Pamela Adkins, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Professor, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
Director of the MPH Veterinary Concentration Area
A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (BS) and The Ohio State University (DVM, MS), Pamela Adkins completed an internship at The Ohio State University and a residency at the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 2015. Research interests: bovine mastitis; molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases. Clinical interests: food animal internal medicine.
Ashley Anderson, DVM
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Anderson is a native of the Houston area and received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M. She went on to complete her veterinary education at Kansas State University, graduating in 2020. Upon completing a rotating internship at the University of Missouri, Anderson was excited to continue her specialty training in small animal internal medicine. She is looking forward to continuing to work with the internal medicine team as a clinical instructor.
Robert Backus, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVN
Associate Professor Emeritus, Small Animal Nutrition
A graduate of the University of California, Davis (MS, DVM, PhD), Robert C. Backus completed specialty training at University of California, Davis. He joined the MU faculty in 2004. Research interests: companion animal obesity; feline diabetes; vitamin D metabolism. Clinical interest: clinical nutrition.
Gabriela Baers, DVM, DACVR-Radiology
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Radiology
Julia M. Baldrighi, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT
Associate Professor, Theriogenology
A graduate of the University of São Paulo, where she earned a DVM and PhD, and the University of Illinois, where she earned a master of science degree, Julia Baldrighi also completed a postdoctorate at the University of Wisconsin. She went on to complete a residency in comparative theriogenology at Oklahoma State University. She joined the MU faculty in 2022. Research interests: bovine and equine follicular dynamics, canine biotechnologies. Clinical interests: comparative theriogenology.
Michael Barchilon, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
A graduate of Midwestern University, Michael Barchilon completed specialty training at Iowa State University (residency) after an internship at Louisiana State University. He joined the MU faculty in 2022. Research interests: Immune-mediated disease (ITP and IMHA) and infectious diseases. Clinical interests: Hematological disease (IMHA and ITP).
Faolain Barrett, BVM&S, DACVS-SA
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
Faolain Barrett did her veterinary training at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating in 2019, she completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri. She completed a surgical residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has now returned to the University of Missouri as an orthopedic faculty. Faolain’s areas of interest are feline orthopedics and orthopedic complications.
Sandra Briesacher, MA, DVM
Adjunct Instructor, Shelter Medicine
Meagan Brophy Rau, DVM, DAVDC
Clinical Instructor, Community Practice, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
A graduate of the University of Missouri (BS, DVM), Meagan Brophy Rau is completing specialty training in small animal dentistry and oral surgery. She joined the MU faculty in 2016. Research interests: oral microbiome and oral tumors. Clinical interests: all aspects of small animal dentistry and oral surgery.
Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-Oncology
Professor, Oncology
A graduate of the University of California, Davis (BS, DVM), and the University of Missouri (MS, PhD), Jeffrey Bryan completed specialty training at MU. He joined the MU faculty in 2011. Research interests: epigenetics of cancer; targeted imaging and therapy; epidemiology of cancer. Clinical interests: novel therapy for lymphoma; targeted radiopharmaceutical imaging and therapy; immunotherapy of cancer.
Alex Bukoski, DVM, PhD, DACVAA
Associate Professor, Anesthesiology
A graduate of Iowa State University (BS), the University of Virginia (PhD), and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Alex Bukoski completed specialty training at the University of Florida. He joined the MU faculty in 2010. Research interests: medical education and the biophysical foundations of anesthesia. Clinical interests: anesthesiology.
Amie Burling, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP – Shelter Medicine Practice
Associate Teaching Professor, Shelter Medicine
A graduate of the University of Missouri (DVM), Amie Burling completed specialty training at the University of Florida before joining the faculty at the University of Missouri in 2015. Clinical and research interests: infectious disease prevention; veterinary education; improving the health and welfare of animals in shelters.
Joan Coates, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Neurology
Professor, Neurology
A graduate of the University of Missouri (BS, DVM) and Auburn University (MS), Joan Coates completed an internship at Texas A&M and residency at Auburn University. She joined the MU faculty in 2003. Research interests: canine degenerative myelopathy as a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease). Clinical interests: neurodegenerative diseases; neurosurgery CNS inflammatory diseases.
Leah Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
A graduate of the University of Tennessee (BS, DVM) and North Carolina State University (PhD), Leah Cohn completed specialty training at North Carolina State. She joined the MU faculty in 1995. Research interests: infectious and immune-mediated disease; respiratory medicine. Clinical interests: all aspects of internal medicine.
