Tracy Kyle Chair in Small Animal Medicine

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Thanks to the generosity of David and Tracy Kyle of Tulsa, Oklahoma, OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences recently established the Tracy Kyle Chair in Small Animal Medicine.

“The Tracy Kyle Chair actually aids us in fulfilling our mission, which is shaping the future through discovery, education, and unparalleled veterinary care,” said Dr. Jeff Studer, director of the center’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. “This chair is part of a bigger program and allows us to pursue newer and less invasive treatments for our patients, which is very exciting. In some cases, these treatments are an option that patients would not have otherwise had. So not only are we able to offer faster healing times and less pain with recovery through minimally invasive procedures but we are able to use this technology to treat patients that we could not have treated before. I think it will be revolutionary for veterinary medicine, especially here in the state of Oklahoma.”

“Funds from this chair allow the chair holder to expand the service in minimally invasive procedures that are performed at the hospital,” explained Dr. Daniel Burba, head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. “This can be done through increased caseload and by researching and investigating new and enhanced technologies and ideas in emerging medicine. The chair holder’s work will expose our veterinary students to some of the latest procedures and give them ideas on various treatment options for different disorders in animals. When these student graduate, they know we will be able to provide their clients and their animals with this type of service. The chair holder can also share the knowledge gained through publications to let others know what we are accomplishing at Oklahoma State.”

Burba hopes to name the chair holder in the next 12 months.

“We are actively pursuing a position in the minimally invasive area, primarily cardiology,” said Burba. “Hopefully in the next 12 months we will be able to fill this chair. Without support from people like the Kyles, we could not do the things that we do here both in the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and specifically in the Veterinary Medical Hospital. We are so thankful to have donors like the Kyles to be able to advance our medicine as well as our teaching and research.”

“I think the thing that is exciting about this chair and our minimally invasive program in general is just the fact that we really are shaping the future for veterinary medicine,” continued Studer. “The innovation that is happening here at Oklahoma State is very exciting to be part of and I think the Kyles’ vision and generosity will be paramount to this program.”

I agree, and because we are a teaching hospital, we want to stay in the forefront of the medicine,” added Burba. “We want the public to know that we’re constantly striving to provide the best care for their animals.”

For more information on the services available at Oklahoma State University’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, visit https://cvhs.okstate.edu/veterinary-medical-hospital/index.html.

Michelotti First Recipient of the Tracy Kyle Small Animal Endowed Scholarship

Laura Michelotti of Rockville, Maryland, is the first recipient of the Tracy Kyle Small Animal Endowed Scholarship, which was awarded in April 2019 at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences annual awards reception.

“Receiving the Tracy Kyle Small Animal Endowed Scholarship means a great deal to me, both financially and personally,” said Michelotti. “This generous gift is allowing me to decrease my loans for the upcoming year and have less stress repaying loans after graduation when I’m trying to obtain an internship and residency.”

Growing up Michelotti loved animals, science and creative problem solving.

“I have always wanted to be a veterinarian,” she added. “I have discovered a deep interest in ophthalmology as a specialty. An interest I think my pug, Rotini, and her plethora of eye problems has spurred along.”

Michelotti chose Oklahoma State University for her DVM degree because both the school and the town suited her needs.

“I really wanted to be on a campus with a sense of pride and community, which I feel Stillwater definitely has,” said Michelotti. “I am very glad I did pick OSU because of the amazing friends I have made and the quality of education I am receiving.”

Michelotti finished the first three years of the DVM curriculum and began her clinical and final year of veterinary college in May 2019.

“Personally, I feel honored to have been selected for such an award at the culmination of my classroom education and entrance into clinical medicine.”

OSU’s veterinary center award more than $542,270 in scholarships to 158 different veterinary students.

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu