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Elsa Ludwig

Equine Emergency Surgeon and Ambulatory Emergency Clinician

She/her

DVM, MS, CVA, DACVS-LA

Clinical Instructor

Bio

Dr. Elsa Ludwig graduated with a DVM from the University of Wisconsin in 2012, received her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and completed a residency in Large Animal Surgery at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. During her surgical residency, Dr. Ludwig received a Master of Science degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, with her research focused on equine septic arthritis. After spending several years in private practice as a board-certified large animal surgeon, she was recruited to NC State College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue her passion to become a clinician-scientist, and Dr. Ludwig received her PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from NCSU in 2024. Dr. Ludwig currently works as an equine soft tissue surgeon and emergency and critical care surgeon. Dr. Ludwig’s special interests include equine gastrointestinal surgery, advanced equine dentistry, and the surgical care of small ruminants and pet pigs. Outside of work, Dr. Ludwig enjoys pottery, drawing, watercolor painting, strength training, and outdoor activities.

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of Wisconsin 2012

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine 2015

Master of Science Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Virginia Tech 2016

Doctor of Philosophy Comparative Biomedical Sciences North Carolina State University 2024

Area(s) of Expertise

Intestinal stem cells
Intestinal transplantation
Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Gastrointestinal surgery
Equine emergency and critical care
Equine and food animal surgery

  • 2016 Mark S. Bloomberg Resident Research Award; Veterinary Orthopedic Society
  • 2016 Outstanding Master of Science Presentation; Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Research Symposium
  • 2018 Phi Zeta Research Competition Nomination; Research submitted on behalf of Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 2021 Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award Nomination; North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 2023 Clinical and Translational Science Award, One Health Alliance; Award number: 1U01TR002953
  • 2023 Post-Doctoral Fellow of the Year Award; North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine