Dr. Riley Claude is a new clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, joining our small animal Internal Medicine team. After earning her DVM from the University of Minnesota, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center followed by an internal medicine residency at the University of Florida. Her clinical interests include hepatology, urology, and interventional radiology. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, reading, and home renovation projects.
What drew you to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine?
What really drew me to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine was the strong sense of community and pride that I consistently saw in its people. I’ve met several veterinarians who graduated from WSU, and they all spoke very highly of their experiences — not just in terms of the quality of education, but also the culture of support and collaboration. You can tell there’s a real sense of teamwork, camaraderie, and even a feeling of “home” that’s unique to WSU. That kind of environment is really important to me because I know how much the learning experience is shaped by the people around you. Being part of a program where people genuinely support one another and take pride in their shared identity is something I’m really excited about.
What is your area of expertise?
My clinical interests are centered around hepatobiliary disease and the management of hospitalized patients, particularly those with complex or critical conditions. I’ve received specialized training in diabetic management, nephrology, and interventional radiology during residency, and I’m particularly interested in expanding the use of interventional radiology within the Internal Medicine service at WSU. I also have a strong passion for teaching, and I find great fulfillment in supporting students and colleagues through clinical mentorship and case-based learning.
What drew you into this area?
After completing veterinary school, I knew I wanted to pursue a specialty in either internal medicine or emergency and critical care because I was drawn to managing a large variety of complex and challenging cases. During my internship, I gained extensive experience in emergency medicine, but I found myself missing the continuity of care and the ability to build long-term relationships with clients and their pets. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping an owner and their pet navigate a chronic health issue and seeing the positive impact over time. Internal medicine offers that opportunity, along with the chance to perform advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures — something I’ve grown increasingly passionate about as my training has progressed.
What about your research work are you most excited for?
I’ve had the opportunity to participate in research with some of my mentors evaluating urinary biomarkers of acid excretion in healthy dogs. We hope to apply these findings to dogs with chronic kidney disease to aid in the earlier identification of acid-base disturbances. Ultimately, this work could help pave the way for future studies aimed at earlier intervention and potential strategies to slow disease progression.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I love home renovation projects and am currently flipping my second house!