Dr. Rebecca Bishop, lecturer in Equine Emergency and Critical Care, began working at the college in 2018.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I began working at the college in 2018, initially as an intern veterinarian with the equine surgery service.
Describe your role at the college.
I am a lecturer in Equine Emergency and Critical Care. In my current role, I supervise residents, interns, and clinical year veterinary students while providing care to horses brought into the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a wide range of conditions that require emergent veterinary care. I also work on clinical research, with a focus on gastrointestinal disease and coagulation testing. A smaller portion of my time is spent providing lecture and laboratory instruction for house officers and veterinary students.
Have you held any previous titles or responsibilities at the college?
In my time at Vet Med, I have been an intern, graduate student, surgery resident, and postdoctoral research associate before starting my current role in 2024. I am very grateful for the many training opportunities I’ve had at U of I.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working in emergency, I often meet horses and their caretakers on one of their worst days, and it is a privilege to be a source of comfort and care during those times. My favorite part of my job is when the horse has recovered and gets to return home to their job, whether they are an elite athlete that can return to competition, a family pony continuing years of companionship, or a broodmare that can continue to raise the next generation of horses. I also love to hear from past clients about the successes and new memories they get to make with their equine companion.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
…the day I took my surgical board exam, I happened to get a message out of the blue with foal pictures from a client who I hadn’t seen in years. As an intern, I treated her mare for a terrible laceration over several months, and we thought we might lose the mare at more than one point. To find out that she had not only returned to riding, but had then gone on to raise two healthy foals was the best feeling!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am still an unabashed horse girl and spend much of my free time riding and training my two horses. I also enjoy gardening and playing board games with my husband and friends.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
In addition to board games, I love playing Dungeons and Dragons.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
One of my personal long-term goals is to earn a Bronze Medal from USDF (US Dressage Federation).
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
My favorite local business is The Literary – for coffee, cocktails, and to add to my ever-growing TBR (to be read) pile.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Coffee, coffee, and coffee. My current favorites are a pistachio or lavender oatmilk latte, but I’m not picky.
Do you have any pets?
We have three black cats (Drogo, Ion, and Arcee), and two horses (Pearl and Rita). Arcee and Rita were both somewhat accidental acquisitions – Arcee was found in the hay at my barn as a tiny kitten, and is best buds with her older “brother” Drogo. Rita came to Vet Med for Dr. McCoy’s orthopedic research, and I adopted her as a training project after she completed the study.
