New large animal surgeon looks forward to what each 'day will bring'

Sept. 29, 2026

Dr. Rachel Hilliard joins the Oregon State University Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor of large animal surgery. She will perform clinical duties in the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Hilliard earned her veterinary degree from Cornell University, then pursued further specialization through internships and a comparative orthopedics research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. She then completed her large animal surgery residency at Michigan State University.

We sat down with Dr. Hilliard for a Q&A.

What attracted you to Oregon State and to academia? 

My enthusiasm for learning and advancing the boundaries of veterinary medicine drew me to a career in academia. I enjoy thinking creatively to solve problems, whether that is in the hospital, operating room or laboratory. I’m looking forward to joining the Oregon State team, where I will have the opportunity to combine clinical patient care with student teaching and research.

What most excites you about being part of the large animal surgery team here at OSU?

I have always admired the college's dedication to teaching. The small class sizes and diverse caseload support a variety of opportunities to perform surgery and teach surgical skills. I am very passionate about large animal surgery, so I'm eager to collaborate with the other surgeons here and pass that excitement on to our students.

What's your philosophy of patient treatment and care? 

I strive to stay up to date on the latest research, so that I can utilize evidence-based medicine to offer the best possible patient care. I also realize that every case is unique, and work closely with owners to support their emotions and expectations. Large animal surgery can deliver unique challenges, but my goal is to provide optimal treatment within the resources available.

As a faculty member in a teaching hospital what do you hope to bring to the students/residents/interns you'll be working with?

I know how difficult veterinary school, internships and residencies can be, so I am always happy to answer questions and support my students and house officers. As an early career surgeon, I am uniquely positioned to help to ease the transition and guide them through the next steps along their veterinary path.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

My happy place is in the barn, so I am very lucky that I get to work in one. I love having the opportunity to help both animals and the owners and farmers who depend on them. I also enjoy that our work is always changing. The most fun part about large animal surgery is that it keeps you on your toes — you never know what the day will bring!