Dr. Gregory Pietsch, DVM
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine
Student Engagement Coordinator
Biography
My father was a veterinarian and I have been exposed to veterinary medicine from a very young age. As an undergraduate student I obtained a BS in wildlife biology from the ÌÀÄ·ÊÓƵ (UAF). During this training, I participated in several research projects including capture and radio tracking of Eastern Spotted Turtles in Massachusetts, identifying fossilized vole teeth in Alaska, and a field study observing the effects of weather and insects on caribou herds. My undergraduate degree culminated in conducting a multiyear study evaluating the effects of antibiotic treatment on the long-term post-capture survival of reindeer calves1. During my study I managed data collection, animal handling and treatment, supervised assistants, data analysis and presented it as my Senior Honors Thesis and published it in the Journal of Wildlife Disease1.
While a student at UAF I was employed as an animal caretaker assistant in the animal research facilities. I became familiar with research animal care and use and worked closely with the veterinary staff. Interestingly, UAF’s former animal care facilities are now the Veterinary Medicine teaching space, its great to be working in my old haunts.
Since, at the time, there was no veterinary program at UAF, I left to attend veterinary school at the . I continued to be involved in research and conducted a wildlife heartworm surveillance study in Minnesota wildlife. This research required building relationships with stakeholders around Minnesota. This research resulted in a unique case report of aberrant Toxocara canis larva migrans in a fox2.
After obtaining my veterinary degree (DVM) in 2002. I obtained advanced training in small animal medicine and surgery through a rotating internship at in Atlanta. I worked with several specialty services during this training and developed a strong appreciation and interest in imaging modalities and their applications. I continued to develop my interest and proficiency in imaging throughout my career and routinely perform abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms when in clinical practice. I have a strong interest in complicated internal medicine cases and love soft tissue surgery.
I am a strong believer in community engagement and service. I participate in the Alaska Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (ASAP), performing low cost spays and neuters on a regular basis. Additionally, I have conducted veterinary trips on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta with the Hub Outpost Project as well as on the . I am the former president of the Interior Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) and am actively engaged with the .
My passion for engagement and service has led to my role as the Student Engagement Coordinator where, along with my Professional Explorations Externship elective course offering, I seek to engage and involve students with clinical veterinarians, research, industry, and volunteering or employment opportunities.
Through 20-plus-years of clinical practice, I have witnessed many patients advance through their entire life spans, from neonate to geriatric. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is an all-too-common problem I have seen in my patients and the negative impact on their quality of life as well as the human who loves them. I am conducting CCD research with the hopes improving the lives of my patients and clients.
I love working with students and have a strong interest in student interaction, curriculum mentoring, and development. I am faculty advisor for the veterinary medicine club, student chapter of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and the Veterinary Business Management Club. Nothing makes me happier than getting to work with former students as colleagues and seeing their success!
Publications:
- Pietsch GS, Finstad GL, Bevins JS, Prichard AK. 1999. Antibiotic treatment and post-handling survival of reindeer calves in Alaska. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 35(4):735-740.
- Pietsch, GS, Stromberg, B, and Averbeck, G. Aberrant Toxocara canis in a red fox. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 38(1).
Media Appearances:
April 18, 2024 – Dartmouth Week -
February 22, 2024 – KTVF -
February 19, 2024 – KUAC -
February 17, 2024 – Alaska Native News -
March 16, 2023 – KTVF -