We are proud to announce that Dr. Kilpatrick is now a board-certified criticalist!

What is a Veterinary Criticalist?

A veterinary criticalist is a highly trained, board-certified expert in emergency and critical care medicine, specializing in the treatment of animals facing life-threatening illnesses or injuries. These specialists operate in emergency hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), and advanced specialty clinics, where they deliver vital care to pets experiencing:

• Traumatic injuries (e.g., car accidents, deep wounds)
• Sepsis (severe, systemic infections)
• Respiratory failure or distress
• Toxic exposures or ingestions
• Environmental crises (e.g., heatstroke, hypothermia, venomous bites)
• Organ dysfunction or failure (e.g., heart, liver, kidneys)
• Acute endocrine emergencies (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis, Addisonian crisis)
• Complications following surgery

Veterinary criticalists are equipped to manage the most complex and urgent cases, often making rapid, high-stakes decisions that can determine survival. Their expertise is essential in navigating the delicate balance between stabilization and recovery.

Why Are Veterinary Criticalists Important?

While general veterinarians provide essential routine care across a broad spectrum of health needs, veterinary criticalists specialize in urgent, high-stakes situations where time is critical. Their advanced training in life-saving techniques—like mechanical ventilation, targeted drug therapies, and continuous intensive monitoring—ensures that critically ill or injured pets receive the highest level of care when it matters most.

Congratulations Dr. Kilpatrick! Continue reading about Kelley Kilpatrick, DVM, DACVECC!

Learn more about 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care at VRC Malvern.