Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)

Kelly Cairns, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist, veterinary medical leader, educator, consultant, and nationally recognized speaker. Her career spans specialty clinical practice, hospital medical directorship, and executive leadership, including oversight of medical excellence and education across a national network of approximately 400 veterinary hospitals. She brings a unique perspective that connects clinical expertise, veterinary education, and medical leadership, with a focus on translating complex medical evidence into practical guidance for veterinary professionals.

Cairns is the founder and principal consultant of Dr. Kelly Cairns Consulting, LLC, advising veterinary organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners on medical strategy, clinical excellence, and education. She is an assistant professor of internal medicine at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and an education specialist and curriculum consultant for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine, where she supports curriculum implementation for its new veterinary program.

She is also president of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, chief programs officer and a member of the board of directors of the Canine Stroke Foundation, and a member of the dvm360 Editorial Board.