Shelter Medicine at OHS
Oregon Humane Society offers unique opportunities for veterinarians seeking to expand their knowledge and skill set in the field of shelter medicine through internship and residency programs
Shelter Medicine Internship
Each year OHS accepts two graduating veterinarians for a one-year intensive Shelter Medicine and Community Practice Internship at one of the premier animal welfare facilities in the nation. The primary focus of this internship is on developing shelter specific surgical and medical skills. OHS interns will perform high-quality, high-volume sterilization surgeries on dogs, cats, and rabbits, in addition to other soft tissue surgeries and dentistry. The interns work within the shelter and community hospital to manage medical cases, hospitalized patients, and treat infectious disease. Throughout the year there are opportunities for the interns to participate in shelter consultation practice, work on forensic investigation cases, visit local shelters, attend regional shelter association meetings, and receive extra training in areas of interest.
Oregon Humane Society has currently accepted a Shelter Medicine Intern for this upcoming July 2023 – July 2024. Applications for the following year will be available this fall through VIRMP.org.
Current Shelter Medicine Interns
Dr. Krystal Mendoza
Dr. Krystal Mendoza is one of the current Shelter Medicine Interns here at OHS. Dr. Mendoza is originally from Cebu, Philippines and later moved to Southern California with her family. She spent a few years on the beautiful island of Grenada studying at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine before finishing her clinical year at the University of Florida. She is pursuing a career in shelter medicine with a special interest in community outreach and animal forensics. In her free time, Dr. Mendoza enjoys binging TV shows, practicing yoga, and going on hikes with her dog, Pearl. Dr. Mendoza is excited to contribute to the Portland community and is dedicated to grow as a shelter veterinarian.
Dr. Kayla Harris
Dr. Kayla Harris is one of two Shelter Medicine Interns here at OHS. Dr. Harris is originally from Boston, Massachusetts where she spent 4 years working as a veterinary technician in both private practice and shelter medicine before going to veterinary school. She graduated from Ross University in June 2022 after completing her clinical year at Oregon State University. Dr. Harris plans to pursue a career in the field of shelter medicine with interests in community medicine and veterinary forensics. In her free time, Dr. Harris loves to go running, swing dancing, horseback riding, hiking, and explore all the food carts Portland has to offer. She is honored to be a part of the wonderful team here at OHS and give back to the Portland community through veterinary medicine.
Shelter Medicine ABVP Residency
OHS strives to further education in the field of shelter medicine as one of only four institutions in the country that currently offers a three-year residency program for veterinarians. This residency is under the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) and requires residents to meet specific criteria to build their expertise in shelter medicine over three years before they are eligible to complete a board certification examination. The primary focus of the residency is well rounded shelter medicine training, practical skill building, and a dedication to the growing field of shelter medicine.
OHS residents regularly performs high-quality, high-volume sterilization surgeries on dogs, cats, and rabbits, in addition to other soft tissue surgeries and dentistry. The resident works within the shelter and community hospital to manage medical cases, hospitalized patients, and treat infectious disease. While many of the ABVP clinical requirements, forensic training, and behavior services can be accomplished at OHS, the resident will also spend time outside of the shelter to rotate through specialty services, gain experience in shelter consultation practice, participate in MASH style spay/neuter, and attend shelter medicine conferences.
Oregon Humane Society has currently accepted a Shelter Medicine Resident for this upcoming July 2023 – July 2026. Applications for future residency positions are not available at this time.
As part of the residency program the OHS resident is available to aid other shelters through consultation services under the supervision and mentorship of a board-certified shelter medicine expert. The resident may consult virtually via email or phone, or in some instances travel to meet with a shelter in person. Consults are available for specific shelter related topics of discussion, assistance with standard operating procedures, management of an infectious disease outbreak, or additional shelter medicine inquiries. OHS is happy to offer this support with the completion of a consultation request form by clicking the link below.
Current Shelter Residents
Victry Mueller, DVM
On July 1, 2017, after a year as the Shelter Medicine Intern, Dr. Victry Mueller transitioned into a new position as Shelter Medicine Resident. OHS hosts a Shelter Medicine Residency that is approved by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Resident Program. Dr. Mueller will complete her three-year residency training in July 2020.
The residency program includes clinical time at OHS, specialty practices in the region and beyond and a broad number of required shelter consultations and visits over the course of the three years. Dr. Kris Otteman of OHS, in partnership with Dr. Helio deMorais of Oregon State University, are the designated advisors for the residency.
Dr. Mueller is from Los Angeles, CA and completed her undergraduate at UC Berkeley where she discovered her passion for shelter medicine. She moved to Columbus, OH to attend The Ohio State University and obtained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Mueller lives in Portland with her fiancé, two dogs and a pet ball python. Dr. Mueller plays the piano and has recently taken up gardening.
The Shelter Medicine team is pleased to have Dr. Mueller continue on with the OHS Holman Medical Center. She will continue to develop her skills in this specialty, which requires a broad range of expertise from the physical and behavioral health of shelter animals to the environmental health of the shelter facility.
Emily Ferrell, DVM
Dr. Emily Ferrell succeeds Dr. Mueller as the current Shelter Medicine Intern. Dr. Ferrell is originally from Pompano Beach, Florida; however, she spent her last few years in Gainesville where she graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She also has masters of science in veterinary forensic medicine. She is pursuing a career in shelter medicine with a special interest in forensics and cruelty investigations while completing her master’s degree in veterinary forensic medicine.
The shelter medicine internship program offers training for veterinarians interested in this exciting new discipline. Under the supervision of Dr. Jacqueline Blanchette, Lead Veterinarian, the intern completes a one-year training program. Comprehensive veterinary care of shelter animals requires—in addition to a strong foundation in clinical veterinary practice—a focused expertise combining elements of preventive medicine, epidemiology, infectious disease diagnosis and control, behavioral science, public health, and surgery.
In her free time, Dr. Ferrell enjoys spending time with her two cats, and paddle boarding and hiking with her two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier and a Great Pyrenees/Labrador mix. Dr. Ferrell is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the Portland community and grow as a veterinarian.
