Texas Tech professor inspires students with large animal surgery

Carolyn E. Arnold, DVM, PhD, DACVS, professor of equine surgery. (Photo courtesy of Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine)

Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine highlights professor Carolyn E. Arnold, DVM, PhD, DACVS, in a university release,¹ for her work on inspiring students with large animal surgery. Arnold is currently a professor of equine surgery at the school and received her DVM at Michigan State University in 1998. After an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in central Kentucky, she completed a Large Animal Surgical Residency at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in 2003. She joined the faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University as a large animal surgeon in 2006 and 2020, she completed a PhD at Texas A&M studying the effects of antimicrobials on the equine hind gut microbiome.

“From my first visit to Texas Tech, it was apparent there was an overwhelming passion from everyone, including the dean, faculty, staff, and students, to improve the lives of animals, the agricultural industry, and the veterinary profession,” Arnold said in the release. “I am delighted to be here and play a part in that mission.”¹

While Arnold teaches any topic pertaining to large animal medicine and surgery, she particularly enjoys training students to be competent in surgical skill. She said students make her role feel rewarding. “I get a lot of inspiration from students,” she said. “I love how they see medical challenges and the profession as a whole with fresh eyes and enthusiasm. I also really enjoy the discovery of new knowledge and its application to clinical problems."¹

According to the release, Arnold’s research interest is in the microbiome of the equine hindgut and alterations that occur with gastrointestinal diseases, such as colitis and colic. She also is discovering new ways to improve methods of surgical training for veterinary students.

“Dr Arnold is helping us become the best we can be,” said Guy Loneragan, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, in the release. “Her dedication to teaching and applied research is extraordinary. Dr Arnold elevates all aspects of our program.”

“Dr Arnold brings to the school a wealth of experience, especially in large animal surgery,” said John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, in the release. “She will engage with our students in clinical rotations, pre-clinical surgery courses and in our clinical and professional skills courses. We are so lucky to have someone with her experience join our program.”¹

Reference

School of Veterinary Medicine professor aims to inspire future vets. News release. Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. March 15, 2023.