Celebrate the Transforming Power of Animals with
Kristen Nelson, D.V.M.
Veterinarian, Speaker & Author
Kristen Nelson, DVM
Dr. Nelson's Background
At age four, Kris Nelson decided to be a veterinarian. A year later her father took her hunting. Once she realized what was happening, Kris made noise to warn the ducks. She established a hospital in the bow of the boat with blankets, food and water. When a duck was brought in, she dressed its wounds before wrapping a towel around the bird. Kris wanted to save them all. . . she still does.
EDUCATION:
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Nelson completed a small animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. She continued her education with a year of additional surgical training at the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to learning advanced surgical techniques, she also taught surgery to veterinary students.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Dr. Nelson cares for dogs, cats and exotic animals. Her nineteen years of practice include work as an emergency room veterinarian and Medical Director of a private hospital. She then launched her own practice- the Minnesota Veterinary Center. On a cold winter day in 1997, Dr. Nelson sold her practice to relocate to sunny Arizona. Kris continues to care for animals in the Phoenix metro area. From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Nelson served on the Animal Health Committee of the Phoenix Zoo. In this capacity she discovered serious issues with the zoo's treatment of animals. Ultimately, she became a whistleblower.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians.
MEDIA AND HONORS:
Dr. Nelson has appeared in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, DisneyFamily.com and on radio and television. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Duluth Kennel Club Award for Outstanding Small Animal Surgery and Medicine and the Carl F. Schlotthauer Memorial Surgery Award. The latter is presented by the University of Minnesota Surgical Faculty to a senior student "In Recognition Of Outstanding Ability In Veterinary Surgery." As a student, Kris was a member of Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine. The United States Customs Service awarded Dr. Nelson a commendation for her care of a drug-sniffing canine officer.
EDUCATION:
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Nelson completed a small animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. She continued her education with a year of additional surgical training at the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to learning advanced surgical techniques, she also taught surgery to veterinary students.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Dr. Nelson cares for dogs, cats and exotic animals. Her nineteen years of practice include work as an emergency room veterinarian and Medical Director of a private hospital. She then launched her own practice- the Minnesota Veterinary Center. On a cold winter day in 1997, Dr. Nelson sold her practice to relocate to sunny Arizona. Kris continues to care for animals in the Phoenix metro area. From 2001 to 2005, Dr. Nelson served on the Animal Health Committee of the Phoenix Zoo. In this capacity she discovered serious issues with the zoo's treatment of animals. Ultimately, she became a whistleblower.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
Dr. Nelson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians.
MEDIA AND HONORS:
Dr. Nelson has appeared in USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, DisneyFamily.com and on radio and television. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Duluth Kennel Club Award for Outstanding Small Animal Surgery and Medicine and the Carl F. Schlotthauer Memorial Surgery Award. The latter is presented by the University of Minnesota Surgical Faculty to a senior student "In Recognition Of Outstanding Ability In Veterinary Surgery." As a student, Kris was a member of Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine. The United States Customs Service awarded Dr. Nelson a commendation for her care of a drug-sniffing canine officer.
