Texas Tech University

Veterinarian Excited to Help Build Texas Tech Vet Program

Weston Brooks

February 15, 2023

Antu Radhakrishnan

Antu Radhakrishnan considers his role at the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine a dream come true.

Antu Radhakrishnan spent more than 21 years immersed in high-quality companion animal health care. He brings his love for small animals to the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo as a professor of small animal internal medicine. 

Radhakrishnan earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia, in 2002. Shortly after, he completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine to become a companion animal internist. 

“When I was in veterinary school, I had two dreams: start at specialty practice and start a veterinary school,” Radhakrishnan said. 

Part one of that dream became a reality first. For 13 years, Radhakrishnan and his wife owned and operated a 24-hour specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. After he sold his practice, he stayed aboard for several years as the medical director and head of internal medicine. 

Just when Radhakrishnan decided he may never achieve part two of his dream, starting a veterinary school, he discovered an opportunity to build the veterinary program at Texas Tech.

“It was a complete surprise and a dream come true,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to help develop the school and teach the pioneering students.”   

Radhakrishnan said he “loves teaching both didactically and clinically.” He will teach students the ins and outs of companion animal internal medicine while helping them during their clinical and professional skills labs.

Radhakrishnan also has many research projects on the horizon. He looks forward to evaluating low-dose oral maintenance chemotherapy for cancer patients, studying cortisol levels in various clinical situations and comparing different treatment protocols for common medical conditions. 

“Our goal is to produce graduates who are highly competent and have confidence in their competence,” said Guy Loneragan, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine.  “Antu's skill, patience and love of teaching will help the school achieve this goal and make an important impact on our students. He's part of the fabric of our school and fosters our RaiderVet culture. Antu's decision to join our school will benefit countless students and the animals they care for after graduation.” 

Radhakrishnan is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). He is a member of the ACVIM, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. 

“Dr. Radhakrishnan has a wealth of small animal medicine knowledge,” said John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs. “He has great experience to share with students in business, veterinary and personnel management from specialty practice ownership. His personality makes him approachable and he will be a cornerstone for our small animal program.”