Strong leadership is built on a shared commitment to service, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) is excited to welcome two new voices to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Mark Stanfill and Dr. Serene Yu represent different stages of the veterinary profession, yet both are united by a passion for supporting colleagues, advancing animal health and investing in the future of veterinary medicine in Texas.

Dr. Mark Stanfill

TVMF welcomes Dr. Mark Stanfill ’93 from Red Oak to the Board of Trustees. In 1999, Dr. Stanfill designed and built Animal Hospital of Ovilla, which has grown from three employees to 28 and from three exams rooms to seven. Highly respected in the community, Dr. Stanfill and his hospital see small animals and exotics, and they are very active in giving back.

Dr. Stanfill’s journey to becoming a veterinarian began in kindergarten after he revived a frozen bunny. His interests in math, science and exotic animals have fortified his more than 25-year veterinary career in which he enjoys surgery and challenging diagnostic cases. No stranger to philanthropy, Dr. Stanfill and his wife have backed TVMF through the Memorial Gift Program and participating in LEAP.

“We constantly hear from clients that the donation to the memorial program was meaningful to them,” he said. “I also believe strongly in supporting future colleagues through things like the stethoscope and scholarship programs.”

Dr. Stanfill’s varied board experience and desire to serve have made him a positive addition to the TVMF Board of Trustees.

“TVMF perpetuates the positive image that veterinarians have historically had,” he said. “Giving back builds community! We all need to participate in supporting each other.”

Dr. Serene Yu

TVMF is proud to introduce one of our newest Trustees, Dr. Serene Yu. A familiar advocate for TVMF, Dr. Yu previously served as a student board representative 2017 to 2019 while dutifully pursuing her veterinary degree at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, from which she graduated in 2021.

Dr. Yu developed a deep interest in infectious disease research and zoonoses during her undergrad. Through her disease research experiences, Dr. Yu found a passion for veterinary medicine and an interest in public health.

She now practices small animal medicine at the Heights Veterinary Clinic, which has served the Houston Heights neighborhood for more than five decades.

“I find complex internal medicine cases really interesting, even if they can be very frustrating,” Dr. Yu said. “I also enjoy the relationships you form with clients and pets through care for geriatric animals.”

Dr. Yu says serving on the TVMF Board of Trustees, both as a student and veterinary professional, has helped her stay grounded and remember the purpose behind her education.

“It’s important to contribute to a cause that is purely for supporting this profession and its clients,” she said. “There are not many organizations that do this work.”

Among many things, Dr. Yu values the variety of TVMF’s programs. with each targeting a different subsect of needs.

“It’s exciting to know that TVMF can help multiple different parts of the veterinary ecosystem,” she said.

When asked how her experience with TVMF has influenced her perspective on philanthropy, Dr. Yu says she has learned about the effort and intention needed for building a sustainable system for giving back.

“In order to take care of veterinarians, communities and pet owners for more than just immediate circumstances, there is a lot of deliberation to make choices that are efficient and smart,” she said.

Dr. Yu is a valued member of the Board of Trustees because she is committed to thoughtful and responsible stewardship of the Foundation and its impact on the veterinary community, animals and people in Texas.

The Foundation is honored to have Dr. Stanfill and Dr. Yu serving as trustees. Their experiences, generosity and dedication to the profession will help shape TVMF’s work for years to come. Please join us in welcoming them to the Board as they help advance our mission of supporting the veterinary profession and the communities it serves.