MEET THE SPEAKERS

Steve Jones

DVM

Steve Jones earned his DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. After graduating, Dr. Jones joined Lakeside Animal Hospital in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, as an owner/partner in the practice. Outside private practice, Dr. Jones has contributed to numerous clinical studies on heartworm disease, has served as an advisor and opinion leader for many heartworm-related advisory panels, has spoken at major veterinary CE conferences throughout the country, and has served as American Heartworm Society President and Past President. Dr. Jones is perhaps best known for his enthusiasm for heartworm pathology. His photos and videos have appeared in countless veterinary journals, as well National Geographic and television shows like Monsters Inside Me.

Clarke Atkins

DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology and Internal Medicine)

Clarke Atkins, DVM, the Jane Lewis Seaks Distinguished Professor of Companion Animal Medicine (Emeritus) at North Carolina State University and Norden Outstanding Teacher Award recipient, is board-certified by the ACVIM (Medicine & Cardiology). He has served on 4 ACVIM or international Consensus Committees on systemic hypertension, canine mitral valve disease (2009, 2017), and cardiorenal syndrome, as well as receiving the Honorary Member Award from the American Heartworm Society in 2019.

His research involves canine and feline heartworm disease and treatment of cardiovascular disease in dogs, cats, and horses. He has over 150 publications and has provided well over 1000 hours of continuing education in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Dr. Atkins continues to be active speaking and carrying out clinically-oriented research in retirement.

Lindsay Starkey

DVM, PhD, DACVM

Dr. Starkey earned her BS in Animal Science from the University of Arkansas and her DVM and PhD at Oklahoma State University, where her graduate research focused on vector-borne infections. She completed her residency training through the National Center for Veterinary Parasitology at Oklahoma State University. In 2016, Dr. Starkey joined the faculty at Auburn University, where she is involved in various research projects involving vectorborne and foodborne infections, diagnostic parasitology, and parasite consultation and outreach. In 2023, Dr. Starkey joined Oklahoma State University as a tenured associate professor of Parasitology. Dr. Starkey is heavily involved in teaching parasitology to first-, second-, and fourth-year veterinary students.