Assist. Prof. Dr. Kelley Varner | Veterinary Medicine | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Analgesia at North Carolina State University, United States
Dr. Kelley Varner is a highly accomplished veterinary anesthesiologist and educator. With a passion for advancing animal welfare through innovative anesthesia techniques, she has built a distinguished career as a clinician, researcher, and academic. Dr. Varner is currently an Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she combines her clinical expertise with her dedication to teaching the next generation of veterinary professionals. Her work focuses on improving anesthesia protocols, pain management, and pharmacological interventions for a variety of animal species, particularly horses and cattle. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received multiple research grants, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in veterinary anesthesiology.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Varner earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with High Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Arizona in 2011. Her academic training was followed by specialized professional experiences, including a rotating large animal internship at the New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, where she further honed her skills. Dr. Varner also completed a rigorous anesthesia residency at the same institution, cementing her expertise in veterinary anesthesia.
Professional Experience
Dr. Varner has extensive professional experience in both clinical practice and academic settings. After completing her anesthesia residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, she held clinical professor positions at the University of Missouri and later at North Carolina State University. Her clinical work involves the anesthesia and analgesia of various animal species, including equine and bovine patients, as well as providing mentorship to veterinary students. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA), reflecting her high level of expertise in the field.
Research Interests
Dr. Varner’s research interests primarily focus on improving anesthesia protocols and pain management strategies for large animals, particularly equine and bovine species. Her work involves exploring novel analgesic agents, investigating the pharmacodynamics of anesthesia drugs, and evaluating the efficacy of anesthetic procedures in critical care. Additionally, Dr. Varner has contributed to studies on the pharmacokinetics of anesthetic drugs in working dogs and the efficacy of local anesthesia in various veterinary surgeries. Her research aims to improve the safety, efficacy, and welfare of animals undergoing medical procedures.
Research Skills
Dr. Varner’s research skills are rooted in her deep understanding of veterinary anesthesia and pain management. She is highly skilled in experimental design, data analysis, and the application of veterinary pharmacology. Her expertise includes evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthesia agents, conducting clinical trials in animal models, and working with various statistical tools to interpret complex data. Dr. Varner is adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to conduct innovative research, particularly in the fields of anesthesia, analgesia, and critical care in veterinary medicine. Her research often involves the use of advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to assess outcomes and refine anesthesia protocols.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Varner has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout her career. She was named a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) in 2020, a significant professional milestone. In addition, Dr. Varner has been awarded multiple research grants to fund her innovative projects, such as the Phi Zeta Research Grant and USDA-NIFA Animal Health Fund Grant, which supported her studies on anesthesia efficacy in large animals. Her contributions to veterinary science have been recognized through numerous publications in respected journals, and she continues to be an influential figure in the field of veterinary anesthesiology.
Conclusion
Dr. Kelley Varner’s expertise in veterinary anesthesia, combined with her extensive clinical training, educational commitment, and research contributions, make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in improving anesthesia practices for animals and her ability to secure research funding highlight her dedication to advancing veterinary science. By expanding her public outreach and fostering more interdisciplinary collaborations, she can continue to broaden the impact of her research and further elevate her contributions to the field. Dr. Varner’s work is pivotal in enhancing animal care and veterinary education, making her a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.
Publication Top Notes
- FLASH proton radiotherapy spares normal epithelial and mesenchymal tissues while preserving sarcoma response
Authors: A Velalopoulou, IV Karagounis, GM Cramer, MM Kim, G Skoufos, D Goia, …
Journal: Cancer Research 81 (18), 4808-4821
Year: 2021
Citations: 128 - Sedation and mechanical antinociception after intravenous administration of detomidine in donkeys: a dosage–effect study
Authors: I Lizarraga, F Castillo‐Alcala, KM Varner, LS Robinson
Journal: Veterinary Record 176 (8), 202-202
Year: 2015
Citations: 14 - Sedation and mechanical hypoalgesia after sublingual administration of detomidine hydrochloride gel to donkeys
Authors: I Lizarraga, F Castillo-Alcala, KM Varner, LS Robinson
Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 249 (1), 83-89
Year: 2016
Citations: 13 - The effect of intra‐articular mepivacaine administration prior to carpal arthroscopy on anesthesia management and recovery characteristics in horses
Authors: AM Gaesser, KM Varner, HF Douglas, CA Barr, K Hopster, DG Levine
Journal: Veterinary Surgery 49 (7), 1343-1349
Year: 2020
Citations: 8 - Pelvic limb anesthesia and analgesia in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO): A survey of board‐certified anesthesiologists
Authors: LA Parker, AD Bukoski, C Zelaya‐Nunez, JR Dodam, KM Varner, …
Journal: Veterinary Surgery 52 (4), 521-530
Year: 2023
Citations: 6 - Comparison of various types of inert gas components on efficacy of an alveolar recruitment maneuver in dorsally recumbent anesthetized horses
Authors: KM Varner, K Hopster, B Driessen
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research 80 (7), 631-636
Year: 2019
Citations: 2 - Comparison of lidocaine and lidocaine-xylazine for distal paravertebral anesthesia in dairy cattle
Authors: SE Klein, JR Dodam, B Ge, M Strawn, KM Varner
Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 1 (aop), 1-5
Year: 2023
Citations: 1 - Treatment and outcome following substantial ketamine overdose in a dog
Authors: LA Parker, K Krebs, PL Pan, KM Varner, KL Hoddinott
Journal: The Canadian Veterinary Journal 64 (3), 235-238
Year: 2023
Citations: 1 - Sedation and mechanical antinociception after intravenous administration of detomidine in donkeys: a dosage-effect study (vol 176, pg 202, 2015)
Authors: I Lizarraga, F Castillo-Alcala, KM Varner, LS Robinson
Journal: Veterinary Record 179 (5), 123-123
Year: 2016
Citations: 1 - Xylazine prolongs paravertebral block in cows
Authors: S Klein, J Dodam, B Ge, K Varner
Journal: Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 51 (2), 195. e5-195. e6
Year: 2024