Elysia Schaefer, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA grew up moving around the country in an Air Force family. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Afterwards, she completed a large animal internship at the University of Minnesota and returned to Illinois to complete an equine surgery residency and masters degree program. After being a board certified large animal surgeon for many years, she was ready for her next adventure. After completion of the Catalyst Program through Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, she joined the emergency team at VRC.