Experience & Credentials
Professional Experience
University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine
Education Specialist & Curriculum Consultant · 2026–present
Curriculum implementation partner for a new three-year distributed veterinary program launching in 2027
Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine · 2026–present
Adjunct Faculty, Small Animal Internal Medicine · 2022–2026
Clinical teaching in small animal internal medicine and curriculum design for the preclinical team-based learning program
Canine Stroke Foundation
Chief Programs Officer and Member, Board of Directors · 2026–present
Strategy and delivery of financial assistance, continuing education and caregiver education programs that turn research on stroke in dogs and cats into practical support for pet owners and veterinary teams
Thrive Pet Healthcare
Vice President, Medical Excellence and Education · 2021–2025
Built the Medical Excellence & Education department from inception, spanning clinical quality, education, house officer programs and mentorship across approximately 400 hospitals nationwide
Pathway Vet Alliance (now Thrive Pet Healthcare)
Director of Specialty and Emergency Medicine · 2018–2020
Led medical excellence, culture and business performance across a national portfolio of 15 multi-specialty and emergency hospitals, with full P&L ownership
Premier Veterinary Group
Medical Director · 2013–2018
Launched a new multi-specialty and emergency hospital and built it into a destination referral center for the Chicago area, while carrying a full internal medicine caseload
VCA Aurora Animal Hospital
Staff Internist · 2008–2013
Grew the internal medicine caseload and service offerings; rotating internship committee member and intern supervisor
Consulting & Advisory
Dr. Kelly Cairns Consulting, LLC
Founder & Principal Consultant · 2026–present
Strategic advisory services for veterinary academic institutions, practice organizations, education companies and industry partners, from curriculum architecture and competency-based education to clinical quality systems and leadership development
VetEd Teaching Solutions
Strategic Advisor and Internal Medicine Subject Matter Expert · 2026–present
dvm360
Editorial Board Member · 2021–present
Wedgewood Pharmacy
Strategic Advisory Board Member · 2023–2026
Professional Leadership & Service
Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
President · 2025–present
President-Elect · 2024–2025
Secretary · 2023–2024
Previously a member of the Board of Directors
Feline Veterinary Medical Association
Appointed Member, Feline Welfare Committee · 2027–2029
Education, Clinical Training & Board Certification
Diplomate, Small Animal Internal Medicine
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2008
MS, Veterinary Clinical Sciences
The Ohio State University · 2008
Thesis: "Effect of alloantigen exposure and subsequent FIV challenge on feline toll-like receptor expression"
Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency
The Ohio State University · 2008
Small Animal Medical & Surgical Rotating Internship
Cornell University · 2005
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Summa Cum Laude
Colorado State University · 2004
BA, Biology
Johns Hopkins University · 1995
Teaching & Faculty Development
Certificate of Completion, A Taste of Team-Based Learning
University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine · 2026
Eight-session international faculty development program for veterinary educators
Certificate in College Teaching
University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine · 2024
Graduate faculty development program in curriculum design, instructional theory, learning science and assessment
Honors & Distinctions
Non-Resident Teacher of the Year
Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine · 2025–2026
Professional Member, by invitation
National Academies of Practice, Veterinary Academy · 2024
Resident Research Award
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum · 2008
Memberships
- Academy of Veterinary Educators
- American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
- Feline Veterinary Medical Association