Large animal veterinarian, Carolyn Arnold, brings a passion to train students in surgical skill to the School of Veterinary Medicine.
People who know Carolyn Arnold understand she is profoundly skilled at educating veterinary students in large animal medicine and surgery. In fact, she has taught and inspired students for more than 13 years.
Arnold spent the past eight years teaching large animal medicine and surgery at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She now continues her love of teaching at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo as a professor of large animal surgery.
“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. “I am delighted to be here and play a part in that mission.”
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.”
On top of teaching, Arnold is an avid researcher.
“I also really enjoy the discovery of new knowledge and its application to clinical problems,” Arnold said.
Her 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. “Her dedication to teaching and applied research is extraordinary. Dr. Arnold elevates all aspects of our program. While I readily admit I am biased, I believe the best veterinary students on the planet are right here in Amarillo in the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. And these students are gaining so much from Dr. Arnold and our team of passionate faculty and staff.”
Arnold received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan in 1998. Soon after, she completed her large animal surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center in 2003.
During her time at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Arnold earned her second doctorate studying effects of antimicrobials on the equine hindgut microbiome.
Arnold also is board certified from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
“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. “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.”