Kathryn Darr, DVM
Adjunct Instructor, Shelter Medicine
A graduate of the University of Arkansas (BS) and University of Missouri (DVM), Kathryn Darr joined the MU CVM faculty in 2018 as a clinical instructor in the Shelter Medicine Service. Her clinical interests include high quality, high volume spay and neuter techniques, improving the welfare of shelter animals, veterinary education, and well-being of veterinarians and their support team.
John Dodam, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVAA
Professor and Chair, Anesthesiology
Director, Veterinary Health Center
A graduate of The Ohio State University (DVM) and North Carolina State University (MS, PhD), John Dodam completed specialty training at North Carolina State before joining the MU faculty in 1995. Research interests: respiratory pathophysiology; pain; inflammation. Clinical interests: anesthesiology; perioperative medicine; pain management.
Josephine Dornbusch, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Surgery
Dornbusch specializes in soft tissue surgery. She received her DVM from the University of Florida. She completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri and a surgical oncology internship at the Ohio State University. Following this, she completed a small animal surgery residency concurrently with obtaining a master’s degree at Ohio State. Dornbusch returned to the University of Missouri in 2023 as a faculty member with the soft tissue surgery service. Areas of interest: minimally invasive surgery and wound management.
Carrie Duran, DVM, PharmD
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Community Practice
A graduate of the University of Idaho (BS), Colorado State University (DVM) and University of New Mexico (PharmD), Carrie L. Duran joined the MU faculty in 2009. Clinical interests: all aspects of general medicine, especially dentistry and pharmacology.
Jason M. Eberhardt, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Assistant Teaching Professor, Internal Medicine
A graduate of Grand Canyon University, Jason Eberhardt obtained his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University. Following graduation, he completed a small animal rotating internship at The Ohio State University before coming to the University of Missouri for a residency in small animal internal medicine. Eberhardt returned to join the faculty at MU in the fall of 2022.
Elizabeth P. Easley, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
A graduate of the University of Missouri (DVM), Elizabeth Easley completed an internship at Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Arizona. She joined the MU faculty in 2015. Clinical interests: fluid therapy; critical care nutrition; pain management.
Derek Fox, DVM, PhD, DACVS
Professor, Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
A graduate of Indiana University (BS), Michigan State University (DVM) and the University of Missouri (PhD), Derek B. Fox completed specialty training at MU. He joined the MU faculty in 2003. Research interests: limb alignment and injuries in sporting, performance and service dogs.
Melissa Franssen Weber, DVM, CCRP, CVSMT, DACVSMR (Canine)
Clinical Professor, Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Laurie Frasher, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency Critical Care
Elizabeth Giuliano, DVM, MS, DACVO
Professor, Ophthalmology
A graduate of Cornell University (BS), the University of Wisconsin-Madison (DVM) and the University of Missouri (MS), Elizabeth Giuliano completed her ophthalmology specialty training at the University of Missouri in 2002 and joined the MU faculty that year. Research interests: corneal fibrosis and equine periocular tumors. Clinical interests: all surgical and medical aspects of veterinary ophthalmology.
Kelly Gravitt, DVM, DABVP (Equine)
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine – Ambulatory Medicine
Dr. Gravitt graduated with her DVM from the University of Missouri. Completing an equine rotating internship, equine field service residency, and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Missouri, Gravitt joined as faculty in 2023. Clinical interests: equine ambulatory and emergency medicine.
Lyndsey Hayden, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Equine
Carolyn Henry, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology
Professor, Oncology
ReCHAI Director
A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University (BS) and Auburn University (DVM, MS), Carolyn Henry completed specialty training at Auburn University. She joined the MU faculty in 1997. Research interests: comparative oncology; animal models of human disease. Clinical interests: small animal oncology; clinical trials.
Alisa Hutchison, DVM
Assistant Professor, Community Practice and Shelter Medicine
A graduate of Drury University (BS) and the University of Missouri (DVM), Alisa Hutchison joined the MU faculty in 2013. Clinical interests: client communication; zoonotic diseases; elective surgical instruction; wellness and preventive care.
Yoshimi Iwaki, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology
Assistant Teaching Professor, Oncology
Yoshimi Iwaki earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine at Hokkaido University in Japan and a master of science degree at Auburn University. Iwaki then completed internships at Hokkaido University, Auburn University and Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a residency at Auburn University. She joined the MU faculty in 2022. Research interests: osteosarcoma. Clinical interests: all aspects of medical oncology.
Philip Johnson, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine, DECEIM
Professor, Equine – Internal Medicine
A graduate of The University of Bristol (BVSc[Hons], MRCVS/veterinary degrees) and the University of Illinois (MS), Philip Johnson completed specialty training at the University of Illinois. He joined the MU faculty in 1991. Research interests: equine endocrinology; gastroenterology; laminitis. Clinical interests: equine endocrinology; gastroenterology; neonatology.
