Dr. Linda Kauffman - DVM 1983
Western Veterinary Conference 2026
Dr. Linda Kauffman, Stevensville, Montana, has been selected by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni Association to receive a 2026 Alumni Recognition Award. The award will be presented May 31 in conjunction with the Alumni Reunion Weekend and Awards Luncheon in recognition of her career in veterinary medicine and for having served as an exemplary role model for future alumni in a professional and community setting. (This award was postponed from the Western Veterinary Conference alumni reception in February.)
Dr. Kauffman grew up on an eastern Nebraska hog and cattle farm. It was caring for piglets and calves, as well as her involvement in 4-H that motivated her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She attended the University of Nebraska for undergraduate studies and then attended Kansas State University where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1983. Because of Dr. Kauffman’s interest in large animals, she completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1984.
Following graduation, Dr. Kauffman worked in mixed animal practices in Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas before returning to Montana in 1993. In 1999, she became owner and operator of the Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic in Stevensville.
"I am honored to receive this recognition from my alma mater," Dr. Kauffman said. "As I reflect on the last 40+ years, I realize how God has blessed me and directed my life. When I count my blessings, I think of the many veterinarians and mentors who helped me navigate this profession. Because of them, one of my goals has been to stay involved in the community and to serve as an educator for both clients and students."
“Dr. Kauffman has served as an outstanding practitioner and a leader in veterinary medicine,” said Interim Dean Dr. Elizabeth Davis. “She represents the consummate community leader contributing to the Montana Veterinary Medical Association, serving on the advisory board to the school superintendent and active in her local church. We are pleased to recognize her for her dedication to community service and to the veterinary profession.”
Dr. Kauffman is a member of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association, serving as president from 2024-2025. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a former member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and a current member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners. She has served on the Montana Board of Veterinary Medicine from 2000 to 2006 (all positions), the Board of Western Montana Small Animal Emergency Clinic as as one of the owners of the business.
Dr. Kauffman said she is proud to have hosted dozens of students, ranging from a Czechoslovakian veterinary student in 1992 to a vet-tech student from Colorado in March 2026.
“We continue to host FFA, 4-H and high school students, making an investment in our community’s youth a critical part of our mission,” Dr. Kauffman said. “These engagements have been an incredible learning experience for me personally, and they have also become integral to our small business. I trust they will continue as part of the clinic’s legacy.”
Outside of work, Dr. Kauffman enjoys trail riding her horses and spending time with her grandchildren.
“As I reflect on legacy and as retirement begins to loom, one of my goals has been to hand the baton to my colleagues rather than sell the clinic to a private equity company,” Dr. Kauffman said. “I have loved owning a small business, and keeping our clinic’s vision alive has always been at the forefront of my mind. Once again counting my blessings, I am grateful that this goal is well on its way to becoming a reality, as two of my veterinary associates have bought into Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic.”