Ellen Roelfsema

Dr. Ellen Roelfsema is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, specializing in Equine Internal Medicine. She combines clinical practice at the University Clinic for Horses with teaching and research. Her career spans since her 2007 PhD on stress adaptations in horses, with residency in Equine Internal Medicine (2000–2006) and diplomate status in the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) since 2012.

• Education: DVM (1999) and PhD (2007) from Utrecht University

Research interests focus on endocrinological and metabolic disorders (EMS, PPID), laminitis, equine exercise physiology, and digestive system diseases. Her work explores dietary impacts on reproduction, insulin resistance, and biomechanical interventions for obese ponies.

Publications highlight trends in equine endocrinology, metabolic syndrome, and ultrasound-based diagnostics. She collaborates on consensus guidelines for metabolic disorders and contributes to overtraining biomarkers and neonatal endocrinology.

Teaching includes courses on Equine Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Donkey Health. She supervises Bachelor and Master students in clinical rotations and research projects.