For the first time, the public can easily find the Nearest Veterinarian trained at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The newly launched CVM Alumni Veterinarian Locator is a free service designed to help animal owners locate CVM alumni practices on an interactive map. This initiative addresses a long-standing need for a simple way to connect pet owners with Cornell-educated veterinary professionals nationwide.
Lorin Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D.’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, expressed excitement about the new service, stating, “We are excited to launch this new service to help connect clients in need of veterinary care with Cornell veterinarians across the country.” The development of this tool was significantly influenced by advocacy from Judy Wilpon, a long-time member of the College Advisory Council. Wilpon recognized the challenge pet owners faced in finding Cornell-trained veterinarians and frequently fielded inquiries herself. Her personal experience with Cornell alumni veterinarians, including Dr. Henry Travis, D.V.M. ’74, and the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, highlighted the demand for such a resource.
The Cornell Alumni Veterinarian Locator currently features 590 CVM alumni across 42 states. Users can perform searches by city, state, or zip code, specifying a distance radius to find nearby practitioners. While the majority of listed veterinarians focus on companion animals, the directory also includes specialists in equine, large animal, exotic pets, and other disciplines. This expands the utility of the tool beyond typical pet owners to a broader range of animal care needs.
Practitioners also see significant value in the locator. Trish Grinnell, D.V.M. ’97, a small animal practitioner in Connecticut and member of the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB), shared her enthusiasm: “Clients often ask me for recommendations for other Cornell-educated veterinarians when they move. I’m really looking forward to being able to search a location and find classmates to recommend to them.” The collaborative spirit of the alumni community was crucial to the development of this platform, as noted by Lyn LaBar, associate director of alumni affairs and student programming. She emphasized, “Our veterinary alumni have been so supportive of the development of this new service. We could not have created this app without their help and input.”
Beyond public access, the CVM Alumni Veterinarian Locator serves a dual purpose by also allowing CVM alumni to opt-in to a searchable database for students. This feature facilitates mentorship, externship opportunities, and networking across the country. Andrew Massaro, D.V.M. ’15, an AAEB member whose family also has a strong Cornell veterinary connection, highlighted the student benefit: “It was an easy decision to be a part of this project. Cornell is a place that means so much to me and my career. It’s also a really good idea. I remember as a veterinary student, there wasn’t an easy-to-use tool to find externships or mentoring opportunities, and this really solves that issue well.”
The platform also offers advantages for alumni seeking to expand their professional networks or recruit new talent. Grinnell observed, “It’s a tight hiring market right now. Finding new veterinarians to hire can be difficult, so it’s great to have an easy way for them to find us as well.” Dean Warnick concluded by underscoring the broader impact of the tool, stating, “This new platform expands and strengthens our Cornell veterinary community and highlights the impact our graduates have through clinical service throughout the country. It will help fellow alumni connect and network with each other and with current students.”
All practicing Cornell D.V.M. alumni are encouraged to visit the website to join the network. For inquiries, individuals may reach out to the CVM Alumni Affairs and Development office.
Written by Lauren Cahoon Roberts
