Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Veterinary Degree: WSU
Specialty: Cardiology
Dr. Anna Golden’s path to veterinary cardiology began at Washington State University, where she earned her DVM and first discovered the field that would capture her interest. Now in her third year of a cardiology residency at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, she is also pursuing a master’s degree in Veterinary Clinical and Translational Sciences. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Golden completed her undergraduate studies in marine science and biology at the University of Tampa before coming to Pullman. Today, she combines advanced clinical training with teaching and mentorship, driven by a passion for helping patients with heart conditions and the families who care for them.
What is your specialty area of veterinary medicine, and what drew you to it?
I’m currently in my third year of a veterinary cardiology residency, but my interest really started back in my first year of vet school. When we got to the cardiovascular section of physiology, something just clicked. After that, I sought every opportunity to gain more exposure. I worked with several local cardiologists, attended specialty conferences, and the more I saw, the more I realized this was the field I wanted to be in. What excites me most about cardiology is that it’s both challenging and impactful — one well-chosen treatment can completely change the quality of life for a patient and give their family more good time together. That balance of intellectual challenge and meaningful impact is what drew me in and what continues to motivate me.
What does a typical day look like for you as a resident at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?
My days usually start with morning rounds, and from there, no two days are quite the same. I might be performing echocardiograms, adjusting therapy for heart failure patients, working up arrhythmias, or consulting with other services. One constant is teaching, whether with students or clients. It’s busy, but a balance of patient care, collaboration, and mentoring.
What do you find most rewarding about residency training?
The most rewarding part is seeing the impact we can make for both patients and their families. Cardiac disease can be overwhelming but helping owners understand what’s happening and what we can do to help is powerful. I also love the teaching side. Cardiology can feel intimidating to students at first, but seeing the moment it clicks — when they connect the physiology they learned in the classroom to the patient in front of them — that’s hugely rewarding. I remember how important those moments were for me, and it’s an honor to pass that on.
Do you have a favorite case or patient that has stuck with you during your training?
One case I’ll never forget was a young cane corso named Gracie that came in with right-sided heart failure from persistent atrial standstill. She urgently needed a pacemaker, but her owner couldn’t afford the surgery. Through WSU’s Good Samaritan Fund and the generosity of donors, we were able to make it possible. The medicine was important, but what really stayed with me was helping an owner who thought saving his dog was out of reach. That case showed me that our role isn’t just about technical skill — it’s also about finding ways to make advanced care accessible.
What advice would you give veterinary students who are considering residency?
Residency is incredibly rewarding, but it also stretches you in ways that go beyond the long hours. My advice is to approach it with curiosity and resilience. Be open to feedback, even when it’s hard. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know — that’s how you grow. And most importantly, keep your focus on the patients and families you’re helping. Remembering why you chose this path makes every challenge worthwhile.