Rocky Mountain-loving Anesthesiologist

Meet Lois Wetmore, D.V.M., S.D., DACVAA, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences

What is your hometown and/or where did you spend your adolescent years?
I grew up in Salt Lake City, left when I went to college at Utah State University, and then continued moving from school to school across the country until I got to Boston and then stopped. I’ve been in Massachusetts longer than I ever lived in Utah, but my heart still resides in the mountains.

What inspired you to pursue anesthesia and analgesia and become a professor?
It was an accident. My dream was to be a mixed animal practitioner in central Colorado but while looking for a job I came across an opportunity to spend a year working with the anesthesia service at Colorado State University Teaching Hospital. I loved my rotation in anesthesia, and thought it would be fun to do, so I applied and got the job. 

While I worked at CSU during the week, on weekends I would travel toward Boulder and work at a small animal practice. The vet there was going to hire me when I finished my commitment at CSU, but later decided he couldn’t afford to hire me. I applied for an anesthesia residency at CSU and was offered the job, just as I got another offer from a mixed animal practice in the Denver area. I think the uncertainty created when I suddenly lost a job I had lined up pushed me in the direction of the residency. I have no regrets, although I don’t function like the typical academic. I hate writing.

What do you most enjoy about working at Cummings School?
The wonderful students, faculty, and staff I get to work with. They love animals and are committed to helping them get better. 

What are your passions, either academically and/or personally?
Respiratory physiology and pharmacogenetics. They don’t really have a lot to do with each other, but I find them both fascinating. I’m also a big fan of murder mysteries and New York Times crossword puzzles. 

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I could sing before I could talk.

Do you have a pet or pets? Tell us about them.
We have a 12-year-old Border collie named Chloe who sleeps with her tongue out and is smarter than I am. It’s embarrassing!