- VetEvolve Practice: Hoffman Animal Hospital, Annapolis, Maryland
- Graduate: Western University of Health Sciences | DVM
- Specialty: Medical Director
- Certifications: Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine & Feline Practice); Fear Free Certified; RECOVER CPR Certified
From Surface Warfare to Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Carrie Muller’s path to veterinary medicine wasn’t traditional. A native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, she first served her country as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland. This early leadership experience would later prove invaluable in her veterinary career.
After transitioning from military service, Dr. Muller pursued her veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences, followed by internships in Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, and Clinical Research at North Carolina State University. Her veterinary journey eventually led her to VetEvolve, where she found an organization that aligned with her values, actively nurtured her career goals, and supported her desire for work-life balance — giving her more opportunities to devote time to causes important to her.
In 2023, Dr. Muller joined Hoffman Animal Hospital in Annapolis, MD. as the Medical Director. The move to VetEvolve came with a return to familiar surroundings, the chance to better balance her career and family, and included support to pursue veterinary goals.
Pursuing Excellence Through Continued Growth
In December 2024, Dr. Muller achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, earning certification in Canine and Feline Practice — a prestigious accomplishment requiring exceptional expertise and rigorous testing.
“This was a professional goal for me, and something I was able to pursue more fully since joining VetEvolve,” Dr. Muller explains. “The significant support they provide shows they truly see the value in continued training and professional development.”
Shaping the Future of Veterinary Medicine
At VetEvolve, Dr. Muller found more than just support for her own goals — she discovered an opportunity to make a broader impact on the profession. Together with Dr. Renee Addison of Veterinary Emergency Services, she helps lead the Support from the Start program, VetEvolve’s initiative for new veterinarians.
The program combines hands-on training through wetlabs with structured off-site mentorship that addresses many of the needs of new DVMs.
“It’s a well-rounded program,” Dr. Muller said. “For example, one aspect we address is the soft skills that need to be developed — how to handle difficult conversations with clients, how to get them to agree on diagnostics, how to realize and be cognizant of innate biases.”
Creating Positive Change
As Medical Director at Hoffman Animal Hospital, Dr. Muller brings her commitment to excellence to every aspect of practice life. With her Fear Free Certification, she prioritizes creating stress-free experiences for patients and emphasizes pain management. Her collaborative approach ensures pet owners feel involved in their pets’ care and decision-making process.
Outside the practice, Dr. Muller has found VetEvolve support for causes that are important to her — and the community. At Hoffman Animal Hospital, she was able to establish the Message to Garcia program, thanks to the support of VetEvolve. The program was something she had envisioned for years as a way to support active duty and veteran clients in the Annapolis area. She discussed it with VetEvolve leadership during her interview process and was given the freedom to bring it to life in 2023. Her work with Wreaths Across America is another example of the many ways VetEvolve strives to provide veterinarians the support they need for causes that serve their communities.
Currently pursuing an MBA through Penn State University, Dr. Muller continues to expand her skill set. She’s particularly interested in data analytics and exploring how to optimize practice operations for both staff and patients.
Finding Balance
Outside the hospital, Dr. Muller cherishes time with her family, including her husband, three children, and their two dogs—a Belgian Malinois named Lilo and a German Shepherd named Katie. This balance between professional achievement and personal life exemplifies the values VetEvolve promotes.
“VetEvolve gave me the chance to pursue board certification while supporting my work to give back to the community,” Dr. Muller said. “Through programs like Support from the Start, we’re not just focusing on today’s challenges — we’re helping shape the future of veterinary medicine.”