Trinity Internal Medicine Referral Center (TIMRC) is dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services for pets with complex or uncommon medical conditions. Operating separately from Trinity Veterinary Hospital, TIMRC is a referral-only facility designed to work in partnership with local veterinarians, pet owners, and our board-certified internal medicine specialist, Dr. Jill Brunker, DACVIM. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional care and long-term management tailored to each patient’s needs.
What is TIMRC?
TIMRC is an outpatient referral center dedicated to supporting area veterinarians with complex or uncommon cases that benefit from the expertise of an internal medicine specialist. Our board-certified internist, Dr. Jill Brunker, is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, endocrine, and hematologic disorders, as well as neoplasia and infectious diseases. Beyond patient care, we collaborate closely with referring veterinarians to ensure effective long-term case management. At TIMRC, we foster a true partnership between the referring veterinarian, the patient and their family, and our internist.
An internal medicine specialist, or internist, is a veterinarian who has undergone advanced training and achieved board certification as a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM). This level of expertise goes far beyond a general practitioner who may focus their practice on internal medicine. Internists specialize in diagnosing and treating the most complex medical cases, offering unparalleled expertise and care.
Why Choose TIMRC for Your Pet?
At TIMRC, we specialize in outpatient internal medicine cases referred by primary veterinarians. Led by Dr. Brunker, our team focuses on providing expert care for complex conditions that require advanced diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.
Referrals to TIMRC can help:
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Develop effective treatment plans for challenging medical issues.
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Perform advanced procedures tailored to your pet's needs.
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Provide clarity and reassurance about your pet’s health.
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Offer expert insights for long-term care and management.
Our services address a range of conditions, including:
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Cardiac and respiratory health
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Gastrointestinal and urogenital systems
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Endocrine and hematologic disorders
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Infectious diseases and neoplasia
With a collaborative approach, we work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure continuity of care. Once a diagnosis is reached and initial treatment is provided, your pet’s ongoing care is transitioned back to their trusted primary vet.
How Referrals Work
TIMRC operates strictly on a referral-only basis, meaning all patients must be referred by their primary veterinarian. To ensure the best possible care:
- The referring veterinarian provides a detailed medical history and relevant patient records.
- TIMRC evaluates the referred condition exclusively, with routine or unrelated concerns directed back to the primary veterinarian.
- Long-term treatment and follow-up care remain under the management of the referring veterinarian unless otherwise discussed.
- Collaboration and communication are central to our process, ensuring a seamless experience for pet owners, referring veterinarians, and patients alike.
Heidi Sue’s Story: A Team Effort in Saving Lives
Heidi Sue, a sweet little Chihuahua, was referred to Dr. Jill Brunker at TIMRC after five challenging months of declining health. Her journey began with a frightening collapse that landed her in an emergency clinic. Over time, her condition worsened—she became lethargic, lost her appetite, and spent her days hiding under the bed, too unwell to sit with her loving owner.
When Heidi Sue arrived at TIMRC, Dr. Brunker carefully reviewed her extensive medical history and performed a thorough physical examination. The first step was bloodwork, which revealed alarming and potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalances: dangerously high potassium levels and exceptionally low sodium levels. These findings pointed to Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism—a condition affecting the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands, small paired structures near the kidneys, play a vital role in regulating essential body functions. They produce two crucial hormones: cortisol, a stress hormone, and aldosterone, which controls sodium and potassium levels to maintain fluid balance. Without these hormones, the body can enter a life-threatening "Addisonian crisis." Dr. Brunker acted quickly, starting Heidi Sue on IV fluids to stabilize her and conducting specialized testing (an ACTH stimulation test) to confirm the diagnosis. While treatment began promptly, Heidi Sue's journey to recovery was far from over. She was transferred to the Veterinary Surgical Center of Stillwater (VSCS) for overnight monitoring and care.
The following morning, Heidi Sue returned to TIMRC for a re-evaluation and another electrolyte check. The good news: her body was responding to treatment! Later that day, she was able to go home, and her recovery has been remarkable. Today, Heidi Sue is thriving on her lifelong medications, back to enjoying her family’s love and cuddles.
Saving Heidi Sue's life was a true team effort involving Dr. Brunker, her dedicated TIMRC team, Heidi Sue's referring veterinarian, the staff at VSCS, and of course, her devoted owners. Thanks to this collaborative care, Heidi Sue’s prognosis is excellent, and her future is bright.
Contact Us
If your pet’s primary veterinarian has recommended a referral to TIMRC, our team is here to guide you through the process. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please email or call our referral coordinator today at (405) 633-6360.
At TIMRC, we’re committed to making every referral a seamless, supportive experience for pets, owners, and referring veterinarians alike.
Operating Hours
Wed: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thur: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM