Dr. Hughes earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee in 1987 and a Master of Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia, Poultry Diagnostic Research Center in 1990.

Dr. Hughes has extensive clinical experience, both as a small animal practice owner, and as relief veterinarian for multiple small animal practices in Iowa. Her diverse background as a veterinarian also includes working with select exotic species and international volunteer teams to administer rabies vaccines to reduce/eliminate human rabies cases. Dr. Hughes was also Technical Service Poultry Veterinarian and Diagnostic Laboratory Director for a large vertically integrated poultry company for seven years.

Dr. Hughes’ most recent appointment was at Murray State University, Breathitt Veterinary Center, where she served as Poultry Specialist, Veterinary Case Coordinator, and Assistant Professor.