Texas Tech faculty member to inspire future rural veterinarians

Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine has announced that Trista Mills, DVM, MBA, has joined their faculty as associate professor of general veterinary practice. She aims to offer her understanding of and expertise in rural veterinary medicine to the students.

Dr Trista Mills (Photo courtesy of Texas Tech).

Mills served 7 years in veterinary private practice in rural New Mexico, and witnessed the need for competent, confident veterinarians to help rural communities. Thus, with the drastic changes Texas Tech has made to produce veterinarians, she felt she would make an excellent fit.

“In joining the faculty, I'm hoping I can inspire others to develop a passion and enthusiasm for rural veterinary practice,” Mills stated, in a university release.¹ “I hope I can help them embrace the challenges, and know that they have mentors who are happy to encourage and bounce ideas around when they’re faced with new and interesting problems to solve.”

Mills will help teach the school’s signature program in clinical and professional skills. She will also add a critical focus on small animal rural medicine, including small animal medicine, wellness visits, soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, and small animal behavior. Mills approach to working with students consists of stretching their capabilities, enabling them to build confidence in themselves, and instilling resilience in them.

“In addition to her valuable experience and expertise, Dr Mills adds so much passion, compassion, and caring to our school,” expressed Guy Loneragan, dean of the school of veterinary medicine, in the release. “She cares deeply about our students, the communities we serve, and animal health and well-being. Trista is also adding new ideas. She led the development of our first and amazingly successful adoption event called Paws for the Holidays. Texas Tech is an amazingly wonderful place in which to work, and Trista’s commitment to all aspects of our school is helping us become an even better place to call home.”

Mills graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in 2015, then started her professional career as an associate veterinarian at Carlsbad Animal Clinic in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In this role, she offered primary veterinary care and emergency services as the closest referral center was 5 hours away. Mills is currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas.

“Dr Trista Mills comes to us from a small animal practice in New Mexico. She has hit the ground running and has made great contributions,” added John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs. “Her love for animals and their care is evident every day. She is a wonderful cheerleader for students, a great person to work with and a terrific role model for students.”

Reference

Brooks W. Passionate faculty member helps shape next generation of rural veterinarians.News release. Texas Tech University. https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2023/01/Stories/Passionate-Faculty-Member-Helps-Shape-the-Next-Generation-of-Rural-Veterinarians