Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program (MSMP) at Cornell University is proud to announce the
launch of our Community Outreach/Access to Care initiative! A brand new component to the program, located within the College of Veterinary Medicine.
As part of the launch, we are thrilled to announce that Dr. Ali Lindsay, a former Clinical Instructor with MSMP, has taken on the role of Assistant Clinical Professor, Community Medicine and will lead this facet of the program. Her role began December 1, 2025. Dr. Lindsay will be supported by a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) and will have the opportunity to train our first-ever community outreach intern (posted through the VIRMP).
Dr. Lindsay completed her undergraduate degree at Fordham University and received her degree in veterinary medicine from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. From 2018-2019 she completed an internship at San Diego Humane Society and following that, worked with Emancipet, both in Austin and Philadelphia.
When asked what excites her most about this new role, Lindsay stated she is most looking forward to sharing her passion with the Access to Care and Shelter Medicine teams to address the following:
- Increasing access and affordable care for people and their pets.
- Working directly with community members.
- Closing the gaps where barriers exist to animals receiving the care they need and deserve.
- Keeping animals with their owners–strengthening the human-animal bond.
- Emphasizing the interconnected nature of public and animal health—a One Health concept.
MSMP has been gathering data from Tompkins County and the surrounding areas and will soon begin conducting interviews and surveys with community members and veterinary service providers. Our goal is to better understand the veterinary access-to-care gap in this region. By analyzing this information, we aim to develop targeted services that address the specific needs of these communities. As Lindsay emphasizes, “we are committed to approaching this process thoughtfully and responsibly—ensuring cultural sensitivity and conscientious engagement with our community.”
Lindsay is excited to collaborate with curriculum leaders to integrate more content on access to care and the spectrum of care into veterinary courses. This will ensure students begin thinking about these concepts from their first year through graduation. The curriculum will cover a wide range of approaches—not only the gold standard of care, but also strategies for providing quality care in situations with limited or no resources. Lindsay said, “I want to instill in them a strong sense of social responsibility—the understanding that as veterinarians, we are not only protecting animal health but also safeguarding public health, and recognizing how deeply interconnected these systems are.”
This new component of MSMP is rapidly taking shape, and we’re excited about the innovative ways we’re expanding access to veterinary care. Our team is actively planning pop-up clinics, mobile and ambulatory services, and other flexible solutions to reach animals and families where they are. These efforts will ensure that care is accessible, equitable, and responsive to community needs. As we move forward, we are committed to ensuring that any future developments—such as a centrally located, easily accessible space—will further strengthen our ability to meet these goals. As we grow, we remain committed to our core mission: delivering compassionate, high-quality veterinary care to our community and beyond.
“I think this really brings it full circle in understanding how the structures that exist in the world have not set up people in an equitable way. What can we do in our little corner of the world as vets to help with much bigger problems in our society?”
~Dr. Lindsay
#ThanksToMaddie for their unwavering support on this initiative, so that MSMP can help more animals and families in need.
