2022 Theriogenology Resident

Lily Lewis, DVM

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Lewis completed her veterinary degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Business Management from Virginia Tech. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Nashville Veterinary Specialists. She is passionate about understanding the many factors that contribute to female infertility/subfertility.

2021 Theriogenology Residents

Anum Ahmed, DVM

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Ahmed received her bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in environmental studies at the University of Central Florida. She completed her veterinary degree at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently completing a small animal rotating internship through BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa. After residency, she hopes to work with breeders to decrease the incidence of genetic issues in canines, promote longevity of life through proper handling and management of frozen semen, and applying research of breeding domestic dogs and cats towards conservation of our canine and feline species in the wild.

Nicole Sugai, DVM

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Sugai grew up in Saline, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan for her undergraduate degree (B.S.) in biology and evolutionary anthropology. She recently graduated from University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. Her professional interests include internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and working with responsible breeders. Dr. Nicole plans to continue progressing in ultrasonography, dentistry, and more advanced reproduction procedures. She is a member of AVMA, MVMA, Society for Theriogenology, and the American Association of Small Ruminant practitioners (AASRP). She is a member of the Poodle Club of America and President of the Poodle Club of Southeast Michigan. Outside of work, she enjoys grooming and showing her poodles for American Kennel Club conformation shows. Her pets include Stuart, a miniature poodle, Rory, a standard poodle, and Fanny, a wire fox terrier. Her other interests are watching Lions and Michigan football and cooking for her family and friends.

2020 Theriogenology Residents

Joanna Koilpillai, BVSc, AH

The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Joanna Koilpillai received her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) from Madras Veterinary College (MVC), Chennai, India in November 2018. She attended the Casual Visitor Program at North Carolina State University in May 2017 under the supervision of Dr. Scott Bailey and Dr. Theresa Beachler, with a primary focus on Equine theriogenology. Dr. Koilpillai received the first prize for her clinical case study on “Contrast Echocardiography in locating a heart base tumor in a Bull Dog” in the TANUVAS 9th All India Veterinary Student Conference in the Companion Animal category in August 2017. She was awarded the first prize in the Online 2018 VetX International Student Essay Competition conducted by VetX and College of Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Australia for her essay titled “Mesothelioma - A State of the Art Review”. She was an active participant in the MVC Study circles on “Equine care and management”, “Laboratory diagnostics” and “Small animal critical care”. She also helped to organize and participated in a free Bovine and Caprine Infertility camp with pregnancy diagnosis, infertility screening and basic treatment.

Soon after her graduation, Dr. Koilpillai underwent surgical training in Animal Birth Control through a certificate course conducted by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), Ooty, India with the primary focus on canine surgery. She worked at Raksha Pet Clinic, (a mixed animal practice) in Chennai, India as an Associate Veterinarian until June 2019. In her free time, she volunteered at Blue Cross of India in the outpatient ward and provided free treatment for rescued stray, abandoned or injured animals with IIT Madras Animal Lover’s Group. Since June 2019, Dr. Koilpillai is pursuing a rotating internship at Veterinary Healthcare Associates, an AAHA Accredited, small animal practice located in Winter Haven, FL. The rotations include General Practice, ER, a 24-hour Intensive Care Unit and Internal Medicine with two ABVP Board certified specialists. She is an active participant in the monthly Journal Club, MnM Rounds and Didactic lectures. Dr. Koilpillai is a Certified Operator in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. She is also certified as a Laser Safety Officer by ACT Online and is completing her laser therapy certification with Companion Laser. She is currently undergoing Certification in Fear-free handling as a Veterinary Professional and RECOVER CPR- Basic and Advanced Life Support. Dr. Koilpillai’s interests are in mixed species theriogenology and small animal medicine.

