3 minute read
pop goes the vet with dr. joya
GOES THE VET WITH DR. JOYA
Imagine, if you will, a Dr. Pimple Popper for pets! Louisville’s own Dr. Joya Griffi n, DVM stars in the television series “Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya” on National Geographic WILD.
BY DAWN ANDERSON COURTESY PHOTOS
Dr. Griffi n specializes in veterinary dermatology caring for the skin, the largest organ on an animal’s body. Her interest in animals stems from her early childhood in Dayton, Ohio. Joya connected with animals and wanted to be a veterinarian from the time she was seven when the family adopted their fi rst cat, Chessie. Over the years, the family kept many pets, including dogs, a rabbit, fi sh, a frog, and even a wild-caught snapping turtle kept in an attic bathtub. (Although Dr. Griffi n now advises against keeping snapping turtles as pets.)
When Joya went away to college, her parents got a Lhasa Apso named Gizmo as her “replacement.” But poor Gizmo suffered from bad skin, hair loss, and had to wear an e-collar. “There were not as many treatments then. Veterinary medicine has come a long way. We only ever saw temporary improvement with Gizmo.” So Joya took Gizmo back with her to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Within weeks, they were able to clear up her infections and get her itching under control. Her skin healed, her hair regrew, and she came out of an e-collar! I saw fi rsthand the difference quality specialized care could make, how it saved her life, and I wanted to do that for others.” Dr. Griffi n loves seeing the transformation in beloved family pets and how meaningful her work is in restoring an animal’s appearance, quality of life, and bond with their humans.
Dr. Griffi n is board-certifi ed with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) and joined
TUNE IN
Watch “Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya” Saturdays at pm/C on Nat Geo WILD and stream episodes anytime on Disney+. Visit animaldermatology.com for more information. Be sure to follow @drjoya_thepetskinvet on Instagram and @drjoyadvm on Facebook.
Animal Dermatology Group in 2010. The Louisville practice she leads with ACVD Resident Dr. Jeffrey Tinsley that started as a satellite offi ce now has two satellites of its own: Lexington and Evansville. They pride themselves on building solid relationships with pet parents and consider their colleagues and coworkers as friends and family.
After responding to an inquiry about becoming the Dr. Pimple Popper of the animal world, Dr. Griffi n spent much of 2020 collecting videos for sizzle reels and press tapes to send to the production company. When fi lming began in earnest, it made for longer days at the offi ce with an already busy work and home life. “The fl ow of my days is different with the fi lm crew there.” But Dr. Griffi n is hoping for “Pop Goes the Vet” Season 2.
“I enjoy fi lming, teaching, and educating Louisville and the country about veterinary dermatology. My new pet parents often say, ‘I didn’t even know you existed.’” Working in Kentucky also allows Dr. Griffi n to delve into a particular interest in equine dermatology. “The show sheds a positive light on the city with beautiful footage of Louisville and the surrounding area.”
When fi lming wraps and her workday is over, Dr. Griffi n enjoys spending time with her family and pets. Her husband, Dr. Forrest Cummings, is a veterinary internal medicine specialist and an excellent home chef. They have three children - son Caden and boy/girl twins Coby and Carter. Dr. Griffi n loves traveling, working out, and “sometimes” running. She has completed four half marathons and plans to continue training.
SHOP NOW BEFORE DERBY Springs UP ON YOU!
