VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Lisa Pinn McFaddin
Lisa Pinn McFaddin DVM '07
Associate Veterinarian, Caring Hands Animal Hospital Bristow
How VMCVM equipped me for the 'real world'...
Expanded my horizons regarding the multitude of veterinary roles, guided me to pursue an internship, reinforced the importance of thorough medical records, and emphasized the importance of handling loan repayment.
Best part of being a VMCVM alum...
Rediscovering VMCVM as it evolves, watching a new generation of veterinarians grow, ability to help with prospective student interviews, Hokie pride.
Best advice I've gotten....
"Whatever you say, say it with confidence." Dr. Sponenberg
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...
Improving patient care by embracing the art and science of integrative medicine.
My hidden talent...
Veterinary: Doing an impression of a 6-week-old kitten, painting clay paws for my clients, making baby hats for my clients
Non-veterinary: Knitting and crafting.
A person who has inspired me...
VMCVM: Dr. Rossmeisl
Non-VMCVM: Dr. Pedro Rivera (The Healing Oasis Wellness Center).
What did you learn at the college that you never thought you would benefit from?
Designing, executing, and writing about scientific research.
Biggest misconception about my job or industry...
There is no research or evidence supporting the various therapeutic modalities within the umbrella of integrative medicine (acupuncture, chiropractic or spinal manipulation, manual therapies, massage, Chinese herbal medicine, photobiomodulation, and animal health supplements).
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
Right now you are in the weeds. Trust the teaching process. It will all come together (the big medical brain click), and you will start thinking like a doctor.
Fondest college memory or tradition...
Catching the magnet in the fistulated cow.
A cause I'm most passionate about... The most formative experience I've had...
Introducing veterinary students, veterinarians, pet owners, and the general public to the benefits of integrative medicine.
My own dog became very sick from a fungal infection called blastomycosis. He had a severe reaction to the medications, and I felt helpless when pharmaceuticals did not help. Dietary modification, animal health supplements, and acupuncture improved his quality of life and sped his recovery. Thus began my deep dive into the world of integrative medicine.
Top of my bucket list...
Go on an Alaskan whale-watching cruise.
My favorite quote...
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." -Inigo Montoya
Being a VMCVM alumnus means...
Pride in my foundational knowledge. Watching Hokie football.
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
3 dogs, 1 cat, 1 koi, and multiple freshwater fish. I have amassed a menagerie of rescued pure-bred dogs: 4-year-old pug (Murdock), 3-year-old beagle (Frank Castle), and a 2-year-old doodle (Sable). The cat is a 13-year-old semi-feral medium-long haired tuxedo who only likes my husband. The koi is 22" long, at least 10 years old, came with the house, and lives in our small pond. We have 3 freshwater tanks ranging in size from 1 gallon to 35 gallons with a variety of fish.
Anything else to add?
I wrote a textbook on integrative veterinary medicine, "Integrative Medicine in Veterinary Practice", published by Wiley in May 2024.