Aida I. Vientós-Plotts, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) Originally from Puerto Rico, a graduate of Tuskegee University (DVM), Dr. Aida Vientós-Plotts completed a rotating internship at Auburn University followed by a small animal internal medicine residency, post-doctoral fellowship and PhD at the University of Missouri. She joined the MU faculty in 2020 and is currently an Assistant Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine. Her research interests include investigation of the respiratory microbiota in health and infectious or inflammatory airway diseases of dogs and cats, influence of antimicrobials and probiotics on the respiratory microbiota. Her clinical interests include respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases and the link between these two systems in health and disease. Dr. Vientós-Plotts is one of the co-founders and currently serves on the board of directors of a non-profit organization - Veterinarians for Puerto Rico. Since its inception in 2017 this organization has facilitated over 22,000 spay/neuters and vaccinated close to 18,000 dogs and cats and continues to spearhead efforts to help tackle the overpopulation of dogs and cats on the Island. While she wears many hats her favorites are mama and wife. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and organizing.