Nicolas S. Ernst joins king animal hospital

DVM, DACVS (LA)

Board-Certified Equine Surgeon

Incoming Chief Medical Officer - Equine Division

Dr. Nicolas Ernst is a board-certified equine surgeon who brings extensive experience in clinical care, teaching, research and leadership to King Animal Hospital. His expertise spans equine surgery, emergency and critical care, and sports medicine, with a particular focus on managing complex surgical cases and horses requiring immediate, intensive intervention.

Dr. Ernst graduated from the Universidad de Chile’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences in 1999. He subsequently completed an equine externship at the University of California, Davis, and an internship at Chino Valley Equine Hospital in California. He continued his training at the University of Florida, earning a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology in 2003, followed by a residency in equine surgery.

In 2006, Dr. Ernst joined The Ohio State University Equine Hospital as a Clinical Instructor in Equine Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2007.

Before joining King Animal Hospital, Dr. Ernst served on the faculty at the University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center, where his tenure began in 2007 and included his role as Professor of Equine Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care, and Sports Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ernst has combined advanced clinical practice with a commitment to educating veterinary professionals and advancing equine care. He brings this dedication to clinical excellence, knowledge exchange and collaborative leadership to King Animal Hospital’s equine team.