Dr. Ames Alwood completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Rutgers University. The impact of inequities on the profession, access to veterinary care and thus animal welfare were among the motivating factors leading Dr. Alwood to enroll in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Dr. Alwood completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. He pursued additional academic and clinical experience in the Northeast before completing a three-year residency in Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania, allowing them to become a Board-certified specialist within the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 

He has worked in varied private practice settings since that time including general practice clinics, community-based access to care clinics and 24-hour emergency and specialty hospitals. Dr. Alwood’s personal experiences within veterinary medicine have fueled a belief that what will differentiate veterinary organizations as centers of excellence in the future will be how we support individual veterinary professionals more comprehensively (and more authentically). These experiences and passions and the impact on patient care is what led them to joining VUCC as an associate veterinarian. They remain passionate about the importance of diverse and inclusive environments and their positive impact on teams, families and patients. Currently, Dr. Alwood acts as co-chair of the VECCS/ACVECC DEI committee.   

When not working, Dr. Alwood loves spending time with family and friends in western Massachusetts. Currently, their home includes two dogs (Penny and Flower) and two cats (“Charc” or Charcuterie and Udon). His hobbies include trail running, climbing or paddling with their daughter and visiting craft breweries.