VCA Voice Veterinary Podcast
As VCA Animal Hospitals Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kerl has been privileged to speak with so many amazing people in the veterinary profession, whether they have newly joined our hospitals or are seasoned professionals. Their contributions to the veterinary industry are the inspiration for this podcast to share stories of hope and encouragement about what it means to be the people who care for pets.
VCA Voice Veterinary Podcast
An Inspiring Journey in Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Todd Tams
In this conversation of the VCA Voice Podcast, Dr. Kerl is thrilled to welcome long time friend, colleague, and mentor Dr. Todd Tams. Listen in as Dr. Tams shares his extensive journey in veterinary medicine, highlighting his experiences from his education at Ohio State University to his pivotal role as Chief Medical Officer at VCA Animal Hospitals. He discusses the evolution of VCA, the challenges faced during its rapid growth, and the importance of maintaining high-quality medical standards. Dr. Tams emphasizes the significance of internships in shaping veterinary careers and the advancements made in internship programs at VCA, including improved compensation and support for interns. He and Dr. Kerl also chat about the importance of quality care, education, and the future of veterinary medicine, particularly with the integration of technology and AI.
Dr. Tams received his DVM from The Ohio State University in 1977. After working in mixed animal practice in Vermont and then completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Colorado State University. Dr. Tams was a staff internist at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston and clinical assistant professor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine from 1981-84, and achieved board certification in internal medicine in 1982.
Dr. Tams returned to Los Angeles in 1984 to rejoin the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group as a staff internist and gastroenterologist. In January 1987 West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group became the first VCA hospital. For more than 30 years he served as Chief Medical Officer for VCA, as well as being on staff as a
part-time internist at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. In 2020 Dr. Tams transitioned to his new role as Mars Veterinary Health CMO for External Affairs and in 2022 he joined the MVH Corporate Affairs team serving as VP for External Affairs. At MVH Dr. Tams focuses on university liaison, chairing the MVH Deans Council and annual House Officer Summits, advanced educational programs (student extern and preceptor programs and internship and sponsored residency training programs), while also working with the VCA Japan team and representing the various Mars hospital business units. Dr. Tams was named as a Distinguished Alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.
Dr. Tams has published two textbooks:
1. Small Animal Endoscopy (3 editions)
2. Handbook of Small Animal Gastroenterology (2 editions)
Dr. Tams has presented numerous seminars and wet lab courses in the U.S. and abroad on his special interest areas of gastroenterology and GI endoscopy.
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