Kathryn Duncan, DVM
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Kathryn Duncan, DVM and graduate student at Oklahoma State University, is the BI Resident in Veterinary Parasitology. Dr. Duncan is completing her PhD and clinical training toward board certification in parasitology under the direction of Dr. Susan Little, a leading veterinary parasitologist, current Diplomate of the ACVM, and Co-Director of the NCVP. A 2018 graduate of the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine, Kathryn worked with noted parasitologists Drs. Rick Gerhold and John Schaeffer while at UT. Kathryn's current research focuses on ticks and tick-borne infections in North America. In addition to her clinical training at Oklahoma State, her program will include parasitology experience at other veterinary colleges in North America and the opportunity to collaborate with others involved in veterinary parasitology throughout the animal health field.
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Five Questions with NCVP BI Resident Dr. Kathryn Duncan
Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, what are some of the defining experiences of your life?
I grew up in Eastern Tennessee where I loved being outdoors. I started riding horses when I was nine-years-old because I wanted to be just like my older sister. In school, I enjoyed science classes the most, and I aspired to have a career in medicine. Once in veterinary school, I took the advice of my faculty advisor and applied for the summer research program not knowing that it would lead me to where I am right now.
How did you initially become interested in veterinary medicine?
I will admit… I spent the majority of my time with animals growing up, and my parents and friends always encouraged me to pursue veterinary medicine. But until about halfway through college, my sights were actually set on medical school. I transferred colleges my sophomore year and switched my study focus from medical school to veterinary school. I was lucky enough to know a few equine veterinarians who let me work for them; I remember a particular instance when these veterinarians took time out of their busy schedule to prep me for my veterinary school interview which is when I realized this truly was the field for me. I was surrounded by a group of the smartest, kindest, humblest people I had yet to meet, and that is where I wanted to stay.
How did you become interested in parasitology? When did you know it would be your field?
The summer between my first and second year of veterinary school I was matched with a wildlife parasitologist at The University of Tennessee for a summer research program. Needless to say it went well because I spent the following two summers studying the gastrointestinal parasites of wild turkeys. Even though I greatly enjoyed my clinical year of veterinary school, I was always happiest when I walked into the parasitology lab.
What focus have you chosen for your residency? Where will your research efforts be targeted?
Due to the continued public and veterinary interest in tick-borne disease and my mentor’s expertise, my research will be focused on ticks and tick-borne disease in North America. The finer details are yet to be finalized, but I am currently enjoying teaching the veterinary students and helping with other ongoing lab projects.
What is your plan after your residency? What would you like to accomplish over the course of your career?
On my residency application, I stressed my interest in educating current and future veterinarians. I still hope to achieve this throughout my career. I believe I can make the biggest difference in animal lives by educating their caregivers.
I grew up in Eastern Tennessee where I loved being outdoors. I started riding horses when I was nine-years-old because I wanted to be just like my older sister. In school, I enjoyed science classes the most, and I aspired to have a career in medicine. Once in veterinary school, I took the advice of my faculty advisor and applied for the summer research program not knowing that it would lead me to where I am right now.
How did you initially become interested in veterinary medicine?
I will admit… I spent the majority of my time with animals growing up, and my parents and friends always encouraged me to pursue veterinary medicine. But until about halfway through college, my sights were actually set on medical school. I transferred colleges my sophomore year and switched my study focus from medical school to veterinary school. I was lucky enough to know a few equine veterinarians who let me work for them; I remember a particular instance when these veterinarians took time out of their busy schedule to prep me for my veterinary school interview which is when I realized this truly was the field for me. I was surrounded by a group of the smartest, kindest, humblest people I had yet to meet, and that is where I wanted to stay.
How did you become interested in parasitology? When did you know it would be your field?
The summer between my first and second year of veterinary school I was matched with a wildlife parasitologist at The University of Tennessee for a summer research program. Needless to say it went well because I spent the following two summers studying the gastrointestinal parasites of wild turkeys. Even though I greatly enjoyed my clinical year of veterinary school, I was always happiest when I walked into the parasitology lab.
What focus have you chosen for your residency? Where will your research efforts be targeted?
Due to the continued public and veterinary interest in tick-borne disease and my mentor’s expertise, my research will be focused on ticks and tick-borne disease in North America. The finer details are yet to be finalized, but I am currently enjoying teaching the veterinary students and helping with other ongoing lab projects.
What is your plan after your residency? What would you like to accomplish over the course of your career?
On my residency application, I stressed my interest in educating current and future veterinarians. I still hope to achieve this throughout my career. I believe I can make the biggest difference in animal lives by educating their caregivers.