DVMNeedles... Delores T. Craig, DVM, CVA, CVCH       

    delores t. craig, dvm, cva, cvch

          I was born in Hawaii and raised in a small town in mid-Missouri, Waynesville. I graduated from the University
          of Missouri at Columbia Veterinary College in 1983. In 1985, I moved from Missouri to Las Cruces, NM and 
          commuted to El Paso and managed a veterinary practice for three years. 

          In 1988, I took the plunge and purchased Solano Animal Clinic in Las Cruces, NM.
          For 21 years I practiced ConvNo Descriptionentional Modern Veterinary Medicine. As my
          patients lived longer, I could I could not help but notice my painful geriatric
          patients needed more than what Western Medicine could offer and I looked for
          alternative methods. After much reading of anecdotal and science-based
          reports, I decided to look into acupuncture. After having a positive experience
          with acupuncture for my own personal health issue, I decided to take a
          course. I opted against taking a "quickie" weekend cookbook course.
          In 2004, I completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture
          Society (IVAS) course in Houston and began immediately offering
          acupuncture to my geriatric patients.

          In 2005, I hired an associate. This allowed me to continue and expand my
          Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine training. In mid 2006, I traveled to
          to Florida and spent a week completing my internship requirements and
          submitted my case reports for certification. Many veterinarians take weekend
          courses or take the IVAS course, but do not make the added effort to become
          certified. After my certification became formalized in 2006, I began a referral
          practice in El Paso appropriately named DVMNeedles. I see appointments
          in El Paso on Wednesday afternoons. 
        
          I then began training in Traditional Chinese Herbs with the Chi Institute, fulfilling my certification
          as a TCVM Veterinary Practitioner and Veterinary Herbologist in June of 2008. As of Oct 2009, I was
          one of only 92 people in the nation with this certification.

         
          I was accepted as a Teaching Assistant at the IVAS Acupuncture Course in San Diego of 2008-2009.
          I was the TA coordinator for the IVAS Acupuncture Course in Portland for 2011-2012. I have also
          served on the IVAS Education Committee since 2008.           

          I live in Clint, TX with my husband, Killian (a boxer), Maximus (an Aussie) and the newest member of
          the family, Sylvester, a black and white "terrorist" of a cat who goes back and forth with me to work.
          My husband and I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, white-water rafting, and my passion, scuba
          diving photography. 

          My professional goal is to pass the "board" exam for the IVAS organization and to obtain a Master's degree in
          Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.          

          My personal goal is to spend the rest if my life balancing my work and traveling the world with my husband 
          and soul-mate, Russell.