James M. Cissell, DVM

Dr. Mike Cissell, a Kentucky native, graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. From there he moved to Blacksburg, Virginia to complete an equine surgical and ambulatory internship from 2005-2006. Dr. Cissell began his equine surgical residency at the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 and finished in 2009. He then remained at the VMCVM as a faculty member where he stayed until 2014. Dr. Cissell successfully passed the American College of Veterinary Surgeons certifying exam in 2011 to become a board-certified surgeon.

In 2014, Dr. Cissell moved with his family to Prescott, Arizona where he joined a private practice as the sole surgeon. While working in Arizona, Dr. Cissell continued to also work in academia as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery with the Midwestern College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, while out west, Dr. Cissell spent one year as the technical vet for a small biotech company that focused on regenerative medical therapies. In 2019, Dr. Cissell and his family returned to the east coast when he joined North Carolina State University as an emergency surgeon at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Dr. Cissell grew up in Kentucky spending his summers on his aunt and uncle’s horse farm. During this time, he competed initially in Western Pleasure, followed by English riding. Once Dr. Cissell began his undergraduate studies at Murray State University, he joined the college rodeo team where he competed for multiple years in the steer wrestling event. During his free time, Dr. Cissell likes to spend time with his wife and their three children. They are all avid outdoors people that enjoy camping, hiking, exercising, and mountain biking. (Source)