UPEI extends condolences on the passing of AVC faculty member, Dr. Sheri Ross
The following message was also emailed to faculty and staff on August 20, 2024.
The Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, and the broader community have suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Dr. Sheri Ross, Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine, on August 16, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
A proud Maritimer, Dr. Ross grew up in New Brunswick and began her veterinary education at AVC (Class of 1996). Following her DVM degree, Dr. Ross completed a small animal rotating internship, small animal internal medicine residency, and PhD in nephrology and urology at the University of Minnesota. She became a board-certified member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2006. She then served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota, before completing a fellowship in renal medicine and extracorporeal therapies at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center in San Diego.
Dr. Ross made an undeniable mark on the field of veterinary medicine and had a far-reaching impact on the veterinary community, earning international recognition for her expertise in nephrology and urology. She was a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, served on the board of the International Renal Interest Society, and was a faculty member of the Hemodialysis Academy. She was a dedicated researcher, and her contributions were instrumental in shaping how veterinarians approach these areas of medicine.
After spending several years focusing on clinical practice in San Diego, Dr. Ross returned to an academic setting at AVC in 2022—a natural fit given her exceptional talent as an educator. Since her residency, she was honoured with numerous teaching awards. During her two years at AVC, she received three prestigious distinctions: the Boehringer-Ingelheim Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching, the SCVMA Teacher of the Year Award, and the Zoetis Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award. Sheri was nominated for these awards by her students, which underscores the deep appreciation and respect they had for her teaching, and the lasting effect she had on their professional development.
Sheri has made a profound impact on everyone she has met—be they clients, DVM students, house officers, staff, faculty, or administration. She was a beacon of kindness and generosity within the AVC community. We know that her loss is felt deeply by all who knew her and we want to ensure that you are supported during this difficult time. A grief counsellor will be available on campus on Tuesday, August 20 from 9:00 am–4:00 pm, located in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Room 1005S. Sapphire MacPhee, AVC’s Wellness Facilitator, will also be available from 9:30 am–12:30 pm.
The University extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Ross’s loved ones during this difficult time.
The flags at Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place will be lowered to half-mast in memory of Dr. Ross. Dr. Ross’s obituary may be read at this link.
