Amanda Avison – A Rising Leader in Equine Cardiovascular Medicine
DVM
Amanda Avison has built an exceptional career at the intersection of clinical equine medicine, advanced cardiac research, and veterinary education. With a foundation of rigorous academic achievement and extensive hands-on experience, she is shaping the future of equine cardiovascular care while inspiring the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Academic Excellence and Specialized Training
A graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) with distinction in the equine stream, Avison’s academic path reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2019.
Amanda Avison’s pursuit of advanced training led her to the Peterson Smith Equine Hospital and Complete Care in Ocala, Florida, where she completed a demanding equine hospital internship.
She then undertook a two-year fellowship in large animal cardiology and ultrasound at the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious New Bolton Center, gaining expertise in advanced imaging and cardiac diagnostics for performance and companion horses alike, an experience that aligns closely with the equine cardiology course for veterinarians offered through the Practitioner’s Program.
Today, Amanda Avison is a PhD candidate in Equine Cardiovascular Physiology at the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, investigating critical aspects of heart function and performance in horses.
Her research is supported by competitive scholarships and fellowships, including the EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowship, NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the OVC PhD Scholarship.
Research Contributions That Influence Practice
Amanda Avison’s research portfolio addresses some of the most challenging and underexplored topics in equine medicine. Her published studies span a range of subjects, from cardiac pacing feasibility in horses to racehorse mortality analytics, each grounded in a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and welfare.
Her work has appeared in respected journals such as the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Equine Veterinary Journal, The Canadian Veterinary Journal, and Animals. Notably, her studies on transvenous temporary cardiac pacing in horses have advanced understanding of life-saving interventions for equine cardiac disorders.
A Passion for Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond her research, Amanda Avison is a dedicated educator and mentor. As a graduate teaching assistant for multiple clinical medicine courses at OVC, she plays an active role in shaping veterinary students’ practical and diagnostic skills.
Amanda’s volunteer involvement is extensive, ranging from organizing and teaching ultrasound training sessions to instructing at hands-on workshops in musculoskeletal imaging, joint injections, and equine emergency assessment.
She is a sought-after speaker at veterinary events, with presentations covering topics such as diagnostic cardiology approaches, ultrasound in equine emergencies, and revitalizing large animal veterinary practice. Her approachable teaching style and ability to bridge theory with clinical application make her a respected voice in both academic and professional circles.
Service, Leadership, and Community Engagement
Amanda Avison’s leadership roles include serving as Treasurer of the Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners and acting as a graduate student representative for OVC’s Central Veterinary Student Association Council. She co-leads the Department of Biomedical Sciences Journal Club, fostering collaborative discussion and critical thinking among peers.
Her community contributions extend outside the clinic and classroom. She is a volunteer puppy foster for the Lions Foundation of Canada and regularly participates in public-facing educational events such as Discover Vet School and OVC’s Family and Friends Day, where she helps demystify veterinary science for aspiring students and the broader community.
Amanda Avison: Driving Innovation in Equine Cardiovascular Medicine
With her rare combination of clinical expertise, advanced imaging skills, and cutting-edge research, Amanda Avison is uniquely positioned to advance the field of equine cardiology.
Whether she’s in the lab, at the teaching hospital, or speaking at a conference, her work is guided by a clear purpose: to improve the health, performance, and longevity of horses through science-driven, compassionate veterinary care.
Her career is a testament to the power of combining academic rigor with hands-on experience, a blend that ensures her impact will be felt in equine veterinary medicine for decades to come.
Advance your clinical expertise with the Practitioner’s Program – an innovative professional development experience created by equine veterinarians, for equine veterinarians.
Learn directly from globally respected clinicians like Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Hannah Boocock, and Dr. Rachel Tan, who bring real-world insights and case-based learning to every session.
Designed to help you grow in confidence, competence, and clinical precision, this program empowers equine vets to deliver exceptional care and thrive in practice. Discover what sets this learning experience apart, because excellence starts with education.