ITHACA, NY — Dr. Meg Thompson, Associate Clinical Professor of Imaging at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has been named Director of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) by Dr. Lorin Warnick, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Dr. Thompson has been Interim Director of CUHA since August 2015. A leader in patient care, veterinary education, clinical investigation and scientific innovation, the hospital serves more than 69,000 animals a year through its six components: the Ambulatory service, Companion Animal, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal, Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Health Center and Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists.

“Under Dr. Thompson’s interim leadership, we have continued to move forward on strategic evaluation of hospital facility needs, assessment of information technologies to facilitate hospital missions, and evaluation of hospital staffing needs,” said Dean Warnick. “Her administrative experience, understanding of hospital operations, and extensive work with regional veterinarians put her in an excellent position to take on the director role.”

A member of the Cornell faculty since 2006, Dr. Thompson earned her DVM degree from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her clinical training at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital and the University of Florida. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Dr. Thompson has served as Director of Continuing Education (CE) for the past four years; guided technology infrastructure decisions; participated in college expansion planning, and served as imaging section chief and as a Medical Director on the hospital executive committee.  Dr. Thompson has extensive formal and informal connections with state practitioners through her role as CE Director that she will maintain and develop as president-elect of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.  

Dr. Thompson took an indirect path to veterinary medicine: She has an AB in Architecture from Smith College and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Boston University. Dr. Thompson views her professional experiences and educational background as good preparation for meeting the many and varied demands of running CUHA.

“My undergraduate training is helpful when considering facility needs,” said Dr. Thompson. “My masters inspired my interest in human resources, staffing and management. And my background in radiology helps me evaluate our technology needs.” She said those three areas will be priorities as she moves into the permanent role of director.

Dr. Thompson, her partner, Cindy, and their dogs spend their leisure time hunting for fossils and hiking in the woods and gorges around their Finger Lakes home.