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Dr. Sara M.

Headshot of Sara Fleckenstein.

Profile

Education

  • Degree: DVM
    School: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 
    Track: Public and Corporate
    Class of 2021
  • Degree: MPH
    School: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
    Class of 2021

Certification(s)

  • Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA)

Location

  • Baltimore, MD

Bio in brief...

At present, I'm working as a Disease Programs/Emergency Response Coordinator for the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture.

As a DP/ER coordinator, I perform emergency response and Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) planning, coordinate the state's FAD response and planning program, and design and assist with surveillance plans. I also work with the USDA and other agency/industry staff on response coordination and training programs. During FAD incidents and disease outbreaks in the state, I serve in leadership positions on the Incident Management Team and provide epidemiologic advice.  I assist with the state's TB, PSV, Brucellosis, NPIP, CWD programs, and analyze and evaluate program procedures and policies related to disease eradication and surveillance.

Through June 2022, I was with the USDA-FSIS in Washington State, working as a State Public Health Veterinarian. SPHV responsibilities included antemortem and post-mortem dispositions, and supervisory duties of Consumer Safety Inspectors. I worked on mini-circuit patrol and traveled with mobile slaughter units to remote areas of Washington (Cascade Mountains, San Juan Islands, etc.), and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and flexibility of this position.

When I have the opportunity, I work clinical medicine on weekends (relief work at vaccination clinics) to keep my skills sharp and give back to the community. I am also certified in veterinary acupuncture (CVA).

I used my PC track clerkships to get a lot of experience in different areas (sled dogs, wildlife in Oregon, APHIS-VS CEAH and field-VMO, CDC EEP, etc.), and would love to work with students to show them the flexibility of this track and discuss my career path.

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