Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Ed Childress earned his doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State Veterinary School in 1979 after having earned degrees in Accounting and Animal Science. He returned to Austin, his favorite city, and first worked in a hospital that specialized in orthopedic surgery. In 1981 he purchased Highlands Pet Medical Clinic. Dr. Childress was instrumental in setting up and running the first veterinary emergency hospital in Austin. It was owned by all of the Austin veterinarians and they took turns covering the emergency shifts. Dr. Childress served as President of the Board for that emergency clinic as well as covering shifts as needed. Now, fortunately, Austin has emergency facilities that are operated by veterinarians that specialize only in emergency care. The Capital Area Veterinary Medical Association is the local veterinary organization that serves the common interests of veterinarians in Austin. Dr. Childress initiated the first locally sponsored weekend seminars for veterinary continuing education while serving as president of the organization and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Childress believes in providing the best medical care possible for his patients and has kept up with continuing education by taking more than two to three times the required yearly CE hours during most of his veterinary career. After purchasing Highlands Pet Medical Clinic he quickly improved the hospital facility until it had all of the requirements to become a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. In addition to focusing on attention to his patients care, Dr. Childress believes in good, open communication with their owners. He has trained his staff to follow his lead in understanding the value of good service above and beyond the call of duty. He is happily married to Carla Willson, a nationally exhibited glass artist and public school teacher. They are owned by their rescued Chihuahua, Pooh, and Tibetan Spaniel, Rico. Together they enjoy golf, sailing, skiing and travel. Dr. Childress is a UT alumni and supporter of UT sports.
