Carla Phillips Savage
Dr. Carla Phillips Savage is an Associate Professor at the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine within the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). She joined VMCVM in August 2022, contributing to the veterinary education team focused on preparing students and veterinarians for careers beyond private practice. Dr. Savage earned her DVM and master’s degree in Food Animal Medicine from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. She continued her academic journey as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she obtained her PhD in Aquatic Animal Medicine. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning and is a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian recognized by the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.
For 12 years, Dr. Savage served as the first lecturer in Marine Mammal Medicine and Aquatic Animal Health at UWI School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) in Trinidad and Tobago. During her tenure, she pioneered aquatic medicine within SVM's curriculum, established and led the Aquatic Animal Health Unit and Diagnostic Laboratory, and directed the Trinidad and Tobago Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TTMMSN). Her extensive leadership includes roles on national task forces, committees, and as Trinidad and Tobago's National Focal Point for Aquatic Animal Diseases with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Dr. Savage remains dedicated to community development, food security, and the health of aquatic ecosystems in the Caribbean, advocating strongly for the One Health approach. Her contributions have been recognized with regional awards for excellence in Science and Technology, underscoring her impactful career in aquatic medicine and conservation.