Dr. Monique Pairis-Garcia is so exceptional at improving the lives of pigs 🐷 that, for the first time, the American Veterinary Medicine Association is honoring a researcher dedicated primarily to swine welfare with its annual Animal Welfare Award

Pairis-Garcia, a professor of global production animal welfare at @ncstate College of Veterinary Medicine, says she is proud to be recognized for her work advancing pain management for swine in partnership with the pork industry.

“I would not have been able to accomplish what I have in pig welfare without the open door policy from the industry and the commitment that our college and university have to serve our agriculture industries in our state,” she says.

Explore her fascinating career at the link in our profile.

#animalwelfare #swinevet #AVMA2026

Five states down, about 100 dairy workers representing eight countries interviewed and Kate Bessette is well on her way to becoming a well-rounded veterinarian. The #FromtheField correspondent, who recently visited dairy farms in Georgia and Florida to talk with workers about their knowledge of antibiotic use, has found the experience of working on a Veterinary Scholars Program research project incredibly rewarding.

"While our study focused on communication and antimicrobial stewardship among dairy workers, it also highlighted the tremendous opportunity we have to strengthen relationships between veterinarians, producers and the people who care for these animals every day."

Get the rest of her report at the link in our profile!

#fromthefield #veterinaryresearch #dairyfarms #antimicrobial

Over a recent weekend, #FromtheField correspondent Kristen Folk spent four days with a team providing veterinary care to the Cherokee people in Western North Carolina.

On clinic days, people lined up nearly two hours before the team opened for vaccines and spay and neuter services, she said. Watching the 20 veterinarians, technicians, students and volunteers contribute in different ways was inspiring. 🌻

"Learning from veterinarians with different backgrounds and experiences broadened my own approach to medicine and strengthened my clinical skills."

Find more lessons she learned at the link in our profile.

#vetclinic #missiontrip #cherokee #ncstatevetmed

Dr. Shelly Vaden, a foremost expert in veterinary nephrology and urology, has been leading cutting-edge clinical research and 👉changing standards of veterinary care 👈 for more than three decades.

Now the AVMA has honored the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine professor with its ❗️2026 Clinical Research Award❗️, which Vaden will receive at the AVMA`s annual convention in California this weekend.

Vaden has completed more than 50 studies and secured more than $6.5 million 💲 in grant funding from organizations including the National Institutes of Health, the American Kennel Club, the Morris Animal Foundation and the National Cancer Institute.

Get all of the details at the link in our profile.

#innovators #problemsolvers #lifechangers #avma2026

This Fourth of July represents a big milestone for our country, and many of us will be celebrating it with our furry friends! Check out these tips to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy:
🌊 Never let your pets swim unattended, and choose a swimming location carefully. Stagnant bodies of water like small ponds can contain harmful bacteria and toxic algae.
🌡️ Dogs can overheat quickly! Keep them hydrated and provide a cool place to rest. Be mindful of hot pavement during walks.
🎆 Unless you’re certain your pets are OK with loud noises, it’s best to leave them at home for the fireworks show. A hiding place or wearable device such as an anxiety wrap or vest can help with nerves.
📱If you ever have concerns about your pets` well-being, don’t hesitate to contact your local veterinarian.
➡️ Check the link in our bio for more Fourth of July animal safety tips!
go.ncsu.edu/f6ga1by

When Michael and Lindsey Meredith paid an emergency visit to the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine with their German short-haired pointer, they left with bad news but with grateful hearts for the care Gus received in Raleigh.

The couple, who live in Cincinnati, Ohio, had been visiting relatives in Virginia Beach when Gus became lethargic and had difficulty shutting his mouth. After the Merediths transported Gus to Raleigh, Dr. Megan Gragg, a resident in neurology, took charge of the case and a few days later had the difficult task of telling the couple that Gus, whom they called their child, had lymphoma.

The Merediths recently honored Dr. Gragg for her caring ways with a Coat of Excellence, an NC State program that helps clients recognize clinicians, interns, residents or staff members who touched them and their pet’s life in a meaningful way.

“When Dr. Gragg came in, she was sitting on the floor crying with us, and that was pretty special, the relationship that we developed in like four or five days,” said Michael Meredith, who with wife Lindsey joined the celebration at the NC State Veterinary Hospital via Zoom. “We love you, Megan.”

Lindsey broke in, “We felt very seen and heard by you and so grateful that we were able to get the answers that so many people are never given with their pets and that`s why we wanted to honor you, Megan.”

An MRI and spinal tap had confirmed the diagnosis, which has a poor outcome in dogs, Gragg said, with survival time usually being a couple months.

“They were able to take that diagnosis and get back home and then they pursued chemotherapy in Ohio,” said Gragg, noting the Merediths had three more weeks of love with Gus. “To be recognized in this way feels really special. I think a lot of residency is kind of just putting your head down and grinding, and so being able to be recognized like this, I’m really grateful.”

#veterinarycare #veterinaryhospital #coatofexcellence #NCStateVetMed

Antimicrobial resistance has become a critical issue in veterinary medicine, and Kate Bessette`s research project is focused on ensuring that animal managers understand when and when not to prescribe antibiotics. During her last stretch, she traveled more than 800 miles to talk with focus groups of workers from five dairies — one that milks 8,000 cows a day! — across Texas and New Mexico about their knowledge of antibiotic use. 🐮 She`s picking up patterns now and is excited to compare her new information with what she gets next in Georgia and Florida.

"Seeing those trends develop from the two trips made our research goals feel tangible and reinforced the value of hearing directly from those who manage the care of our dairy cattle every day," she says.

Get the rest of her #FromtheField insights:

http://ncst.at/WkM150Zib8s

Calf raising and animal showing are just two of the things that Isabella Black has experienced this summer as an intern with Heritage Vet Partners, an agency that works with rural veterinary clinics in 28 states. The High Point, North Carolina, native spent some time helping at her hometown clinic before heading off on her large animal adventure.

In Indiana and Ohio so far, Black, part of our DVM class of 2028, has gotten plenty of practice in all things cow, calf, embryo and pregnancy check. In two days, her team of three pulled (delivered) and cleaned 20 calves in an aseptic manner, minimizing their exposure to as many germs as possible.

She`s had some fun with dogs, kittens and a pig, too.

Read her #FromtheField dispatch at the link in our profile. #vetstudent #summerinternship