Kelsey Martin, DVM

Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Martin grew up on a large cattle ranch in Eastern Colorado where she spent much of her time outside, working with animals of all sizes. From cattle, to horses, chickens and even raising and training service dogs in high school, it was inevitable that Kelsey would find herself in a career where working with animals was central. She attained her Bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and then moved back to Colorado to begin vet school at Colorado State University in 2015. After graduation, she completed a clinical internship at a large animal private practice where she realized her love for animal reproduction and a desire to create a career that improved not only animal health, but human and environmental health as well. Kelsey hopes to take her skills gained from her Theriogenology residency and apply them to species conservation, translational medicine research and improvement of working dog health and reproduction.

2019 Theriogenology Resident

Jamie M. Douglas, DVM

Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jamie M. Douglas received her DVM from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and her master's degree in animal science (focus: reproduction) from Southern Illinois University Carbondale's College of Agricultural Sciences in 2015. She returned to Michigan State University to complete a veterinary anesthesia internship in 2015. Dr. Douglas went on to hold a post-doctoral position with the Richard M. Schubot Parrot Wellness and Welfare program housed at the University of California, Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine studying avian welfare and analgesics. Her future goals include holding a teaching position in a veterinary program, continuing to improve animal health through veterinary research, and providing services in the field of theriogenology to aid and improve reproductive performance in companion animals. She is the proud owner of three dogs, two Boston Terriers and what can only be described as a yeti (note: the yeti is a familial term and not in any way a breed recognized by the AKC).

Thoughts regarding the AKC/AKC CHF/TF Theriogenology Residency Program: I am so very grateful to have been selected for this training opportunity in the fields of canine health, canine futures, and research. Besides specializing in a field that I have always respected, I am afforded the opportunity to work alongside exceptional mentors at Auburn University thanks to the generosity of the AKC. An added bonus: I get to provide service, support, and give back to dogs, their owners, the Canine Performance athletes, and students each and every day.

2018 Theriogenology Residents

Alyssa Helms, DVM

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Helms received her DVM degree, graduating with honors, from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.  Her focus on canine reproductive medicine was cultivated throughout her veterinary training through involvement with the local breeder community, canine research and her personal experience owning and exhibiting Australian Shepherds. Dr. Helms is an advocate for the health and preservation of the purpose-bred dog and she cares deeply for the breeder community that has supported her work through numerous scholarships, awards, and travel and research grants.  Dr. Helms is grateful to the American Kennel Club, the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Theriogenology Foundation for their support of her specialty training in Theriogenology.  She firmly believes that the collaboration of these entities is invaluable in promoting the future health, research and preservation of our beloved dogs.

Kate Withowski, DVM

NC State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Originally from Long Island, NY, Dr. Kate Withowski earned her veterinary degree from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical training at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2011 while working as a veterinary assistant. During this period she delved into the world of dog showing and hunt testing with her Weimaraner’s, inciting a deep love for the purpose-bred dog. She spent the last year completing a field service and comparative theriogenology internship with the University of Georgia under the guidance of Dr. Maria Ferrer and Dr. Robyn Ellerbrock. This has further fueled her desire to pursue advanced training in reproductive medicine."

2016 Theriogenology Residents

Karen Von Dollen, DVM

NC State, College of Veterinary Medicine

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Karen Von Dollen has known she wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age and spent her childhood participating in 4-H. For her undergraduate degree, Dr. Von Dollen attended Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, where she majored in chemistry with minors in mathematics and biology and was a member of the varsity lacrosse team She returned to California to earn her DVM degree from the University of California - Davis. Followinggraduation, she completed internships at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, California and Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital in Victoria, Australia. Her family maintains a small herd of Nubian dairy goats in California, which helped form the foundation for Dr. Von Dollen's veterinary aspirations.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling to visit friends, and relaxing with her beloved corgi “Nora”. Dr. Von Dollen is thrilled to be at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, pursuing her passion for reproduction through a comparative theriogenology residency.

