Selena Tinga, Ph.D., DVM, ACVS

Assistant Professor, Section of Small Animal Surgery
Department of Clinical Sciences
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
930 Campus Road, Box 31
Ithaca, NY 14853
Profile
Research/Clinical Interests
Research: bone/joint motion, particularly stifle joint motion in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease, before and after surgical therapy. Biomechanical testing of implants or implant configurations. Pain management.
Clinical: Angular limb deformity correction. Distraction osteogenesis. External fixation. Cranial cruciate ligament surgery. Treatment of trauma.
Education
- 2018: Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal
- 2018: University of Florida, Canine Stifle Kinematics, PhD
- 2013: Texas A&M University, Small Animal Rotating Internship Certificate
- 2012: College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, DVM
- 2005: College of Agriculture, Cornell University, BS (Animal Science)
Biography/Professional Experience
After completing her residency and PhD at the University of Florida, Dr Tinga became an assistant professor in Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery at The Ohio State University. After 3 years in the city, she was excited to move back to the more rural Fingerlakes region of NY for a position as an assistant professor in Small Animal Surgery at Cornell University to work alongside numerous friends and mentors.
Clinically, Dr Tinga’s favorite cases are angular limb deformities, although she also loves treating the more common conditions like cruciate disease and traumas. Her research has primarily focused on studying bone motion in conditions of bony instability, like cruciate disease, and attempting to use this information to perfect the treatments for these conditions. She is also interested in creating evidence to guide implant selection and application where there are questions left to be answered. Additionally, she enjoys local and international veterinary outreach and educating future veterinary practitioners.
Awards and Honors
University of Florida (small animal surgery resident)
- 2015: Veterinary Orthopedic Society Bloomberg Award
- 2015: Best Podium Presentation (Bloomberg Competition)
- 2017: Mark S. Bloomberg Invited Lecturer – International Canine Sports Medicine Symposium
- 2017: Charles F. Simpson Memorial Scholarship
- 2017: ACVS Small Animal Residents’ Forum – Clinical (1st place)
- 2018: Phi Zeta Outstanding Presentation (departmental winner)
- 2018: Phi Zeta Outstanding Presentation (2nd place overall winner)
The Ohio State University (faculty)
- 2020: Morris Animal Foundation Summer Student Research Program – exemplary project
Professional/Academic Affiliations
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Veterinary Orthopedic Society
- American Veterinary Medical Association