At Illinois, you’ll find competitive salaries …
and a host of benefits not typically found in private practice
MORE PERKS:
- Eligibility for the federal Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Potential to augment income through outside consulting
- Access to world-class performing arts center, Big Ten sports, and fitness and recreation centers
- Friendly and affordable community with cosmopolitan features
You’ll find supportive leadership, a collaborative environment, and opportunities for personal and career growth.
- You’ll work with veterinary colleagues representing more than 20 specialty areas, including:
-
- ◦ Four diplomates in veterinary emergency and critical care
- ◦ Three anesthesiologists
- ◦ And experienced and dedicated technical staff
- You’ll love working in our 9,000 sq. ft. small animal surgical wing, built in 2021, with eight operating rooms, 2 C-arm fluoroscopic units, and an interventional suite.
- You’ll have autonomy in clinical decision-making and scheduling and a plentiful and diverse caseload.
Choose from a complete cadre of state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, including:
- 128-slice CT and 3T MRI for diagnostic imaging
- Harmonic scalpel offering a variety of choices for dissection, resection, and hemostasis
- Zeiss Opmi operating microscopes with dual head-to-head configuration
- Karl Storz Veterinary Endoscopy rigid endoscopy suite
- 3D printing for surgical planning
- Arthrex Vet Systems arthroscopy suite
- BioMedrix I-Loc® IM fixator and Total Hip Replacement systems
- LCP and LCDCP internal fixation plating systems
- Synthes battery-operated surgical drills, Aesculap Acculan TPLO saws, sagittal and sternal saws, and all required types of hand equipment/tools
- Additional equipment is available upon request!
Join an experienced team in small animal orthopedics
Dr. Tisha Harper, a diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, has a special interest in physical therapy and canine osteoarthritis. She rejoined the faculty in October 2025.
Dr. Caroline Garzotto joined the team in 2023 bringing more than 25 years of experience as a surgeon and expertise in orthopedic procedures, oncologic surgery, wound management, and rehabilitation.
Kim Knap (foreground above) has cared for patients at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital since 2001 as a certified veterinary technician. She helped found the hospital’s rehabilitation service and has gained certifications as a canine rehabilitation practitioner, canine strength and conditioning coach, and osteoarthritis case manager and recently earned a Master’s in Veterinary Science.
Kellie Gard, who is the clinical service coordinator for the orthopedics service, has been a certified veterinary technician at the college since 2012.
She says, “Orthopedics has always been fascinating to me. The idea that we can help fix an animal and usually send them home the next day is truly amazing!”
The University of Illinois Upper Respiratory Clinic is an international leader in the care of brachycephalic dogs and cats
A new oncology wing, opening in early 2026, will support comprehensive patient care and groundbreaking discoveries for the treatment of cancer.
We Want You!
The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine values work-life balance and collegiality. We are a friendly and interactive hospital, and we seek new colleagues who excel clinically and academically while having fun at work and building strong relationships with coworkers.
JOIN OUR SUPPORTIVE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Together we create a workplace culture that fosters respect, inclusion, trust, and support for personal and professional growth. The more diverse our community, the stronger we are. We practice compassion and selfcare. We celebrate successes, knowing that our most valuable assest is our people.
More about our college and university
- The University of Illinois is an internationally ranked public, land-grant university.
- The College of Veterinary Medicine has growing and innovative educational, research, and clinical service programs.
- The Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine has 100 faculty members and 50 residents and interns.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
