board of directors for NEER North and takes great pride in supporting the care and rehabilitation of horses in need.

He founded Black Brook Veterinary Services with a clear mission: to provide dependable, high-quality, and comprehensive veterinary care to horses across northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

Dr. Derek lives in Hamilton with his wife, Dr. Lauren Sawchyn (a small animal veterinarian and artist), their young son, and a menagerie of pets. His border collie, Tam, frequently accompanies him on farm calls. Outside of work, Dr. Derek is a lifelong endurance athlete who can often be found running the trails of Essex County. He’s also an enthusiastic gardener and always happy to chat about his vegetable patch.