Dr. Verna Waters graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and began her career in Kitsap County. In addition to practicing medicine, she has been a researcher, associate professor, and an editor of a professional veterinary journal. Prior to returning to Washington, she worked for the American Veterinary Medical Association, participated in several research projects, and consulted with veterinarians worldwide.
She also taught veterinary students and technicians, and owned a veterinary practice in Illinois. Dr. Waters has devoted her career to promoting the special bond we humans share with our animals, and assessing ways in which we can improve a pet's quality of life. Although she loves all aspects of veterinary medicine, she is particularly interested in surgery (she has performed well over 60,000 surgeries, and stopped counting!), and has received training in advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgical techniques from nationally and internationally renowned surgeons. She has also been fortunate to travel the country and work with some of the best veterinarians, specialists, and surgeons in the U.S.
She attends national continuing education seminars annually, with specific focus on the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. She also regularly attends specialty surgical meetings with surgeons from around the globe to keep abreast of the latest surgical techniques and technological advances (especially in cruciate/ACL/CCL knee repair). Dr. Waters is certified to perform the 3 most common types of cruciate repair: TPLO, TTA, and Lateral Suture (also known as Extracapsular Repair), and enjoys discussing the differences to help people decide on the best approach for their pet. She still consults (and provides consulting) with veterinarians nationally and internationally.
Dr. Waters is happy to have made full-circle and return to Kitsap County to stay. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and her 2 dogs. She is also a proud member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association.