assistant professor of ophthalmology in the department of veterinary clinical medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine
Education: Ph.D. (veterinary surgery), M.S. (veterinary surgery), D.V.M., São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil.
Courses teaching: VM 611 (Medicine and Surgery III), VM 679 (Advanced Ophthalmology) and VM 612-616 (Third- and Fourth-year Clinical Rotations)
Research interests: Ocular surface reconstruction, with emphasis on anti-collagenolytic, anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic properties of equine amniotic membrane.
“Dr. Martins’ research experience will bring high-quality research techniques and expertise to the already-outstanding clinical and teaching reputation of the comparative ophthalmology service here at the University of Illinois,” said Dr. Ralph E. Hamor, a clinical professor of veterinary clinical medicine and the head of specialty medicine. “Her research experience includes work with captive brown brocket deer, ultrasonographic aspects of cataracts in dogs and the surgical treatment of infectious corneal disease in horses. Her most recent work at the University of Florida continued her emphasis in ocular surface reconstruction while further evaluating the use of equine amniotic membrane to repair corneal defects. Dr. Martins’ extensive clinical experience with equine ophthalmology will be an asset to our clients and referring veterinarians, as horses are the second-most-common species that is presented to the comparative ophthalmology service here at the University of Illinois. Many of these patients have significant corneal defects requiring aggressive medical and surgical management. Surgical repair of equine corneal defects with amniotic membrane has shown excellent promise to save vision in ulcerative and infectious equine corneal defects.
“Dr. Martins’ extensive clinical and research experience also will serve our veterinary students, our residents and her fellow faculty here in the department of veterinary clinical medicine.”
Why Illinois: “I chose to work at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois for several reasons,” Martins said. “The ophthalmology section at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is recognized worldwide for its excellence and pioneering, and it provides an outstanding opportunity to work with enthusiastic students, interns and residents. The interdisciplinary focus of the university, along with the collaborative and collegial faculty all around the campus, offers me an ideal environment to take my research to the next level.
“I am excited to work in an environment of such academic excellence that characterizes this university. And the warmth and friendliness of the faculty and staff at the College of Veterinary Medicine and the ophthalmology service at the U. of I. makes the work environment a joyful place to be.”