Karen Gowdy
About Karen Gowdy
Karen Gowdy is a Public Health Veterinarian with extensive experience in public health policy and veterinary medicine. She has held various roles within the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and has a strong educational background in veterinary science and public health.
Current Role in Public Health
Karen Gowdy currently serves as a Public Health Veterinarian (A) at the Ontario Ministry of Health. Her tenure in this role began in 2019 and continues to the present. In this capacity, she applies her expertise in veterinary medicine and public health to address health issues related to animals and their impact on human health.
Previous Experience at Ontario Ministry of Health
Karen Gowdy has held multiple positions at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. She worked as a Senior Policy and Program Advisor from 2017 to 2019, focusing on public health initiatives. Prior to that, she served as a Public Health Veterinarian (A) for six months in 2014 and as a Public Health Advisor - Epidemiology (A) from 2016 to 2017.
Educational Background
Karen Gowdy earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Ontario Veterinary College, completing her studies from 2011 to 2013. She also holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, which she obtained between 1993 and 1997. Additionally, she studied Biomedical Toxicology at the University of Guelph, where she received her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from 1983 to 1987.
Veterinary and Toxicology Experience
Karen Gowdy has extensive experience in veterinary medicine and toxicology. She worked as an Associate Veterinarian at Mount Pleasant Veterinary Hospital from 1997 to 2004. Earlier in her career, she served as a Toxicologist at CanTox Inc. from 1987 to 1992. She also owned and operated Mapleview Animal Clinic from 2004 to 2012.
Volunteer Work and Leadership Roles
In addition to her professional roles, Karen Gowdy has engaged in volunteer work with COPE Service Dogs. She served as a Veterinary/Program Associate in 2016 and held the position of Executive Director from 2014 to 2015. These roles allowed her to contribute to the welfare of service dogs and their training programs.