Myra Barrett – A Global Leader in Equine Diagnostic Imaging
DVM, MS, DACVR, DACVR-EDI
In the highly specialised arena of equine diagnostic imaging, few individuals have shaped the field as profoundly as Myra Barrett. A respected radiologist, influential educator, and visionary leader, Myra Barrett has spent her career advancing the way veterinarians diagnose, understand, and treat musculoskeletal disease in the horse.
Her name has become synonymous with excellence in equine imaging, and her work continues to elevate standards for practitioners internationally.
A Career Rooted in Passion for Horses and Veterinary Medicine
Long before she became a specialist, Myra Barrett’s fascination with horses began in childhood, a passion that ultimately led her to pursue veterinary training at Colorado State University (CSU).
After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, she completed a demanding internship at Oakridge Equine Hospital, where exposure to lameness, emergency cases, and performance horses sharpened her interest in the biomechanics and injuries unique to the equine athlete.
Driven to understand these conditions with greater precision, Myra Barrett chose a path that would define the rest of her professional life: advanced training in diagnostic imaging.
Pioneering a Customised Residency Focused on Equine Imaging
Unlike most radiologists who train within traditional small-animal programs, Myra Barrett undertook a non-conforming radiology residency designed specifically to develop deep expertise in imaging horses. Based primarily at CSU, her program included extensive mentorship from equine imaging specialists both within the United States and abroad.
This unique training route provided unmatched exposure to advanced modalities: radiography, ultrasonography, MRI, and CT, as applied to equine orthopaedics.
During this time, she also completed a Master of Science through CSU’s Orthopaedic Research Center, strengthening her scientific foundation and contributing to research on clinically relevant musculoskeletal disorders.
Her commitment and leadership ultimately led to board certification with the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and, later, diplomate status in the subspecialty of Equine Diagnostic Imaging (DACVR-EDI).
Founding a New Subspecialty in Veterinary Radiology
One of Myra Barrett’s most influential contributions to the profession is her role in establishing the ACVR–Equine Diagnostic Imaging subspecialty.
As a founding member and its first president, she helped articulate the need for highly trained equine imaging specialists, develop standards for advanced training, and champion the recognition of this discipline within the veterinary community.
This milestone formalised a new pathway for veterinarians dedicated to the unique imaging challenges of horses and elevated the quality of care available to equine patients worldwide.
Leadership at Colorado State University
Today, Myra Barrett is an Associate Professor of Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging at Colorado State University, where she leads a service that performs all major imaging modalities for equine patients. Her clinical role is complemented by her dedication to training the next generation of specialists.
She teaches veterinary students, mentors radiology residents, and works closely with equine sports medicine and surgery teams to guide complex clinical cases.
Her research focuses on musculoskeletal imaging and comparative imaging, with a particular emphasis on the diagnostic challenges surrounding performance horses. Her work has contributed to improved understanding of tendon, ligament, and joint pathology: areas essential to equine welfare and athletic success.
Inside Information Radiology: Bringing Expertise to the World
In 2011, Myra Barrett co-founded Inside Information Radiology, a teleradiology company built specifically to support equine practitioners through rapid, high-quality image interpretation. What began as a small, specialist-led initiative has grown into a respected service used by veterinarians internationally.
Through this work, Myra Barrett blends academic insight with real-world clinical needs, ensuring that practitioners around the world have access to expert guidance when managing challenging lameness or sports medicine cases.
A Sought-After Speaker and Dedicated Educator
Myra Barrett is a frequent speaker at major veterinary conferences, contributes to continuing education programs worldwide, and has authored peer-reviewed works on radiography, MRI, and arthroscopic-ultrasonographic correlations. Her ability to translate complex imaging concepts into practical guidance has made her a trusted educator for both specialists and general practitioners.
Her commitment to outreach reflects a core belief: that the advancement of equine diagnostic imaging depends on open collaboration and accessible education.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Away from CSU and teleradiology, Myra Barrett embraces everything Colorado offers. She enjoys biking, skiing, and exploring the outdoors with her family. Her Morgan horse remains a beloved partner, one she rides both over fences and along forested trails.
Myra Barrett: A Lasting Impact on Equine Veterinary Medicine
Myra Barrett stands at the forefront of equine musculoskeletal imaging. Through her leadership in academia, her foundational role in establishing a new radiology subspecialty, her global teleradiology work, and her dedication to educating veterinarians, she has significantly shaped the landscape of equine diagnostic imaging.
Her influence will continue to resonate across the specialty for decades to come.
Myra Barrett is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Dr. Ken Jacobs and Ana Boado, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.