Trista Mills, DVM, MBA, MVEd

About Me

Dr. Trista Mills is an Assistant Professor of General Veterinary Practice at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. She is passionate about preparing future veterinarians for the realities of primary care practice by emphasizing clinical reasoning, effective communication, and compassionate, evidence-based medicine.

Originally from Indiana, Dr. Mills developed an early appreciation for animal care while working with local horse farms. At 18, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she worked as a veterinary assistant at Arizona Equine, a referral hospital specializing in equine medicine and surgery. These early experiences inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Mills earned her bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. She later earned a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in human resources and organizational behavior, providing a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and veterinary practice management. In the spring of 2026, she completed a Master of Veterinary Education (MVEd), further strengthening her commitment to excellence in veterinary teaching and curriculum development.

Prior to joining Texas Tech University, Dr. Mills practiced at Carlsbad Animal Clinic in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where she provided comprehensive medical and surgical care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Her years in private practice continue to shape her teaching by connecting foundational knowledge with practical clinical decision-making and client communication.

Instruction

At Texas Tech, Dr. Mills teaches throughout all four years of the veterinary curriculum. Her instructional interests include companion animal medicine, exotic animal medicine, clinical reasoning, communication, professional skills, and practice readiness. She also co-leads the Community Practice clinical rotation, where students gain hands-on experience delivering primary veterinary care while developing confidence in clinical decision-making, client communication, and practice management.

Research

Dr. Mills' scholarly interests center on veterinary medical education, student mentorship, and evidence-based clinical practice. Her educational research focuses on advancing veterinary teaching methods, clinical reasoning, communication skills, and learner development. She has also contributed to research evaluating the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in canine and equine patients, helping expand the evidence base regarding its safety, pharmacokinetics, and potential clinical applications in veterinary medicine.

Service

Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Mills is actively involved in mentoring veterinary students, participates in TTU SVM CARES outreach initiatives, and is a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. She is committed to developing graduates who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate communicators, effective team members, and lifelong learners.