Michelle Willis, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmology Department Head

Education
1989-1993 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada

1993-1994 Internship in General Medicine and Surgery
Michigan State University College of veterinary medicine
East Lansing, MI

1994-1997 Residency in Comparative Veterinary Ophthalmology
University of Georgia College of veterinary medicine
Athens, GA

1998 Diplomate, American College of Veterinary OphthalmologistsPrior to joining the staff at VESCONE, Dr. Willis was on faculty at Ohio State University for three years before relocating back to the Northeast and entering private practice. She was on staff at Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital in Springfield, before starting her own practice in Avon, CT, which included a bi-weekly clinic at the Veterinary Specialties Referral Center in Pattersonville, NY.

Dr. Willis has trained ophthalmology residents in both academic and private practice settings and has mentored many students toward the residency path. She has authored numerous original and review articles on a variety of veterinary ophthalmology topics. Although she prefers private practice over full-time academia, Dr. Willis promotes continuing education through her journal editorial commitments, book chapter contributions and intermittent teaching locums at the Atlantic Veterinary College back home in Canada. Dr. Willis enjoys the dual disciplines of surgery and medicine that ophthalmology offers, and also feels that the most enjoyable aspect of a career in veterinary ophthalmology is the ability to treat and learn from a wide variety of animal species. To date, a seal, tiger cub and Indian rhinoceros are amongst some of Dr. Willis’ most memorable patients.