OSU Veterinary Hospital Welcomes New Radiologist

Katie Fellows
Public Relations/Alumni Affairs
College of Veterinary Medicine
(405) 744-6740
January 16, 2004

Dr. Robert Cruz

Cruz, who received his DVM in Venezuela in 1994, became a professor of radiology at the University of Zulia, Venezuela in 1995.  After coming to the United States in 2000, he completed postgraduate study in radiology and received a MS in Veterinary Imaging.   He completed a residency program in veterinary radiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University before coming to Stillwater.

Cruz said he has always wanted to be a veterinarian and, although no one in his family is in the profession, he believes it fits his personality and professional goals.

“I have always been interested in science and after receiving a DVM I became interested in veterinary radiology, teaching and research.  It was difficult for me to get the advanced training for this field in Venezuela so I came to the United States.  I have felt very welcome here.  I came to OSU because I felt I could contribute to the CVM team and learn something from each of them,” Cruz said.

Dr. John Kirkpatrick, Director of the OSU CVM Teaching Hospital, said OSU CVM is glad to have Cruz.  “We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Cruz join the teaching hospital faculty.  He is quite competent and we believe his experience, competency and expertise will be a welcome addition to our faculty,” Kirkpatrick said.

Cruz, who will serve as a visiting assistant professor, says he enjoys making rounds with the OSU CVM veterinary students.  “We look at each individual case and I help them solve a particular medical problem.  These rounds are intended to help students apply the knowledge they have from the classroom.  This is when they learn to use the knowledge in a real-life situation,” Cruz explained.

Cruz said the daily cases also help students learn more about important additional diagnostic modalities such as nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasound and CT.  “First we work on the radiograph and then if additional modalities are needed we talk about opportunities for further diagnostic testing,"

Cruz said each day is busy at the teaching hospital, but he likes the staff and feels they are a competent team.  “They make me feel at home, and I believe the communication is good.  We all work to provide our best in our area of expertise,” he said.