Karen Perry graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh in 2005. After a short period in mixed practice and an internship in small animal orthopedics Dr. Perry returned to the R(D)SVS to complete a residency in small animal surgery from 2007 to 2010. Following achievement of ECVS status in 2011, Dr. Perry joined the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London as a lecturer in small animal orthopedics. During her tenure at the RVC, Dr. Perry completed a postgraduate certificate in veterinary education and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
After four years at the RVC Dr. Perry moved to Michigan State University where she is currently a Tenured Associate Professor in Small Animal Orthopedics and Section Head of Small Animal Surgery. In 2022, Dr. Perry was also named the Pat Carrigan Professor of Feline Medicine. Dr. Perry’s passion for veterinary education led her to pursue further qualifications in this ever-expanding field. In 2019, whilst at MSU, Dr. Perry completed her Masters of Science in Veterinary Education, the thesis of which focused on the importance of feedback during veterinary residency programs. Due to her knowledge in education, Dr. Perry was elected to serve on the AOVET NA education committee.
Dr. Perry has published widely in the veterinary literature with her main research interests being feline orthopedics, traumatology and the correction of limb deformities associated with patellar luxation. Dr. Perry, an International AO Faculty, created the first AO Master Course in Feline Orthopedics and has presented her work throughout the world including in Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Italy, Poland and the UK.
Dr. Perry has an expanding interest in the use of social media to enhance professional networking, education and patient care and acts as chair of the AONA social media taskforce.