UC Davis Welcomes Dr. Karolynn Ellis as Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

One of Dr. Karolynn Ellis' passions is working with sled dog athletes.

Dr. Karolynn Ellis has joined the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) as an assistant professor.

“Dr. Ellis joins UC Davis at an exciting time for sports medicine and rehabilitation,” said Dr. Michael Mison, chief veterinary medical officer of the VMTH. “Her expertise gives us an opportunity to build something truly distinctive by bringing rehabilitation, performance medicine, and our specialty services together in a more comprehensive way. We’re excited to have her help shape the future of this program.”

Ellis earned her DVM from Cornell University in 2022, followed by a 1-year combined small animal rotating/specialty orthopedic medicine and research internship at Colorado State University. In 2026, she completed a 3-year residency in sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell.

“UC Davis has an outstanding reputation for clinical excellence, innovation, and collaboration, making it an ideal place to continue my career in academia,” said Ellis. “I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to help grow a sports medicine program that integrates closely with orthopedic surgery, neurology, and the other specialty services.”

Through the hospital’s diverse caseload, its commitment to teaching and research, and the collaborative nature of care, Ellis believes the VMTH is creating an environment where the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation can continue to advance while providing exceptional, compassionate patient care.

Ellis’ previous experience includes being a clinical instructor to law enforcement officers to teach physical therapy exercises for their working K-9 partners. She has also served as an on-site veterinarian at the Westminster Dog Show and the Copper Basin 300 and Upper Peninsula 200 sled dog races.

Her interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation stems from its focus on helping patients regain function and quality of life.

“Whether it’s a young agility dog recovering from an injury, a postoperative orthopedic patient, or a senior dog struggling with arthritis, it’s incredibly rewarding to help them return to doing what they love,” Ellis said. “I enjoy that the field is constantly evolving, with new research and technologies allowing us to provide more individualized, evidence-based care. It combines diagnostics, biomechanics, pain management, and performance medicine – making every case unique and intellectually engaging.”

In her new role, Ellis looks to build strong relationships with colleagues, referral partners, rehabilitation staff, students, and clients. She is particularly excited to further develop the sports medicine component of the service by strengthening collaboration with specialty services, expanding the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound and regenerative medicine, and continuing to incorporate objective outcome measures into patient care.

Working with canine athletes has been a passion throughout her career, conducting research into athletes and working with retired Alaskan sled dogs studying healthy aging and exercise physiology.

“I have a deep appreciation for the unique demands placed on canine athletes and have reinforced the importance of injury prevention, performance optimization, and evidence-based rehabilitation,” said Ellis. “Whether caring for elite sporting dogs or active family companions, my goal is always to help dogs perform comfortably and enjoy the activities they love.”

Ellis will look to grow the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service into one that is recognized not only for outstanding rehabilitation, but also as a leader in comprehensive sports medicine – supporting canine athletes, active companion animals, and geriatric patients through every stage of their lives.