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Trinity
Internal Medicine Referral Center
TIMRC is an outpatient only referral center that was established to support area veterinarians in complicated or uncommon patient conditions that would benefit from the expertise of an internal medicine specialist. Our board certified internist is experienced in diagnosing and treating various issues including, but not limited to cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine and hematologic systems, neoplasia, and infectious diseases. This experience extends beyond the patient care and includes working with referring veterinarians for long term case management. At TIMRC it truly is a partnership between the referring veterinarian, the patient and family, and our internist.
TIMRC TEAM
Dr. Jill Brunker, ACVIM
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Jill Brunker grew up in Hobart, Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University to earn her Bachelors of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After pursuing internship in the Dallas metroplex area, she returned to her alma mater for a 3-year residency to become Board Certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal) in 2004. She remained at OSU on faculty until 2013. While at OSU, her time was devoted to seeing referral patients while training veterinary students, interns, and residents. She loves the challenge of difficult cases and working alongside pet owners to make the best decisions for the health and happiness of their pets. When away from work, she is involved with church and enjoys biblical exegesis. She has a wonderful family with husband, Stuart, and two kids, Brayden and Jenna, both of which are attending OSU. The Brunker animal family consists of Jonah and Bentley (standard poodles), Shellden (red-footed tortoise), and numerous other animals (cats, horse, donkeys, goats, and sheep). She also enjoys CrossFit and has coached for many years.
What to expect at TIMRC
TIMRC is not a full referral hospital and, at this time, is not equipped to handle critically ill patients or those requiring stabilization in an emergency situation. Our internal medicine service is intended to provide care on a referral basis only and advanced cases beyond our scope may not be accepted for appointments. Working with our referral coordinator will provide in depth information on our scope of services and limitations.
Why Refer
There is a long list of medical and non-medical reasons for a veterinarian to refer to an internal medicine specialist. Whether it is to develop an appropriate treatment plan, obtain assistance with making a diagnosis, perform therapeutic procedure, or to simply reassure the patients family that a serious issue is present - Dr. Brunker and her TIMRC team is here to help.
TIMC Referral
The TIMRC team will utilize every aspect of a patient's history and condition to provide exceptional care in a tailor-made approach for each referral seen. This can only be achieved thru a partnership with our team, the primary veterinarian, and pet owner. Communication is vital to this process and success for a healthy outcome. Once stable, long term treatment will be maintained by the primary veterinarian unless otherwise discussed with Dr. Jill Brunker.
Referral Policies & Procedures
All patients seen at Trinity Internal Medicine Referral Center must be referred by a veterinarian. To ensure this process is efficient, thorough, and focused on client and patient care, our referral coordinator will work with referring veterinarians to streamline the flow of information. Detailed medical history and patient records are crucial to ensure Dr. Brunker and her TIMRC staff have up-to-date information regarding the referred patient. All patients seen at TIMRC will be treated by our board certified internal medicine specialist for the referred condition only. Routine procedures and other concerns not related to the this condition will be noted for the primary veterinarian.
WHAT IS AN INTERNIST?
Terminology regarding "Specialist" vs "specializing in" a particular area of veterinary medicine can be very confusing and misleading. These terms sound so similar but the amount of education and training is vastly different between a board certified Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a general practitioner that focuses their practice to include internal medicine. Read this informational handout to learn more!
Heidi Sue's Story
This sweet little chihuahua was referred to Dr. Jill Brunker at TIMRC for a 5 month history of a decreased appetite, lethargy, and occasional vomiting. Her illness started with a collapsing episode where she was rushed to an emergency clinic. Since then, she has gotten worse and is hiding under the bed not wanting to sit with her owner. After reviewing her extensive history and performing a comprehensive physical examination, Dr. Brunker determined bloodwork was the appropriate first step. The test results were very concerning, revealing a potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality where her potassium was severely elevated and sodium level too low! These electrolyte changes can indicate a problem in the adrenal glands called Addison's disease or hypoadrenocorticism. The adrenal glands are small, paired glands located near the kidneys. Each gland consists of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The glands produce two important hormones that regulate a variety of body functions and are necessary to sustain life. The two hormones are cortisol, a stress hormone, and aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the body’s levels of the minerals sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium levels are important for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. Without these hormones the body can go into a "crisis" that is life threatening. IV fluids were started immediately and specialized testing (ACTH stimulation test) was performed which confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment was initiated but Heidi Sue was still not out of the woods. She was transferred for monitoring and overnight care to the Veterinary Surgical Center of Stillwater. She returned to TIMRC the following morning for re-evaluation and electrolyte recheck which showed she had started to respond to treatment! She was sent home later that day and since then has continue to respond wonderfully to treatment and is even sitting with her family again. It truly was a group effort between Dr. Jill Brunker, Heidi's referring veterinarian, VSCS, and Heidi Sue's owners in saving Heidi's life. With monitoring and life-long medications, her prognosis is excellent!
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Hours of Operation
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 12:00pm