Rena Carlson, DVM

Dr. Rena Carlson has served the veterinary profession in multiple capacities for more than 20 years. A 1989 graduate of Washington State University, she returned to Idaho to work as a companion animal practitioner. In 1993, she became co-owner of Alpine Animal Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho, which has grown into a mixed animal practice employing 6 doctors. Although her primary focus is companion animals, she continues to have an agriculture perspective. Between working on the family cattle ranch, working closely with the partners and associate veterinarians in her practice, and maintaining close friendships with large animal colleagues, she remains connected to the large animal aspect of veterinary medicine.

 

Dr. Carlson started in leadership roles at a local level early in her career, becoming president of the Eastern Idaho Veterinary Medical Association in 1991, and has held numerous offices over the years. In 1998, she started the chairs of the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association , serving as president in 2000 and board chair in 2001. She served various roles on the IVMA Board for 16 years. In 2005, she was selected to serve as the alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates for Idaho.  While serving in the HOD, she was selected to participate in the AVMA Legislative Fly-In, visiting US legislators from Idaho concerning issues related to veterinary medicine. She also attended the HOD Leadership Development Program in October 2013, gaining a deeper understanding of the divisions, structure, and operations of the AVMA.
 
In addition to private practice, Dr. Carlson has been the attending veterinarian for the Animal Care Facility at Idaho State University for 24 years. She was involved with achieving accreditation by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International in 1991 and has been recognized by Idaho State University for her role in maintaining accreditation for 23 years. She has contributed to multiple research projects at Idaho State University as well as Washington State University.

 

Dr. Carlson has been recognized for her achievements by receiving the Idaho State University Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Arts and Sciences, in 2004. She received the Idaho Veterinarian of the Year award in 2006, in acknowledgment of her dedication to veterinary medicine. She and her husband Brad Lammers have two sons; they enjoy many activities, including skiing, biking, camping, attending the kids’ sporting events, and spending time helping on her parents’ cattle ranch.

 

As a wife, mother, and practice owner, Dr. Carlson is uniquely qualified to represent the growing female component of the veterinary profession. She knows well the many challenges that younger veterinarians face in balancing time, energy, and resources on a day-to-day basis and is committed to helping shape the AVMA to meet the needs of all members.