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DVM:
University of Missouri

Internship:
Dover Animal Referral Hospital

Residency:
Non-funded Guest Residency in Nephrology, Rush Presbyterian (St. Luke’s) Medical Center Department of Nephrology

Board-Certified:
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Member:
American Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, American Society of Veterinary Nephrology/Urology
 

Jerry A. Thornhill, DVM, DACVIM

Nephrology

With a focus on disseminating knowledge in the fields of renal medicine and dialysis, Dr. Thornhill has devoted his professional career to the study and practice of veterinary nephrology. As a former professor at Purdue University, he has authored 44 publications, along with eight textbook chapters and has presented innumerable lectures and continuing education seminars, domestically and internationally. Dr. Thornhill is the driving force behind VSC’s nephrology department and the first to successfully complete hemodialysis on a companion animal in the midwestern United States.

Why Veterinary Medicine
"I became a veterinarian because I cultivated a love for the medical field of science in high school. Then, as an undergraduate student in college, I gained a greater affinity for the study of medicine in animals; rather than in people. I became a specialist in veterinary medicine, most specifically in nephrology, because I developed an insatiable appetite to dig deeply into the foundations of renal disease processes."

Leading Edge in Nephrology Care
Dr. Thornhill led VSC’s Nephrology department in the successful completion of the first hemodialysis application of a companion animal in the midwest.  Dr. Thornhill is also currently involved with the initiation of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) unit at VSC for “in-center” hemodialysis application and the development of peritoneal dialysis for “at-home” Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) application, especially designed to address the growing population of feline patients succumbing to the advancement of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Life Outside of Veterinary Medicine
"I enjoy reading the biographies of US Presidents. I have a President’s Library in my home with close to 450 volumes. My favorite President is Harry Truman, who is from Independence, Missouri. Having been reared in Kansas City, the neighboring town of Independence was an easy distance to negotiate; and after President Truman retired from the White House, back to Independence; an admiring crowd was allowed to walk with him on his 2-times a daily walks. Being in high school at the time, I frequently drove to Independence to walk and visit with the ex-President. As you can imagine, the experience gave a treasure of memories.

I also enjoy periodic escapes to Tucson, Arizona to hike in the Tucson Mountains with my family; and to take in the peaceful serenity of the desert environment and the majesty of the Saguaro Cacti."