Susan Sanders

Susan Sanders serves as a Lecturer in the Biology department at Vancouver Island University, where she has taught since January 2005 while simultaneously serving as Animal Care Committee Veterinarian since October 2007. Holding a PhD from Simon Fraser University (2005) and a DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (1993), she bridges academic instruction with active veterinary practice.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc from Simon Fraser University (1989)
• D.V.M. from Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (1993)
• PhD from Simon Fraser University (2005)

Dr. Sanders' research concentrates on veterinary medicine, animal physiology, and animal welfare with specialized focus on anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Her work consistently integrates clinical veterinary practice with environmental science, particularly examining physiological responses to contaminants in aquatic species and developing surgical techniques for wildlife rehabilitation.

Her publications from 1996-2004 reveal strong thematic continuity in fish toxicology and wildlife medicine, featuring investigations into pulp mill effluent effects on salmon, viral susceptibility in herring cell lines, and marsupial microsurgery. This interdisciplinary approach connects veterinary science with environmental health assessment.

She has supervised Stephen Kirkpatrick (2007-2008) in water quality research while maintaining professional veterinary roles including Consulting Veterinarian for Amgen British Columbia Inc. since 2001 and operator of Sanders Veterinary Services since 1997.

Dr. Sanders contributes to animal welfare oversight through VIU's Animal Care Committee and maintains active professional engagement via memberships in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science, and American Association for the Advancement of Science, complemented by certifications in WHMIS, First-Aid, and marine operations.