Listen in as Dr. Cains dives in deep to mentorship, how it shaped her and what she is doing to pay it forward. We talk about her early career, who has made massive impact in her personal career, and how she leads at Thrive.

About Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM:

Dr. Kelly Cairns is the Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Dr. Cairns earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University and pursued further training through a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University. Following this, she completed a small animal internal medicine residency at The Ohio State University, where she attained Diplomate status as a board-certified Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist. Dr. Cairns also actively contributes to the field as an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and holds positions on the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors, the dvm360 editorial board, and the Wedgewood advisory board. With a focus on profession-related wellness, leadership coaching, veterinary education models, and internal medicine, Dr. Cairns is committed to fostering the growth, success and happiness of veterinary professionals worldwide.

Dr. Karen Shenoy serves as Chief Veterinary Officer for Hill’s US. She joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2008 and has extensive industry experience, having progressed through roles of increasing responsibility leading commercial and professional teams at Hill’s.

Additionally, she has small animal practice experience & has worked in wildlife rehabilitation medicine and as part-time adjunct faculty with a veterinary technology program.

She serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers and the Veterinary Innovation Council.

Jeremiah Pouncy:

Why & Who Am I?

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is yet a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." ~ Langston Hughes

Hey, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying happy and healthy! I'm Jeremiah Pouncy, a Cornell University veterinary student and proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University. Langston Hughes' words have been a true north for me as I've navigated through this world of polarizing perspectives and conflicting values. My journey? It's been a tapestry of academic excellence, a deep-rooted passion for environmental health, and an unrelenting drive to innovate veterinary medicine. In the future, I envision building an international veterinary business that resonates with gold-standard care, establishing wellness programs connecting students & animals, and spearheading groundbreaking research! As a 2x author, former NFL intern, and an African American pioneer in my field, my mission extends beyond my own personal success. This odyssey is a bold statement in a field where my presence as a black male is a rarity, with only 1% of veterinarians in the U.S. being African American. The path I trailblaze is designed to shatter ceilings and pave ways for those who follow, embodying a journey that intertwines the threads of veterinary medicine, entrepreneurship, and a deep-seated desire to redefine the norms of our wo

Mission Statement: Join me on a journey that transcends the ordinary. This is not just about veterinary care; it's a mission to make lasting, global impacts on animal welfare and environmental conservation. Your support is the key to unlocking this transformative venture. Let's embark on our odyssey together!

Jeremiah Pouncy:

Why & Who Am I?

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is yet a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." ~ Langston Hughes

Hey, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying happy and healthy! I'm Jeremiah Pouncy, a Cornell University veterinary student and proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University. Langston Hughes' words have been a true north for me as I've navigated through this world of polarizing perspectives and conflicting values. My journey? It's been a tapestry of academic excellence, a deep-rooted passion for environmental health, and an unrelenting drive to innovate veterinary medicine. In the future, I envision building an international veterinary business that resonates with gold-standard care, establishing wellness programs connecting students & animals, and spearheading groundbreaking research! As a 2x author, former NFL intern, and an African American pioneer in my field, my mission extends beyond my own personal success. This odyssey is a bold statement in a field where my presence as a black male is a rarity, with only 1% of veterinarians in the U.S. being African American. The path I trailblaze is designed to shatter ceilings and pave ways for those who follow, embodying a journey that intertwines the threads of veterinary medicine, entrepreneurship, and a deep-seated desire to redefine the norms of our world.

Mission Statement: Join me on a journey that transcends the ordinary. This is not just about veterinary care; it's a mission to make lasting, global impacts on animal welfare and environmental conservation. Your support is the key to unlocking this transformative venture. Let's embark on our odyssey together!