Small Animal Surgery Intern
Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE)
Charlotte, North Carolina
I'm Chris Ponticello, currently a Small Animal Surgery Intern at Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency. Originally from Long Island, New York, my journey in veterinary medicine began at the University of Delaware, where I earned my Honors Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience in 2020. I completed my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at North Carolina State University in 2024, followed by a small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
My passion for surgery was first solidified during veterinary school while participating in the Veterinary Scholars Program at North Carolina State University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Mariani, I conducted research on developing patient-specific 3D-printed drill guides for cervical spine stabilization procedures—work that I'm excited to be presenting here at the 2025 ACVS Summit. This hands-on project not only introduced me to the satisfaction of surgical precision but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for innovation and the application of cutting-edge technology in veterinary surgery. My professional interests include minimally invasive surgery, sports medicine and rehabilitation, novel 3D printing applications, and advancing pain management protocols. As I continue toward my goal of surgical residency, I am committed to further developing my clinical abilities and contributing to advancing the field of veterinary surgery.
My background as a lifelong ice hockey player has instilled in me a strong appreciation for teamwork and dedication—qualities that I strive to bring to the clinical setting. When I'm not in the OR, you can find me on the golf course, snowboarding in the winter, surfing in the summer, or out running with my Border Collie mix, Mocha, my reliable running companion.
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abs: Accuracy of 3D-Printed Canine Cervical Guides
Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM