New to the CVM: Meet Lydia Love

At a very young age, Lydia Love discovered a passion for animals and science. Now, as a clinical assistant professor of anesthesiology at the NC State Veterinary Hospital, she considers herself an applied scientist, bringing theory into reality. 

In her role, Love helps develop anesthetic management plans for patients of all species. Anesthesia is particularly interesting to Love because it requires external maintenance of patient homeostasis — normal physiological processes — when patients cannot manage that themselves. She also teaches students this invaluable veterinary skill, which is another fulfilling part of her role. 

Before coming to NC State, Love earned her DVM at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and completed a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego. She completed her residency at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Between internship and residency, Love coordinated free spay, neuter and wellness clinics across the South for the Humane Society of the United States. Clinics ran every other weekend and provided care for up to 60 dogs and cats per day.

What are you most excited about in this new role? 

I’m really excited about returning to an academic environment and being surrounded by new people who are just as excited about veterinary medicine as I am. I am constantly learning new things and this is a good opportunity to continue to grow and learn from experts in other fields, as well as my own. 

What’s something someone would be surprised to learn about you?  

I can snowboard — sort of. My family loves to go snowboarding, so my husband, daughter and I all go together, usually to a small resort in the Poconos or to Snowshoe in West Virginia. My daughter is way better than I am. She really cooks it down the mountain. 

When you’re not on campus, where could we find you?  

I’m a knitter, a runner and a reader. I’ve been knitting since 1998 and basically knit everything all the time. I like to make accessories like hats and scarves because they are quick and easy to fit correctly. 

I love to read Ann Patchett and have read everything she’s ever written. At CVM Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Kate Bailey’s suggestion, I just read a collection of short stories by Megan Mayhew Bergman, whose husband, Bo, went to vet school here. They are really great short stories. 

I also run a lot. I’ve started running in marathons and have just completed my fifth one. I usually come in at just around four hours. My best time is 3 hours, 51 minutes. Two other anesthesiologists and I have signed up to run the Tobacco Road Marathon in March. It’s great camaraderie to run together and good to have an accountability partner.

Do you have any pets?

Knox, a terrier mix, is my soul dog. We also have a cute Pomeranian named Monty and a tuxedo cat named Socks.

Visit our Department of Molecular Biology page to learn more about our anesthesia program.