James Karnia, DVM, DACVR
Assistant Teaching Professor, Radiology
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, James Karnia completed specialty training at the University of Missouri. He joined the MU CVM faculty in September 2020 in the Radiology Service. His research interests include cardiac-gated computed tomography and development of interventional radiology products. His clinical interests include PET CT and interventional procedures such as stents and tumor embolization.
Kevin Keegan, DVM, MS, DACVS
Professor, Equine – Surgery
A graduate of the University of Missouri (BS, DVM) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MS), Kevin G. Keegan completed residency training at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He joined the MU faculty in 1990. Research interests: development of objective methods of lameness evaluation in horses; methods of wireless transmission of biological signals for health monitoring. Clinical interest: equine lameness.
Joanne Kramer, DVM, DACVS
Associate Teaching Professor, Equine – Surgery
A graduate of the University of Minnesota (DVM) and the University of St. Catherine (BA), Joanne Kramer completed specialty training at the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 1997. Research interests: veterinary education; lameness; podiatry. Clinical interests: equine surgery; podiatry; student education.
Juri Kuroki, DVM, MS, DACVO
Adjunct Professor, Ophthalmology
A graduate of Azabu University in Japan, Juri Ota-Kuroki completed an internship and ophthalmology residency training at the University of Missouri. She also earned a Master of Veterinary Clinical Science degree at the University of Missouri. After becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2008, she practiced at a specialty clinic in Saint Louis, Missouri, before joining the MU faculty in 2023. Research interest: canine ocular neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical interests: all surgical and medical aspects of veterinary ophthalmology.
Alison LaCarrubba, DVM, DABVP-Equine
Associate Teaching Professor, Equine – Ambulatory Medicine
A graduate of Cornell University (BS) and the University of Missouri (DVM), Alison LaCarrubba completed specialty training at MU. She joined the MU faculty in 2003. LaCarrubba works both with the equine ambulatory and internal medicine services. Clinical interest: equine dentistry, both routine and referral.
Jimmy Lattimer, DVM, MS, DACVR-Radiation Oncology and Radiology
Associate Professor, Radiology
Jimmy Lattimer is an associate professor of veterinary medicine and surgery at MU and section head for radiology and radiation therapy in the Veterinary Health Center. He received his BS and DVM from Washington State University and completed a residency in veterinary radiology and an MS in radiological sciences at Colorado State University. He has been an MU faculty member for 40 years.
Elena Leavitt, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Nutrition
Hannah R. Leventhal, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine Emergency Medicine
A graduate of Kansas State University (BS, DVM), Hannah Leventhal completed an internship in North Carolina, fellowship in Kentucky and a residency and graduate degree (MS) at Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virgina. Her interests include neonatology, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease and colic, and emergency medicine and critical care. She joined the MU faculty in 2024 after three years in private practice.
Charles Maitz, DVM, PhD, DACVR-Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology
A graduate of the University of Missouri (BS, DVM, PhD), Charlie Maitz completed an internship at Bay Area Veterinary Specialists and residency at MU. Research interests: radiation biology; increasing tumor control with radiation while minimizing associated side effects. Clinical interests: treatment of head and neck cancer; integration of novel technologies into radiation oncology, including 3D printing.
F.A. (Tony) Mann, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVECC
Professor, Small Animal Surgery, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
A graduate of Morehead State University (AAS), The Ohio State University (DVM) and Texas A&M University (MS), Fred Anthony (“Tony”) Mann completed an internship at the University of Missouri and surgical residency at Texas A&M University. Research interests: clinical investigations in small animal soft tissue surgery and critical care. Clinical interests: trauma management; critical care surgery; oncological surgery.
Taya Marquardt, DVM, MS, ACVIM-Oncology
Associate Teaching Professor, Oncology
Lynn Martin, DVM, MPH, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine, Equine Internal Medicine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine
A graduate of North Dakota State University (BS) and the University of Missouri (DVM, MPH), Lynn Martin completed an equine internship in San Antonio, Texas and a residency at the University of Missouri. Martin provides veterinary care on the equine internal medicine service and is completing a PhD.
Jodi Matheson, DVM, DACVR-Radiology
Associate Teaching Professor, Radiology
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin‒Stevens Point (BS), and the University of Missouri (DVM), Jodi S. Matheson completed a clinical internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Kansas State University and a diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Wisconsin‒Madison. She joined the MU faculty in 2016.
