Hometown: Pateros, WA
Undergraduate degree: Animal Science (WSU)
Area of interest: Small Animal Surgery
Anna Blackburn, a third-year DVM student, is using her summer research fellowship to help advance how veterinary surgeons are trained in arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique critical to treating common joint conditions in dogs.
Working with Dr. Bettina Darveshi, Blackburn’s project contributes to a broader effort at Washington State University to build a structured, simulation-based arthroscopy curriculum that reduces reliance on cadavers and live-animal training.
Her study examines whether exposure to multiple simulation models improves skill development, transfer and long-term retention compared to training on a single model. Blackburn will lead participant recruitment, facilitate training sessions and evaluate performance through measures such as accuracy, efficiency and image quality. The findings will directly shape the university’s evolving training program, with the goal of improving surgical proficiency while reducing patient risk.
Blackburn says the project aligns closely with her career ambitions. She plans to pursue board certification in small animal surgery, a path that requires both clinical excellence and meaningful research contributions. Ultimately, she hopes her work will improve patient outcomes while helping define the next generation of surgical training.
“For me, this project is especially meaningful, as its outcome may significantly shape my own future training program,” Blackburn said. “The skills and insights I take away from this project will serve as a foundation for a career dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through both clinical excellence and scholarly contribution.”