LVT, CVPP, MFA, BA
Gwen Francisco is a licensed veterinary technician and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (IVAPM). She provides pain management instruction to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and to Seattle area veterinary hospitals. Gwen works with hospitals and clinics to develop pain protocols and participates in surgery clinics helping veterinary students develop pain management protocols they will use in their own practices. She has several years’ experience in the clinical setting as an anesthetist for small animal surgical procedures. She provided pre- and post-surgery nursing care, triaged emergency patients, performed diagnostic procedures and offered extensive client education.
Gwen serves on the board of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management where her focus is on growing the number of Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioners. She speaks to large groups at international veterinary conferences and to small groups at veterinary hospitals. Her passion is increasing awareness of the essential role of pain management in the health and welfare of our patients. Prior to her career change to veterinary medicine, Gwen earned a Master of Fine Arts degree and enjoyed a career as a broadcast and print media journalist. She spent several years as news director at a National Public Radio affiliate station, wrote and voiced stories for NPR and wrote numerous published articles covering Seattle area criminal courts as well as the energy industry.
Gwen lives in Seattle with her husband and their Terrier mutt, Tulip. She’s an avid gardener and an incorrigible fan of the Seattle Mariners Baseball Club. Gwen is convinced that alleviating animals’ pain is the best job in veterinary medicine!