Dr. Colleen Willms earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Following graduation, she completed a one-year rotating internship at Auburn University. She then pursued a three-year, ACVECC-approved residency under the guidance of renowned veterinary criticalists Dr. Rebecca Kirby and Dr. Elke Rudloff.
Dr. Willms worked at Alabama Veterinary Specialists for several years, serving as the director of the ICU and critical care service, before joining Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2005.
A special interest of Dr. Willms is the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an adjunctive modality in patient care.
Outside of her veterinary work, Dr. Willms enjoys spending time with her Yorkie, Tulipe, a rescue she nursed back to health in the ICU over a 10-day period. She also loves traveling, birdwatching, communing with nature, and cooking.
Dr. Willms took care of my sweet chocolate Labrador when she got hold of my other dogs' medicine and ate it while I was out of town. Dr. Willms was so wonderful at communicating with me and took the best care of my girl Bella! I love Gulf Coast, and have told everyone about the great care given!
