One of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s summer traditions involves the arrival of a new class of small and large animal interns seeking advanced clinical training. A total of 14 new interns started last month when they participated in a two-week orientation.
There are ten small animal medicine and surgery interns and four who are focusing on large animal medicine and surgery. The one year clinical internship program provides important post-graduate training that prepares each veterinarian for an approved residency program leading to board certification in a recognized specialty. Internship applicants are matched to qualified programs through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.
Please help provide a warm, welcome to these new members of our Purdue Veterinary Medicine community.
Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Interns
Irene Dobles – DVM 2021, National University of Costa Rica
Dr. Dobles is originally from San Jose, Costa Rica. After earning a DVM degree at the National University of Costa Rica, Dr. Dobles entered small animal clinical practice and then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in the summer of 2022 to complete two externships at North Carolina State University. Dr. Dobles’ primary areas of interest are emergency and critical care and clinical pathology.
Hope Fenton – DVM 2024, University of Illinois
Originally from Southern Illinois, Dr. Fenton completed undergraduate studies in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a degree in neuroscience before enrolling at the University of Illinois and earning a DVM degree this year. Dr. Fenton’s primary areas of interest are neurology and behavior.
Emily Halsmer – DVM 2024, Lincoln Memorial University
Born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Halsmer earned a BS degree in mathematics and secondary education at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and taught high school mathematics before earning her DVM degree at Lincoln Memorial University. Her primary area of interest is ophthalmology.
Rachel Illgen – DVM 2024, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Illgen was born and raised in Brookfield, Wisconsin and earned both her undergraduate degree in animal sciences and her DVM degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her primary areas of interest are exotics, public health / One Health, and anesthesia.
Erin Loos – DVM 2024, St George’s University
Originally from Quincy, Illinois, Dr. Loos earned a BS degree in integrative biology and psychology at the University of Illinois, and then started a dog training business before returning to school, earning a DVM degree at St. George’s University and completing the clinical year of the program at North Carolina State University. Dr. Loos has a primary interest in surgery (soft tissue) and behavior.
Alexus Meadows – DVM 2024, Tuskegee University
Dr. Meadows was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina and completed her undergraduate studies at Clemson University in 2019, majoring in animal and veterinary science. After working full-time at a small animal general practice clinic for a year, she enrolled at Tuskegee University where she earned her DVM degree. Her primary area of interest is Cardiology.
Madeleine Swindell – DVM 2024, Texas A&M University
Dr. Swindell was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and earned her BS degree in animal science at Texas Tech University, and her DVM degree at Texas A&M. Dr. Swindell’s primary area of interest is internal medicine.
Janice Viary – DVM 2021, Gadjah Mada University
Dr. Viary earned her DVM degree in Indonesia at Gadjah Mada University in 2021. She then enrolled at the University of Illinois, completing a master’s program there this year. Her primary area of interest is medical oncology.
Ben Walter – DVM 2024, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Walter grew up near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and earned a BS degree in chemistry and biology at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before earning a DVM degree at the University of Wisconsin this year. Dr. Walter’s primary areas of interest are zoo medicine and anesthesia.
Courtney Westcott – DVM 2024, University of Georgia
Dr. Westcott is originally from North Carolina and completed her undergraduate degree at Clemson University before earning her DVM degree at the University of Georgia. Dr. Westcott’s primary area of interest is cardiology.
Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Interns
Jamie Libow – DVM 2024, Auburn University
Originally from South Florida, Dr. Libow earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida and her DVM degree at Auburn University. Dr. Libow’s primary area of interest is theriogenology.
Aaron Webster – DVM 2023, Colorado State University
Dr. Webster earned his DVM degree at Colorado State University in 2023 before completing an equine focused internship at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in Elmont, New York. His primary area of interest is large animal surgery.
Tori Martin – DVM 2023, University of Illinois
Dr. Martin is originally from Georgia and completed her undergraduate studies at Clemson University before earning her DVM degree at the University of Illinois. She then completed an internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, Texas. Dr. Martin’s primary area of interest is large animal surgery.
Stephanie Smick – DVM 2023, St. George’s University
Dr. Smick grew up in the Midwest and earned her DVM degree from St. George’s University, completing her clinical year at Purdue University. Her primary area of interest is large animal medicine.
Congratulations to all of our new Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Interns!
