Dr. Kelly Cairns

Dr. Kelly Cairns is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist, medical operations leader, educator, and consultant. She graduated from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in 2005, and finished her small animal internal medicine residency at The Ohio State University in 2008, at which time she achieved Diplomate status.    

After a rewarding career as a practicing internist and multi-specialty/ER medical director, Dr. Cairns joined Thrive Pet Healthcare in 2018 as a senior medical operations leader, later serving five years as Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education for nearly 400 hospitals nationwide. In this role, she created and built the Medical Excellence & Education department from the ground up, developing its programs, resources, and organizational structure to elevate clinical quality, medical culture, and professional development across the national network.   

Dr. Cairns is currently an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she actively contributes to veterinary education and curriculum design. She currently is the 2026 CVMA President. Additionally, she is a dvm360 Editorial Board member and Wedgewood Advisory Board member, extending her impact across veterinary media, continuing education, and industry partnerships.    

An international lecturer, Dr. Cairns speaks on veterinary education models, clinical internal medicine, leadership development, and profession-related well-being. She is passionate about supporting the growth, success, and happiness of veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers.   

She lives in Naperville with her husband, three children, her cat, and a very sweet (but very poorly mannered) Labrapittie mix. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys distance running, personal fitness, and the science of brewing the perfect cup of tea.