Surgery, TPLO (CCL Tear Repair)
Dr. Ann Heffernan was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She developed an interest in veterinary medicine at an early age, dressing as a veterinary surgeon for career day in first grade.
She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for her undergraduate studies and obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. While in undergraduate school, she worked in the University Dairy Cattle Center and assisted with breeding and feed research in dairy cattle. She remained in Madison to attend veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. During her veterinary training, she worked as a critical care technician for the University as well as in a research lab developing techniques for wound healing and kidney transplants in dogs and cats. She graduated in the top 5% of her class from veterinary school and was awarded the Eberhard Rosin general surgery award.
After receiving her DVM in 2013 from the University of Wisconsin, she completed a Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. During her internship she published research on laryngeal paralysis in dogs. Dr. Heffernan was then selected to remain at the University of Minnesota where she completed a three-year Residency in Small Animal Surgery. During her residency she performed research in perioperative orthopedic pain management.
Dr. Heffernan moved to Colorado and joined AESC in 2017. She enjoys both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery with an interest in minimally invasive and reconstructive surgery. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys hiking , backpacking, biking, cooking and spending time with her two Labrador retrievers.
