KAREN M. HOLM
285 Harlow Ln
Arrington, VA 22922
540-313-5788
drkmholm@gmail.com
EDUCATION
September 2014- current
April 1999-August 2001
August 2001-August 2002
June 1995
June 1995
MVetSci Conservation Medicine
University of Edinburgh, Scotland, ODL
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
St. Kitts, West Indies
University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine, clinical year
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Bachelor of Science, Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Resources
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
VETERINARY EXPERIENCE
November 2012- Current
Peak Veterinary Services, Inc, Arrington, VA
Primary Veterinarian in charge
 Developed and managed a low-cost spay/neuter facility
 Providing a community service to help control pet over population
 In-Home hospice care and Euthanasia service
January 2008-December 2012
Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, Lovingston, VA
Owner, Sole Practitioner
 75% small animal, 20% large animal, 5% exotic small mammals to include
ferrets, rabbits, rodents, sugar gliders.
 Acquired a 30 year old, well established, rural practice
 Learned by necessity to become a skilled diagnostician using minimal
diagnostics, to treat severe injuries by becoming proficient in wound care
and to manage medical cases with alternative therapies due to a low
socioeconomic environment
 Excellent interpersonal and client relation skills demonstrated through
retention and a 20% annual increase of a loyal client base.
 Worked closely with HS/SPCA for spay/neuters, surgical treatments and
medical treatment plans to help expedite the adoption process
 State of Virginia contracted veterinary consultant for county animal control
facility
 Proficient in writing USDA Category II Health certificates, Coggins
 Led at least 8 employees in all Human Resource functions
January 2003-March 2008
Rolling Hills Animal Hospital, Westminster, MD
Owner, Sole Practitioner
 95% small animal, 5% exotic small mammals
 Developed, opened and operated a new practice with emphasis on wellness
and preventative medicine.
 Established and maintained a strong and progressively increasing client
base.
 Demonstrated self-reliance and proficiency in diagnostics, elective surgeries
and medical management strengthened from being sole practitioner.
 Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
 Practice and business management skills
2007-present
Central Carroll Animal Emergency, Westminster, MD
Partial owner and Proprietor
 Assisted and consulted in design, start-up and build-out of a new multidoctor emergency facility
 Consultant as needed
ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
June 1996- May 1998
SHEA (Safe Haven for Endangered Animals) PARK Casar, NC
A USDA regulated, non-profit holding/transfer facility for zoological animals.
Veterinary assistant/animal caregiver
 In charge of nutrition and medical care for non-human primates, big cats and
bears.
 Initiated and coordinated incoming and out-going transports.
 Proficient in writing and composing printed material on the computer for
information and advertising purposes.
 Worked with USDA in developing and implementing a primate
environmental enrichment program.
 Speaker for outreach educational programs including Discovery Place, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
March- May 1996
The Baltimore Zoo, Baltimore, MD
Zoo Hospital Volunteer
 Assisted in the general care and dietary needs of hospital animals.
 Laboratory aid in handling blood samples and performing tests.
 Aided in general care and dietary needs of animals to include
primates within quarantine area.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
June 1-5, 2015
Attended Conservation Centers of Species Survival (C2S2) Breeding
Centers Course at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)
through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, VA
May 12-13, 2015
Attended Safe Capture International Immobilization of wild animals
workshop in Raleigh, NC
December 2013-Current
AAZV- Associate member
Committees- Education, Wildlife Health & Conservation
The Wildlife Society-Regular member
The Wildlife Society- Associate Wildlife Biologist ®
October-November 2013,
April 2015
Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, VA
Volunteer extern: shadowed the Veterinary fellow and intern during clinical
checks, treatments and assisting with exams, diagnostics, medical procedures,
and anesthesia of native Virginia wildlife. Learned and performed proper
handling techniques of raptors, reptiles and mammals.
Fall 2013, 2014
Attended AAZV Conference
June 2013, March 2015
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore-Volunteer extern: shadowed the associate
veterinarian and intern during clinical checks on grounds, helping with
medical procedures, anesthesia and exams on all forms of zoo species.
March 2012
Attended the International Camelid Health Conference for
Veterinarians-The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary
Medicine
January 2003-present
USDA certification in Category II
1999-2002
Student Chapter of AAZV- Ross University School of Vet Med, St.Kitts, WI
REFERENCES
Ellen Bronson, DVM, DACZM
Senior Veterinarian, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Ellen.bronson@marylandzoo.org
Allison Wack, DVM
Associate Veterinarian, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
allisonwack@gmail.com
Dave McRuer, MSc, DVM, DACVPM
Director Veterinary Services, Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, VA
DMcRuer@wildlifecenter.org