Dr. Katherine Vissio joined the Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program (MSMP) team on May 1, 2o25. Originally from Austin, Texas, Vissio completed her undergraduate education from The George Washington University and then received her veterinary degree from Cornell University.
A Biological Anthropology major, Vissio was also fascinated with primate behavioral studies while working at the National Zoo, so she decided to get a taste for veterinary clinical work as a veterinary assistant in a small animal hospital. It was after working here that Vissio discovered her passion for veterinary medicine. She enjoys all creatures, both big and small. From traditional small animal species to zoo and wildlife.
Vissio comes to us from working at Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. She comes with private practice experience, as well as a history of working with Shelter Outreach Services (SOS).
When asked what drew Vissio to this role and what she’s most looking forward to, she said:
I’m most looking forward to working with students to improve their confidence and clinical reasoning in dealing with normal patient variation. I’m excited to show them how the surgical principles they learn from spay/neuter can be applied to a variety of soft tissue surgeries performed in general practice. I hope to increase their exposure to different surgical techniques by collaborating with shelters, local ERs, and the community to make surgery more accessible.
Vissio hopes to create and expand the conversation as it relates to spectrum of care and access to care. Bridging those two worlds and teaching students to consider multiple solutions when it comes to the level of care they can provide. Setting realistic expectations and facilitating difficult conversations to improve student training, learning and surgery.
She’s excited to jump right in by attending MSMP courses with students, learning the ASNA teaching model and learning from our faculty about all things related to shelter medicine.
We’re excited to grow the MSMP team and can’t wait to help and serve more animals because of this!
FUN FACTS:
Dr. Vissio enjoys reading, dance, and being outdoors.
