Dr. Lara Burkholder

I’m a native of a small town in Nebraska who has now lived in the mid-Atlantic region for more than half my life. I first moved to the east coast to attend Davidson College in North Carolina where I received my undergrad degree in Biology. After graduation, I worked in research on the coast of North Carolina and then at Georgetown Medical Center. These experiences taught me many things, including the fact that I didn’t want to be a research scientist. I began working as a receptionist at a veterinary hospital because the best part of my day was coming home to see my dog and I wanted to know if I could turn that into a career. A few years later I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. I began practicing in Greensboro, NC and have spent the past 12 years working around Roanoke, VA.

I am relocating to Durham to be near those Davidson friends I made so many years ago. My two southwest Virginia mutts and a feisty cat named Zesty are joining me on this new adventure. I enjoy hiking, running on land, paddle boarding and skiing in the water. My Nebraska roots ensure that I continue to try my hand at gardening and baking even though the results are often disappointing .

My veterinary interests include soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and radiology as well as behavioral and geriatric medicine. I also am certified in veterinary medical acupuncture which is a great tool in addressing pain and neurologic diseases with few side effects. I look forward to meeting many new dogs and cats and working with their pet parents to enhance the lives of the pets and people alike.