Residents, Postdocs Take on New Roles

Several house officers with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine have transitioned to new roles within the college. Aida Vientos-Plotts DVM, DACVIM, Lynn Martin DVM, MPH, DACVIM, Shirley Chu, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, and James Karnia, DVM, will be moving into different positions.

Vientós-Plotts, previously a postdoctoral fellow in the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service, will now serve the college as an assistant professor in small animal internal medicine. Originally from Puerto Rico, Vientós-Plotts arrived at Mizzou in 2015 for a residency, which she completed in 2018. In her new role she is overseeing third- and fourth-year students on clinics, interns and residents, as well as conducting research and providing service to the CVM through addressing diversity-related issues. When she’s not working, Vientós-Plotts enjoys spending time with her family. She also co-founded a nonprofit organization called Veterinarians for Puerto Rico. “The aim of the organization is to improve the stray animal overpopulation on the island, as well as help to create stronger bonds between local veterinarians and the community,” Vientós-Plotts said.

Martin has transitioned into an assistant teaching professor of equine internal medicine. Martin’s previous role at the CVM was as a resident in equine medicine and ophthalmology. Martin is from a small rural town in Minnesota called Tracy and came to Mizzou for her DVM. In her new role, she will be interacting with veterinary students, interns, residents, to staff, clients and patients. Martin also lectures and provides lab instruction to non-clinical veterinary students, while also conducting research. Outside of the CVM, Martin is involved with other equine related activities and enjoys spending time with her husband. “In an effort to be more centrally involved in Missouri’s equine industry, I presently serve as vice chair for the Missouri Horse Council, and I’m an active member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association serving on the Equine and Legislative committees,” said Martin. “I enjoy spending free time with my husband traveling, cooking or shooting clays. I also assist in our row crop operation.”

Chu has moved into the role of assistant clinical professor of oncology, transitioning from her previous role as a postdoctoral fellow in oncology. Chu, a self-proclaimed golden retriever lover, is based at the Veterinary Health Center at Wentzville. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Chu serves as a medical oncologist and conducts research in comparative oncology, specifically with increasing collaborations between Washington University and Mizzou. “My research projects have included epigenetics in canine lymphoma, risk factors for feline oral squamous cell carcinoma, viral metagenomics in various canine and feline cancers, and comprehensive sequencing in canine and feline cancers,” she says.

Karnia, until recently a radiology resident, has transitioned into the role of clinical instructor of radiology. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Karnia attended the University of Illinois to earn both his undergraduate and DVM degrees. He then completed a rotating internship at Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and returned to Mizzou for his radiology residency. As a clinical instructor of radiology, Karnia’s specific specialties lie in fluoroscopy, interventional radiology and PET/CT, but he says he is involved with all facets of radiology. In his free time, Karnia also enjoys spending time with his family and his main interests revolve around watching and playing sports, as well as running. He is also in the process of becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology. “I am a DVM and ACVR eligible, only needing to pass the certifying exam to become board certified, which has been delayed to December due to COVID,” he said. “Once I take the exam and if I pass, I will be a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology.”

By Nick Childress