Dr. Connor I.

Before attending vet school, Dr. Ifkovits completed his Bachelor of Science in biology with distinction at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he conducted an honors thesis on zoonotic disease in industrial hog farming. Dr. Ifkovits’ interest in veterinary medicine began early, sparked by caring for his childhood black lab and solidified through years of experience at a small animal clinic. He has since built a diverse veterinary background that includes volunteer work with feline adoption organizations, conservation efforts with at-risk iguana species, and contributions in multiple laboratory research settings. 

While his primary experience in the working world has been in small animal medicine, Dr. Ifkovits has a high degree of familiarity with less common areas in the veterinary industry, such as research, public health, epidemiology, and laboratory animal medicine. He has a special interest in palliative oncology and introducing more modern therapies and approaches to his practice. Dr. Ifkovits has had the opportunity to develop new skills throughout his career, including ultrasound and work with modern point-of-care technologies.

As a mentor and admissions counselor, Dr. Ifkovits prides himself on being approachable and supportive, drawing on his own experiences as a first-generation doctoral student to connect with aspiring veterinarians. He emphasizes communication, reflection, and confidence-building while helping candidates navigate the admissions process. His mentorship style combines structure with flexibility, ensuring that students not only strengthen their applications but also develop skills valuable to their long-term success in veterinary medicine.