Dr. Tara R.

Before attending veterinary school, Dr. Reilly earned a BS in biological sciences from Colorado State University, graduating with dual minors in biomedical sciences and equine sciences. She went on to complete a DVM at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where her academic excellence earned her induction into the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also honored with several distinguished awards, including the Judith Ann Nelssen Scholarship Award, Dr. Sarah Lindsay Schillereff Scholarship Award, National Federation of Independent Business Award from the U.S. Congress.

Following veterinary school, Dr. Reilly completed advanced training in wildlife medicine at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, where she honed her expertise in caring for diverse animal species. She later served as Head Veterinarian at the Virginia Zoo, associate veterinarian at the Fort Worth Zoo, and Head Veterinarian at Roosevelt Park Zoo, providing medical care for hundreds of species ranging from reptiles and birds to large mammals. Her work at these renowned zoological institutions has been featured by national and local media outlets, including NBC Dallas–Fort Worth, The Virginian-Pilot, WAVY News, and Military News, for cases ranging from a prosthetic-beaked penguin to groundbreaking COVID-19 diagnostics in big cats.

Dr. Reilly’s research has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. She was among the first veterinarians worldwide to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 in zoo animals during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to global understanding of zoonotic transmission. Her publications span multiple species and topics, including her co-authored studies “SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant Infection in Malayan Tigers, Virginia, USA” and “Prolactin Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Rhinoceroses—Another Tool for Assessing Reproductive Function and Dysfunction in This Taxon.” She is also recognized for her innovative work in training and deploying conservation detection dogs for wildlife research and management applications.

Alongside her veterinary practice, Dr. Reilly has extensive admissions and mentorship experience spanning over five years. She has served as a member and interviewer on multiple admissions committees, including the Eastern Virginia Medical School (Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University) Master’s in Laboratory Animal Sciences (MLAS) Admissions Committee, the Virginia Zoological Society Internship Committee, and the Fort Worth Zoological Board Internship Committee. In these roles, she has reviewed over 170 applications and interviewed more than 70 candidates, participating directly in admissions decision-making processes.

In her academic role, Dr. Reilly is passionate about student development, veterinary school admissions, and career mentoring. She lectures on topics including veterinary school admissions, zoo and wildlife medicine, career resilience, compassion fatigue, and integrative therapies in non-traditional species. She has guided numerous students to successful admission into veterinary schools, internships, and residencies, with students gaining admission to programs in 17 states and the Caribbean. 

Known for her approachable mentorship style and dedication to student success, Dr. Reilly draws upon her extensive experience as both a practitioner and an admissions consultant to help aspiring veterinarians craft compelling applications and navigate the competitive admissions process. Her commitment to continuous learning, teaching, and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals and makes her an invaluable resource for aspiring students seeking to craft a comprehensive and competitive application for veterinary school.