Victor Stora, DVM

Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Victor received his Bachelor of Science from Wagner College, Staten Island, NY, with a double major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry in 2011 and received his veterinary degree from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. Of note, one of his Bachelor’s Thesis was: “Characterization of acquired renal Fanconi Syndrome as a result of jerky treat ingestion made in China in canines”, which is still a problem recognized today in smaller breed dogs. All throughout veterinary school, Victor has received several awards and scholarships. He has always had a keen interest in small animal reproduction, which he could showcase during his internship at Virginia Tech from July 2015 - July 2016, where he became the go to person for all small animal theriogenology questions. He is a member of the Society for Theriogenology, the AVMA, and the Society for Andrology. Besides being a native English and Italian speaker, he breeds Shetland Sheepdogs.

Tessa Fiamengo, DVM

Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Tessa graduated with honors from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, with a major in Biology and minors in Biomedical Sciences and Philosophy in 2007 and earned her veterinary degree from Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR in 2012. Since her graduation from veterinary school Tessa has been working as a small animal general practitioner in Portland, OR. While Tessa's interest in theriogenology has been long standing, prior to veterinary school most of her experience was in equine reproduction. While attending Oregon State, she learned about the involvement of theriogenologists in canine breeding. Her clinical experiences after graduation has continued to strengthen her desire to work in field of reproduction aiding owners in the responsible breeding of healthy members of the next generation. Tessa is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for Theriogenology.

Carla Barstow, DVM

Auburn University

Originally from Tampa, FL, Dr. Barstow has been showing and breeding Samoyeds for over 20 years. Prior to obtaining her DVM degree, she spent 10 years working in the veterinary field as a technician. Dr. Barstow then pursued her DVM degree at the University of Minnesota, where she received mentorship from Dr. Peggy Root Kustritz who cultivated her love of theriogenology even further. Upon graduation, Dr. Barstow returned to Tampa, FL and joined a private practice which emphasized reproduction and enjoyed a heavy theriogenology caseload. This further solidified her interest in reproduction and encouraged her to expand her theriogenology training.  

2016 Theriogenology Residents

Natalie Fraser, DVM

Auburn University

Dr. Natalie S. Fraser was named the first veterinarian to participate in the AKC/Theriogenology Foundation Companion Animal Residency at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Natalie completed her veterinary degree at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, and completed an internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine before entering into small animal private practice in Topeka, Kansas. During the residency, she will focus on all aspects of small animal reproduction from clinical case management to gathering valuable data for research endeavors. In addition, Natalie and other faculty theriogenologists will provide expertise to the college’s Canine Performance Sciences Program. Natalie is an avid competitor in AKC events including conformation dog shows, obedience/rally trials, and retriever hunt tests.

Andrea Hesser, DVM

University of California-Davis

Dr. Andrea Hesser is the Companion Animal Theriogenology resident at the University of California at Davis. A proud Oklahoma native, she received her DVM at Oklahoma State University in 2013. Following graduation, she worked in a small animal private practice in Overland Park, Kansas. Her special interest in theriogenology is in canine breeder medicine, stemming from her extensive background in conformation and performance competitions with AKC shows. She is still actively involved with the AKC, and hopes to bring the experiences and information learned in California back to Oklahoma in a private practice setting to serve the breeder community. Andrea really enjoys teaching her clients and growing the appreciation for proper canine breeding management, and in the future she hopes to teach students at a university or in a private practice setting. Andrea also enjoys travelling, baking, hunting, leisure horseback riding, and theater.

Carol Margolis, DVM

Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Carol Margolis graduated from Ross University and began the Companion Animal Theriogenology residency in July. She has been in private practice for the last two years and has a keen interest in small animal reproduction and conservation biology. Her interest and training with breeding programs, including those that focus on genetic preservation of endangered species, make her a unique candidate for future board certification in the American College of Theriogenologists. Carol will be working very closely with Dr. Grayson Wallace, UPenn’s incoming Medical Genetics resident, who also has a keen interest in small animal reproduction. Margolis and Wallace aim to improve the welfare and health of purebred dogs by offering not only reproductive services but also genetic counseling and pediatric care in health and disease.