Dr. Luiza Zakia Appointed as Assistant Professor in Large Animal Internal Medicine

The Department of Clinical Studies at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Luiza Zakia, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, as assistant professor in Large Animal Internal Medicine. 

Originally from Brazil, Zakia earned her veterinary degree from São Paulo State University. She is a board-certified specialist in large animal internal medicine through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is currently pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at the University of Guelph’s Department of Population Medicine. 

Zakia’s research focuses on developing practical, clinically applicable tools for everyday veterinary practice, with a particular emphasis on neonatal sepsis. Grateful for the supportive environment that shaped her career, Zakia is excited to remain at OVC as a faculty member. 

“I’m honored to join the faculty at the OVC and thrilled to keep doing what I love: caring for large animals, conducting research and sharing knowledge with students,” says Zakia. 

In her new role, Zakia will collaborate with a team of four board-certified specialists to provide clinical instruction in large animal internal medicine to veterinary students, interns, residents and graduate students. She will also manage patient care and consultations in the OVC Health Sciences Centre, share on-call duties and contribute to both independent and collaborative research. 

Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies, is enthusiastic about Zakia’s appointment. 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Zakia, a rising star and future leader in large animal internal medicine, to the department. Colleagues and staff alike look forward to working with her in clinical teaching and innovative research in the years to come,” says Dr. Riley. 

As Dr. Zakia steps into her new role, the Department of Clinical Studies is confident that her expertise, mentorship and passion for advancing veterinary medicine will further strengthen OVC’s mission of excellence in teaching, research and patient care.