Advancing Reproductive Care: Specialist With A Global Perspective Joins Texas A&M’s VERO Program

Story by Sophie Cela, VMBS Marketing & Communications

February 4, 2025

Dr. Joanna Koilpillai, a dedicated theriogenologist, has joined the Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach (VERO) program in Canyon, Texas, as its newest assistant professor.

With a career shaped by experiences in India and the United States, Koilpillai brings a unique global perspective to her teaching and research. Her expertise spans reproductive care, clinical practice, and mentorship, and she’s eager to inspire the next generation of veterinarians while advancing VERO’s mission of collaboration and innovation in veterinary education.

A Dream Rooted in Family

Koilpillai’s passion for veterinary medicine traces back to her grandfather, a veterinary surgeon whose captivating stories of working with animals at zoos and farms left an indelible mark on her childhood.

“I would sit for hours listening to him tell stories,” Koilpillai said. “From the time I was about 4 or 5, I never wavered in my desire to become a veterinarian.”

This early dream took on even greater significance when she was accepted into Madras Veterinary College (MVC) in India, the same institution her grandfather attended.

“Walking the same stage as my grandfather was surreal,” Koilpillai said. “It felt like a dream more than 20 years in the making.”

During her time at MVC, Koilpillai gained hands-on experience through clinical rotations in medicine, surgery, theriogenology, emergency care, and diagnostics. She also participated in outreach programs, including free vaccination drives and infertility camps in underserved communities.

“Working in underserved areas showed me how much impact even basic veterinary care can have,” Koilpillai said. “When you’re treating a farmer’s cow — one of only three he owns — getting that animal healthy means putting his family back on their feet. It gave me a new perspective and appreciation for accessible, practical care and how essential it is to communities.”

After earning her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry degree, Koilpillai began her career practicing small animal medicine and surgery at Raksha Pet Clinic in Chennai, India.

Her journey then brought her to the United States, where she completed a rotating internship at Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Florida at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While navigating an already-demanding program amidst a global crisis could have been daunting, Koilpillai viewed the experience as an opportunity for growth.

“The long nights in the ICU, coupled with the uncertainties of the pandemic, were undoubtedly tough, but the experience was invaluable in building my confidence and resilience,” Koilpillai said.

Finding Her Calling

Koilpillai discovered her passion for theriogenology — the study of animal reproduction — through her fascination with diagnostic precision and neonatal care.

“What drew me to reproduction was its diagnostic clarity,” Koilpillai said. “With palpation or ultrasounds, you can directly see what you’re working with, and that connection to actionable care resonated with me.”

Her internship in Florida further solidified this interest when she collaborated with the humane society to foster neonatal kittens.

“Helping undomesticated kittens go from scared and hissing to more socialized and comfortable was really fulfilling,” Koilpillai said. “It reinforced how crucial maternal health and reproductive care are to ensuring positive outcomes in neonatal care, as many of the challenges these kittens faced traced back to gaps in those areas.”

These experiences inspired Koilpillai to pursue a residency in comparative theriogenology at The Ohio State University, funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. During her residency, she worked with both small and large animals, conducted research, and engaged in public outreach.

She then earned her master’s degree in comparative biomedical sciences at Oklahoma State University, where her research focused on canine reproduction, specifically evaluating how Triptonide — a potential non-hormonal contraceptive agent for males — reversibly impacts sperm quality and production.

Alongside her residency and graduate studies, Koilpillai discovered a deep passion for teaching when she mentored pre-veterinary and pre-medical students, helping them connect classroom concepts with clinical practice.

“Seeing students piece together their knowledge and gain confidence was so rewarding,” Koilpillai said. “It’s amazing to watch the ‘lightbulb moments’ when students realize they know more than they thought.”

Koilpillai’s journey across two countries has given her a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of tailoring care to fit the needs and realities of diverse communities.

“Each setting taught me something different,” Koilpillai said. “In India, I learned how much we, as veterinarians, can meaningfully give back to our community. In the U.S., I have been exposed to clinical work, both in an academic and private practice setting. Together, those experiences shaped my approach to problem-solving and patient care.”

Looking Forward

As a faculty member in the VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Koilpllai will be teaching first- and second-year veterinary students at VERO, laying the foundational knowledge that will guide them through their careers.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships, fostering resilience, and promoting practical problem-solving. She strives to instill confidence in her students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and trust their growing expertise as they prepare to tackle the complexities of real-world patient care.

VERO’s collaborative environment also aligns perfectly with Koilpillai’s values, embodying the teamwork and connection she believes are essential in veterinary education.

“What drew me to VERO was its collaborative environment,” Koilpillai said. “It’s not just a workplace — it’s a community where mentorship and mutual growth are prioritized. I’m eager to contribute my experiences while learning from the diverse perspectives of my colleagues and students.”

As she embarks on this new chapter, Koilpillai carries a simple, yet profound, piece of advice from a mentor who has guided her throughout her career: “Keep a log of the good days — cases where you made a difference. On tough days, those moments will remind you why you chose this path.”

For Koilpillai, veterinary medicine is more than a profession; it’s a journey of growth, connection, and service. At Texas A&M, she hopes to inspire the next generation of veterinarians to embrace their careers with the same passion and sense of purpose that have guided her own path.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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