Dr. Shantibhushan "Shanti" Jha, BVSc & AH (Hons), M.S., DACVS (Small Animal), joins the Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine as an associate professor of small animal orthopedic surgery. A board-certified surgeon since 2013, Dr. Jha earned his BVSc with honors from Nagpur Veterinary College and his master's of science from Oregon State University, followed by advanced surgical residency training at Tufts University.
We sat down with Dr. Jha for a Q&A.
What attracted you to Oregon State and academia?
Returning to Oregon State University feels like a true homecoming. Having earned my master's of science here, I have always admired the university’s commitment to innovation and its collaborative spirit. What draws me to academia is the unique ability to exist at the intersection of high-level clinical service, cutting-edge research and mentorship. In private practice, you treat the patient in front of you; in academia, through research and teaching, you have the potential to advance the entire profession. OSU provides the perfect ecosystem to pioneer new surgical standards while contributing to a One Health approach that connects animal health, human society and the environment.
What most excites you about being part of the small animal surgery team here at Oregon State, and how would you like to see it grow?
The energy within the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is palpable. As a student pilot, I often view an institution's or any scenario's potential through the lens of aviation: I see an incredible foundation of expertise here— a 'tarmac' that is perfectly paved and ready for takeoff. I truly believe the sky is the limit for this program.
I am eager to help grow our surgery service into a global destination for orthopedic excellence, specifically by advancing minimally invasive techniques and joint health. My goal is to expand our footprint beyond the Pacific Northwest to an international stage. By leveraging my leadership role as the International Chair-Elect for the AO VET Community Development Committee, I intend to create a pipeline of global collaboration that brings the world’s most innovative surgical practices directly to Corvallis, ensuring OSU remains at the leading edge of veterinary medicine.
As a faculty member in a teaching hospital, what do you hope to bring to the students, residents and interns you’ll be working with?
Education has always been my primary passion. My goal is not just to teach surgery, but to mint the next generation of confident, compassionate and technically superior surgeons. I want to provide our trainees with a bridge between traditional surgical mentorship and the future of the field. By integrating pedagogical AI and advanced technological tools into our curriculum, I hope to offer them objective, data-driven feedback that accelerates their skill acquisition. I want my students to leave OSU not just as competent clinicians, but as innovators who are unafraid to challenge the status quo.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I often tell people that I don’t actually "work." When I am in the operating room or speaking with a pet parent, I am exactly where I am meant to be. There is a profound sense of fulfillment in taking a complex orthopedic challenge and finding a solution that restores a patient’s quality of life. Beyond the surgery itself, I deeply enjoy the human connection — building trust with pet parents and guiding them through what can be a stressful time. When your vocation aligns with your passion, the distinction between "work" and "life" disappears.
What’s your philosophy of patient treatment and care?
My philosophy is captured in a simple motto: "Your pet, my patient." This reflects a dual commitment. To the owner, it is an acknowledgment that I understand the deep emotional bond they share with their companion. To the pet, it is a promise that they will receive my absolute focus, technical precision and advocacy. I believe in a patient-centered approach that prioritizes surgical options whenever possible to ensure faster recovery and minimal discomfort. Every decision I make is guided by the question: "Is this the highest standard of care I would want for my own family?"
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