Meet the Board candidate: Dr. Carol G. Ryan

Candidate: District 7 director

Biographical statement provided by the candidate.

Dr. Carol Ryan is a 1992 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ryan is a mixed animal practitioner and partner owner of the Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinics in Missouri. Carol was raised on a registered Angus and Yorkshire swine farm and is still involved in the production of cattle and row crops.

Carol and her husband, Dr. Bruce Rhodes, own the Elsberry Animal Hospital. Together they have four beautiful children and are extremely proud of their children's accomplishments.

Dr. Ryan has served the positions of vice-president, president-elect and in 2019 was honored to fulfill the role as the president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). She led the continuing education arm of the MVMA, which advances veterinary education for the betterment of the profession. There she proudly served as president of the Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practitioners. Other leadership roles are many, with highlights as an AAVSB Race program screener, past chairperson of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board as well as executive board chair of the MVMA. She has represented Missouri as the alternate delegate and delegate of the AVMA. Dr. Ryan attends MVMA as well as nationwide meetings focusing on AVMA advocacy and leadership development. She currently serves on the AVMA's Reference Committee of Governmental and Scientific Affairs, is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the St. Charles Cattlemen's Association, and the Pork Producers. She mentored students as a 4-H club leader and is a 4-H livestock advisor. This year Dr. Carol Ryan was honored as an inductee to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation's Honor Roll and was awarded the prestigious honor as 2023 Missouri Veterinarian of the Year.

"I have been involved in organized veterinary medicine since I graduated veterinary school in 1992. I have volunteered a multitude of hours for the Academy of Veterinary Practitioners, Emergency Management Team, Wellness and Suicide Task Force, state convention planning and countless committees. My passion has focused on mentoring pre-veterinary and preceptor students for over 30 years. I admire all the previous leaders that have committed their time and talent to our veterinary profession. I am humbled to be considered as a candidate for AVMA's District 7 Director. I intend to carry forth the enthusiasm to make our profession shine."

Statement of reason for seeking office

Statement of reason for seeking office provided by the candidate.

I have been blessed with an amazing career as a veterinarian. Through the past 30 years I have mentored pre-veterinary students and explained how the veterinary profession has endless opportunities for work experience. My work as a mixed animal practitioner has covered a wide variety of species. No two days have ever been the same and I still love what I do.

I have been involved in organized veterinary medicine since 1992. I have volunteered countless hours to help promote the betterment of the future of our industry. I have gained an understanding of what leadership entails and I have learned a wealth of information from the many leaders that have blazed a path for us to build a stronger foundation for our profession.

This is my tenth year in the AVMA House of Delegates. I have grown as a professional and appreciate the learning opportunities that have sharpened my skills. Working with the reference committees on Education and Research, Legislative and Governmental Matters and Scientific Activities has allowed me to be at the forefront of issues that challenge our profession. I have been fortunate to advocate in Washington D.C. with our senators and members of the House of Representatives. During those interactions I and other veterinarians were able to discuss in detail the critical issues that threaten our agricultural industry. Our voices on Capitol Hill have made a difference and we must strive to continue the work for the protection of this wonderful profession. We must share our experiences with future veterinarians so they may continue to carry the torch.

I strongly feel there is more that I can do to give back. Thirty years has not been enough time. I wish to further my leadership enrichment and be a voice for members in AVMA's District 7.