Jessica McCarthy, DVM
Associate Teaching Professor, Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
Megan McCracken, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine-Surgery
A graduate of Cornell University (DVM), the University of Florida (BS), and the University of Missouri (MS), Megan McCracken completed residency training in equine surgery at the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 2019. Clinical and research interests: Equine lameness and general surgery.
Anna McManamey, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology
Assistant Teaching Professor, Cardiology
Anna McManamey is originally from St. Louis Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She completed a rotating internship at the Ohio State University followed by an emergency critical care internship and cardiology residency at North Carolina State University. Dr. McManamey was an assistant clinical professor at Purdue University from 2021 to 2024 and is thrilled to be back in Missouri and a member of the cardiology service at the MU VHC.
Megan Mickelson, DVM, DACVS-SA
ACVS Fellow, Surgical Oncology
Assistant Professor, Small Animal Surgical Oncology
A graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS, DVM), Megan Mickelson completed a rotating internship at North Carolina State University, a small animal surgery residency at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a surgical oncology fellowship at Colorado State University. She joined the MU CVM faculty in 2020 in the Small Animal Surgery and Oncology sections. Clinical and research interests include sentinel lymph node mapping, novel tumor margin assessment, PET-CT, and interventional radiology for cancer treatment.
John Middleton, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine
Professor, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
A graduate of Washington State University (BS, DVM, PhD), where he completed specialty training, John Middleton joined the MU faculty in 2001. Research interests: bovine and caprine mastitis; molecular epidemiology of bacterial pathogens. Clinical interests: internal medicine; general food animal medicine and surgery.
Amy M. Molitoris, DVM, DACVECC
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (BPhil, BA) and Cornell University, Amy Molitoris completed an internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ and an emergency and critical care residency at Tufts University. Research interests: Coagulation, communication in emergency settings. Clinical Interests: Polytrauma, sepsis, respiratory emergencies, endocrine emergencies.
Celeste Morris, DVM, MBA, MPVM, DACT-Bovine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Livestock Ambulatory Service
A graduate of Purdue University (BS), Iowa State University (DVM, MBA), and Universiry of California, Davis (MPVM), Celeste Morris completed a livestock ambulatory internship at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and a residency at University of California, Davis. She joined the MU faculty in 2022. Clinical and research interests: livestock theriogenology, herd health, and preventive medicine.
Mel Mosley, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
Joanna Murdoch, DVM, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Jo Murdoch received her DVM degree from Oregon State University and was a lifelong Oregonian prior to her commencing a rotating internship at Louisiana State University. She then went on to complete her residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Georgia prior to joining the internal medicine team at Mizzou. Her clinical areas of interest include hepatology and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; however, as an internal medicine specialist, she enjoys all aspects of managing multisystemic disease processes and sharing her enthusiasm for medicine with students, interns, and residents.
Laura Nafe, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Teaching Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine
A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Dr. Laura Nave obtained her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Missouri. Following graduation, Laura Nafe completed a small animal rotating internship at North Carolina State University before returning to University of Missouri for a residency in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Nafe came back to join the faculty at the University of Missouri in the fall of 2020.
Ada Naramor, DVM, DACVR-RO-Radiation Oncology
Clinical Instructor, Oncology
A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (BS) and the University of California, Davis (DVM), Ada Naramor completed specialty training at MU. She joined the MU faculty in 2024 and continues to be inspired by this integrated oncology service daily. Clinical and research interests include low dose anti-inflammatory radiation therapy, treatment of brain and spinal tumors, and a multimodality approach to cancer therapy. She is very grateful to be a part of this incredible team.
Kathryn O’Brien (Groom), DVM
Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
Bess Pierce, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVIM, DACVSMR
Teaching Professor, Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Bess Pierce is a graduate of Tulane University where she earned a bachelor of science degree, Auburn University, where she completed a master’s degree in zoological sciences and her doctorate of veterinary medicine, and State University of New York-Plattsburgh, where she completed a master of science degree. She also completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Florida. She joined the MU faculty in 2022. Research interests: canine athletic conditioning and injury prevention, and comparative exercise physiology. Clinical interests: sports medicine; physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Fabio Pinaffi, DVM, MS, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor, Theriogenology
Fabio Pinaffi is a graduate of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, where he earned DVM, MS, and PhD degrees, with part of his research in conjunction with the Eutheria Foundation/University of Wisconsin under Oliver Ginther’s laboratory. He completed theriogenology specialty training at Auburn University before joining the MU CVM faculty in 2023. Among his clinical interests are comparative theriogenology and reproductive biotechnologies to improve fertility.
