Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association

Built on the Shoulders of Veterinary Giants

Veterinary Leaders in Kansas City (Part Two of Six)

by Steve Joseph, DVM - Historian

This year’s historical articles consider six veterinary leaders who made their marks in Kansas City and nationally. All of them were Presidents of the AVMA.

Second to be considered is Dr. Albert Thomas Kinsley (1877 – 1941). He graduated from the Kansas City Veterinary College (KCVC) in 1904, the same year Dr. Fredrick Cleveland Cater graduated. An article about Dr. Cater appeared in this series last year (see our archives at kcvma.com under the “about” button). The Class of 1904 started with 225 students and 153 graduated.

Dr. Kinsley was born in Independence, IA during the late winter of 1877. He earned a B.S. degree from the Kansas State Agricultural College in 1899 and an M.S. degree from the same institution in 1901. He continued his education in Chicago and studied pathology which suited him well in his later life. Returning to our area, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVS) degree. The DVS designation was changed to DVM in 1912. As a student and a veterinary graduate, he taught pathology, bacteriology and parasitology from 1902 through 1918 when the KCVC closed its doors. During those years and the years that followed, he enjoyed a busy and successful professional and private life.

He purchased an interest in the private veterinary college in 1912 and was selected its President the following year. He served in other administrative positions including Dean. After the KCVC closed, Dr. Kinsley founded Kinsley Laboratories and conducted an extensive consultation practice. He authored a textbook on pathology and two on diseases of swine. He was a frequent contributor to veterinary periodicals and pioneered a section on swine practice in Veterinary Medicine at a time when little was known about the species outside the Midwest.

Many administrative and faculty members of the KCVC did not accept compensation to teach future veterinarians. They earned their livelihoods from other enterprises. Their dedication and sacrifices continue to affect our Professional lives today.

Dr. Kinsley was the second veterinary leader from Kansas City to serve the prestigious position of AVMA President in 1921 – 1922.

It is interesting to note that both Drs. Kinsley and Cater are pictured in the composite picture of the 1904 KCVC class. At that time, graduates appeared in order of their academic ranking rather than alphabetically as they are today. PC? Both successful veterinarians graduated toward the top of their class and are pictured side by side in the composite. The composite is the oldest picture of KCVC graduates and is housed in the KSU archives.

Want to join the KCVMA? Being a Member Has Never Been Better!

News&Notes Downloads

Find out more about the great benefits the KCVMA provides its members. The KCVMA holds monthly CE events that are free to all dues paid veterinarians and veterinary technicians are welcome to come as well.

Use of this site is subject to the KCVMA terms of use.

Designed and Maintained by Nadler & Associates, Inc.