Dr. Tressa Reiner’s journey to advanced training at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) reflects both a strong educational foundation and a clear passion for specialized care. “I will always bleed Husker red,” she says of her time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), where she completed her first two years of veterinary school. With a low professor-to-student ratio and abundant hands-on learning opportunities, UNL provided the skills and confidence that set her up for success as she advanced in her training.
Transitioning to Iowa State for her third year proved to be a seamless experience. “The team at Iowa State works hard to make our transition as easy as possible,” Reiner explains. She quickly immersed herself in her coursework and clinical experiences, supported by faculty and staff committed to student success. That strong start helped solidify her interest in pursuing further training beyond the DVM degree.
Reiner’s passion for theriogenology grew from her background breeding and showing Akitas and working with cattle and horse operations. During her final years of veterinary school, she built meaningful relationships with ISU’s theriogenology team, making her decision to stay for a specialized internship, and ultimately a residency, an easy one. Reiner states Iowa State’s high caseload and diverse, experienced team is unmatched, providing unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning in reproductive medicine.
Now a comparative theriogenology resident, Dr. Reiner rotates through equine, small animal, and food animal services, managing a wide range of cases from breeding soundness exams to emergency dystocias. Alongside this robust clinical training, she has also found a strong sense of community in Ames. While she jokes about her Nebraska roots, she’s clear about one thing: Iowa State and the surrounding communities have become home, a place where she can continue growing, specializing, and preparing for the next stage of her veterinary career.
May 2026