Lauren Reeves, DVM, DACVS-SA
Assistant Teaching Professor, Small Animal Surgery
Lauren Reeves specializes in soft tissues surgery. She received her veterinary training from The Ohio State University. She completed her small animal rotating internship and a surgery specialty internship at The Ohio State University. Reeves was an assistant teaching professor at The Ohio State University with the shelter medicine and surgery service prior to her small animal surgery residency at the University of Missouri. Reeves returned to the University of Missouri in 2020 as faculty member with the small animal surgery section.Her clinical areas of interest include minimally invasive soft tissue surgical procedures and cardiothoracic surgery.
Carol Reinero, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
A graduate of the University of California, Davis (DVM, PhD), Carol Reinero completed specialty training at Texas A&M University and UC Davis. She joined the MU faculty in 2004. Research interests: comparative and translational research in pulmonology and immunology; investigation of the respiratory microbiome. Clinical interests: respiratory and immune-mediated diseases.
Sarah Bevin Rippy, DVM, DACVIM-Oncology
Assistant Teaching Professor, Oncology
Luis A. Rivero, DVM, DACVIM-Food Animal
Assistant Teaching Professor, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
Luis A. Rivero grew up in Puerto Rico and received his bachelor of science degree from The Ohio State University and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Missouri before joining the MU faculty in 2022. Clinical interests: all aspects of food animal internal medicine and veterinary education.
Martha Scharf, DVM, DABVP
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine – Ambulatory Medicine
A graduate of the University of Missouri (DVM), where she also completed specialty training, Martha Scharf joined the MU faculty in 2009. Clinical interests: equine ambulatory and emergency medicine.
Loren G. Schultz, DVM, MS, DACVPM
Associate Teaching Professor, Food Animal Medicine and Surgery
A graduate of Kansas State University (DVM and MS). He joined the faculty at MU in 2001. Clinical interests include beef cattle production medicine and epidemiology.
Bryan Shedd, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency Critical Care
Kevin Shull, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Shelter Medicine
Owen Skinner, BVSc, DECVS, DACVS-SA, MRCVS
ACVS Fellow, Surgical Oncology
Assistant Professor, Small Animal Surgery
Owen Skinner earned his veterinary degree at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. He completed internships at Northwest Surgeons in Cheshire, United Kingdom, and the University of Florida in Gainesville, a residency at the University of Bristol and fellowship at the University of Florida. His clinical interests include lymph node staging and management, neuroendocrine tumors, pre-operative staging, and surgical accuracy/planning.
Jessica ‘Lee’ Talbott, DVM, ACVIM-Oncology
Assistant Teaching Professor, Oncology
Belinda Tedder, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
Jessica Thiele, DVM, DABVP – Shelter Medicine Practice
Assistant Teaching Professor, Shelter Medicine
A graduate of the University of Missouri (BS, DVM), Jessica Thiele joined the MU faculty in 2021 and achieved practitioner-track board certification in 2022. Clinical interests: HQHVSN surgery, special surgical procedures, population management, shelter environmental design.
Jerry Toporis, DVM
Clinical Instructor, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care
Kile Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Large Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Teaching Professor, Equine Internal Medicine
Originally from New Hampshire, Kile Townsend graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor of science degree and the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island with her doctor of veterinary medicine degree. She completed specialty and postdoctoral training the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 2022. Clinical and research interests: neonatology, emergency/critical care, equine neuromuscular diseases, and veterinary education.
Eva Ulery, DVM, ABVP-Canine and Feline
Assistant Teaching Professor, Community Practice and Shelter Medicine
A graduate of Cornell University (BS) and Iowa State University (DVM), Eva Ulery completed an internship at Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut. She joined the MU faculty in 2014. Research and clinical interests: dental disease; shelter medicine; general practice.
Aida Vientós-Plotts, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-Small Animal Internal Medicine
Assistant Professor, Small Animal Internal Medicine
Originally from Puerto Rico, a graduate of Tuskegee University (DVM), Aida Vientós-Plotts completed specialty and postdoctoral training at Auburn University and the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 2020. Research interests: investigation of the respiratory microbiota in health and infectious or inflammatory airway diseases of dogs and cats, influence of antimicrobials and probiotics on the respiratory microbiota. Clinical interests: respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
Kelly Wiggen, DVM, DACVIM-Cardiology
Assistant Teaching Professor, Cardiology
Kelly Wiggen is a native of the Chicago area. She undertook her veterinary education at the University of Illinois, graduating with her DVM in 2015. She returned to the Chicago suburbs to complete a rotating internship at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital followed by a cardiology internship at VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center in Los Angeles. She completed her cardiology residency here at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center in July 2020 and is very excited to be staying on as faculty.
