The American Kennel Club/AKC Canine Health Foundation Announce First Cornell Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Resident
The AKC Canine Health Foundation and American Kennel Club announced Dr. Gabriela Medrano as the first resident in Cornell University’s sports medicine and rehabilitation program, funded through their 2026 residency award. The $100,000 annual grant supports advanced training for veterinarians specializing in canine sports medicine, with Cornell’s program focusing on diagnostics, pain management, and regenerative therapies for over 3,500 annual patients.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) have selected Dr. Gabriela Medrano as the first resident in Cornell University’s sports medicine and rehabilitation program, funded by their 2026 residency award. Medrano, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, earned her veterinary degree from St. George’s University and completed her clinical year at Cornell, where she will begin training this fall. The program, launched in 2024, aims to expand expertise in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, benefiting athletic and working dogs. Cornell’s residency program provides advanced training in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research, with a focus on diagnostic imaging, interventional pain management, and regenerative therapies. The program treats over 3,500 patients annually and is recognized for its specialized disciplines in canine musculoskeletal care. Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, CEO of CHF, highlighted Cornell’s role in advancing the field, emphasizing the program’s impact on improving dogs’ mobility and quality of life. The AKC CHF grant provides up to $100,000 annually for three years to support Medrano’s training. This investment aligns with the foundation’s mission to expand access to specialized veterinary care for dogs. In 2025, the program funded residents at the University of Pennsylvania and Colorado State University, with plans to continue annual awards. Medrano expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting the program’s potential to improve canine health through sports medicine and rehabilitation. Cornell’s associate professor Christopher Frye praised the grant as validation of the program’s expertise in disciplines like musculoskeletal ultrasound and regenerative medicine. The residency aims to train future leaders in veterinary sports medicine, enhancing both clinical care and research.
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