Dr Tanaka graduated from Brown University in Rhode Island prior to attending veterinary school at the University of California, Davis. Upon graduating from veterinary school in 2001, Dr Tanaka practiced veterinary medicine in the Bay area for 5 years. He continued his career as a general practitioner after moving to San Diego in 2006. Dr. Tanaka was initially employed at the Animal Medical Center as an emergency doctor.  A year later, Dr. Tanaka began his 3 year residency in surgery, which will bring him one step closer to fulfilling his goal in becoming a surgical specialist.