Contact Information
Orange Park Florida Bldg 2
Phone: 423-869-7024
Email: linnea.kleine@lmunet.edu
Office Location: TBD
Overview
Dr. Linnea Kleine is a dedicated small animal veterinarian with a strong passion for preventative medicine, client and student education, small animal geriatric care, and wildlife rehabilitation. Her professional journey has been shaped by early experiences in marine science, sea turtle husbandry, and small animal veterinary practice—experiences that continue to influence her interest in conservation medicine and clinical teaching. Dr. Kleine is committed to fostering skill development, confidence, and hands‑on competency in future veterinarians.
Role at OPCVM
In her role as Assistant Professor of Clinical Skills at the Orange Park College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kleine is responsible for teaching foundational and intermediate clinical skills, with an emphasis on both medical and surgical competency. She contributes directly to the college’s mission by guiding students through pre‑clinical coursework and live‑animal surgical labs designed to prepare them for real‑world veterinary practice. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in hands‑on learning, clear communication, and individualized student support.
Dr. Kleine discovered her passion for teaching during veterinary school, where she served as a tutor in Veterinary Pathology and developed strong instructional and leadership skills as a Student Ambassador for Community Veterinary Partners. These experiences continue to shape her approach to classroom and laboratory environments, where she strives to promote student confidence, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
Research Focus
Dr. Kleine is interested in exploring scholarship related to clinical teaching, surgical and medical skill development, and the integration of practical training methods in veterinary education. She also remains passionate about opportunities to engage in wildlife‑centered fieldwork, particularly in sea turtle medicine and rehabilitation.
Earlier in her academic career, Dr. Kleine contributed to research on heartworm disease prevalence in the Cumberland Gap region, reinforcing her interest in population‑focused and field‑based veterinary studies.
Education and Certifications
DVM: Lincoln Memorial University
MS: Lincoln Memorial University
BS: Florida Atlantic University
