Dr. McKenna Wingerd grew up in a family of animal lovers. Her parents always had an array of animals in the home. This exposure to animals at a young age sparked her interest in pursuing her education in veterinary medicine. Dr. Wingerd considered a few other career alternatives but in her heart, vet med has always been her true calling. Before vet school, she volunteered at a small animal clinic that was associated with the city shelter. In addition, she spent some time on her cousin’s dairy farm (who are also veterinarians) where she got to experience the large animal side of vet med. Dr. Wingerd also worked as a groom and exercise rider at a horse farm in the California desert. During vet school, she worked as a barn attendant, dog walker, and equine ICU assistant.

Dr. Wingerd attended Cal Poly Pomona for her undergraduate degree in Animal Science. She then attended the University of Missouri and graduated from the school of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Dr. Wingerd received the Anatomy Award, Parasitology Award, Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship Award. She is a member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Wingerd’s professional veterinary interest include preventative care, general surgery, dermatology, clinical pathology, infectious and zoonotic diseases.

She shares, “Being in the position to have the tools, knowledge, and support to allow a sick pet to be healthy again for the sake of both the animal and the owner. I am grateful and humbled that I get to serve people and their pets in this unique way.”

In Dr. Wingerd free time, she and her husband enjoy hiking, running, traveling, horse sports, and spending time with family. They are looking forward to adopting a cat and dog after getting settled into the Kansas City area. She especially loves Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Bassett Hounds!!