Virginia Tech® home

Dr. Karen D.

Headshot of Karen D.

Profile

Education

  • Degree: DVM
    School: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 
    Track: Public and Corporate
    Class of 2011
  • Degree: MS
    School: University of Miami
    Class of 2006

Certification(s)

  • Companion Animal Nutrition

Location

  • Rockville, MD

Bio in brief...

At present, I work as a Veterinary Medical Officer at the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

I work as a reviewer specializing in pet food within the Division of Animal Food Ingredients at FDA/CVM.  I review research studies and associated materials to support the safety and utility of new pet food ingredients or products, review labels for pet foods to ensure they comply with regulations, and interact in various ways with members of industry and state regulators on matters pertaining to pet food regulation.

Previously, I worked in small animal medicine for several years and can provide insight into why doing so is beneficial even if you don't want to and it's not your ultimate career goal. 

I also did many 4th year externships at zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities so I know a lot about those fields and career paths.