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DVM:
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)

Master of Science Education:
University of Kansas
(Lawrence, KS) 

Certification:
Charter Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Membership:
Past President of American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Past President of American Canine Sports Medicine Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association

Robert Gillette, DVM, MSE, DACVSMR

Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Dr. Gillette joins the VSC team as a pioneer in the field of veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation.   As one of the leading forces in the creation and formalization of the specialty, Dr. Gillette brought Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to the forefront as the nation’s leader in the field. 

Tuning, Re-Tuning and Fine Tuning…

“I was introduced to this field by my English Setter and Labrador Retriever that I hunted with when I was young. Later I raised and raced Greyhounds.  This experience introduced me to the athletic potential of dogs and the important role their daily management plays in their success.  One day at a stock car race, my mind wrapped itself around the concept of tuning, re-tuning and fine tuning of equine and canine high performance athletes.  I kept thinking about the idea and used the car, the driver and the course as a concept in relation to animal performance and wellbeing.  The body is like a finely tuned car. This high performance dog is managed by the owner or handler. It performs its activities in a performance area much like a race track.   That day I could see how a specialty could be developed around this field that was devoted to the betterment of both animal and human health, performance, safety and later national security.”

Interest in the Athleticism of Animals…

“I enjoy the challenges that come with working with athletic and working dogs.  My studies in biomechanics and canine exercise physiology have played an important role in understanding animal performance, health and safety.  I am passionate about the opportunity to work with animals and return them to their full capabilities.”

Understanding the Athleticism of the Patient …

“In this field, great patient care requires that we first accept the athleticism of the patient.  Then we need to address the three main factors of performance: the dogs anatomical health, physiology and psychology.  Once this is recognized, it allows us to better recognize performance related issues, select the proper treatment regimens and design the rehabilitation program appropriately.   If I can do this, I am confident that I will have the greatest potential to return the patient to their full capabilities.”