Dr. Alex Portanova attended the University of California, San Diego, and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience. She then went to Oklahoma State University's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, where she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

After schooling, Dr. Portanova completed a Rotating Small Animal Surgery and Medicine, an internship at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Aurora, CO,  a Small Animal Internal Medicine Intern at MedVet Medical and Cancer Centers for Pets in Metairie, LA, and a residency from 2018-2021 in Small Animal Internal Medicine Resident at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Portanova received her board certification in 2023. 

Her Publications include: Manuscript submitted for publication - Primary Bone Marrow T-cell Neoplasia Causing Paraneoplastic Hypercalcemia in 11 Dogs (2014-2019)

2014 Rawlins, Julienne, Alexandra Portanova, Llana Zuckerman, et al. Molecular detection of Leptospiral DNA in Environmental Water on St. Kitts. Int J Environ Res Public Health; 2005, 11(8):7953-60.

She worked at Evolution Veterinary Specialists in Denver, CO, from 2021 to 2022. Dr. Portanova loves working up and managing gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and performing endoscopic procedures. 

In her free time, Dr. Portanova enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with her furbabies, playing board games, and gardening.