There are proven models for broadly delivering care at the highest level. We’re building the first one for veterinary orthopedic surgery.
Choosing veterinary surgical care can be confusing. Terms like “special interest in orthopaedics”, “surgery focused”, or “advanced training” are often used in clinic bios, but they don’t necessarily reflect specialization.
At AOCF, your pet’s care will be overseen by an ACVS Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon who is also an ACVS Founding Fellow in both orthopaedic Fellowship types: Joint Replacement Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery (Orthopaedics). Founding Fellowship status is a distinction awarded to those who helped define the highest standards in advanced veterinary surgery.
These qualifications were built from many of leadership in the field. Before founding AOCF, Dr. Kim served as a tenured Full Professor of Small Animal Surgery at the University of Florida. He is an internationally recognized speaker, educator, and researcher whose work has shaped the science and practice of veterinary orthopedics.
Unlike most specialty clinics, we focus solely on orthopedic surgery. In human medicine, studies have repeatedly shown that surgeons and clinics who concentrate on a specific set of procedures deliver significantly better outcomes. For example, dedicated hernia centers, joint replacement programs, and high-volume cardiac units consistently outperform general surgical teams on success rates. We believe the same principle applies in veterinary medicine. At our clinic, you won’t find a generalist doing a bit of everything. We are focused on delivering advanced orthopedic care.
At AOCF, we believe in the model of institutions in human medicine with the best outcomes, where expert clinical service is delivered in conjunction with active research and teaching. At AOCF, our mission is to provide the most advanced and reliable orthopedic care while contributing to scientific discovery and training the next generation of surgical leaders. These pillars reinforce each other: teachers and students keep each other accountable, research pushes us to the forefront of innovation, and our patients benefit from care informed by both.
We understand that pet owners place deep trust in their veterinarians. With that trust comes vulnerability to unnecessary tests, treatments, and costs. As an independently owned, mission-driven practice, we are not beholden to corporate shareholders or profit targets. Our promise is simple: fair pricing based on what’s medically appropriate. In a landscape increasingly dominated by large corporate groups, we offer expert surgical care without inflated fees. We hope to surprise you with our competitive pricing.
ACVS Founding Fellow, Joint Replacement Surgery
ACVS Founding Fellow, Minimally Invasive Surgery (Orthopaedics)
ACVS Founding Fellow, Joint Replacement Surgery
Dr. Stanley Kim is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and recognized leader in small animal orthopedic surgery, with particular expertise in total joint replacement, cranial cruciate ligament disease, minimally invasive fracture repair, and 3D surgical planning. He is among the most productive veterinary clinician-scientists of his generation, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and extensive contributions to national and international scientific forums.
Before founding his specialty practice, Dr. Kim spent over 15 years on faculty at the University of Florida, where he served as a tenured Full Professor of Small Animal Surgery. He contributed to the clinical training of over 100 veterinary students annually and provided dedicated mentorship to junior faculty, as well as dozens of surgical interns and residents.
Dr. Kim’s contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors, including designation as Expertscape’s Top World Expert in the Stifle and the Hind Limb. He is also one of the first veterinary surgeons to be recognized as an ACVS Founding Fellow in both Joint Replacement Surgery and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery.
Professional Experience
Founder, Animal Orthopaedic Clinic of Florida, 2025–present
Professor of Small Animal Surgery, University of Florida, 2023–2025
Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery, University of Florida, 2017–2023
Assistant Professor of Small Animal Surgery, University of Florida, 2011–2017
Clinical Lecturer, University of Florida, 2010–2011
Certifications
ACVS Founding Fellow in Joint Replacement Surgery, 2021
ACVS Founding Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery (Small Animal Orthopedics), 2023
Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) Certification, 2020
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal), 2011
Awards
Expertscape Top World Expert in Stifle Surgery, 2022-present
Expertscape World Expert in the Hind Limb, 2024-present
Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, 2017
Term Professorship Award, University of Florida, 2018
CE Cornelius Young Investigator Award, University of Florida, 2016
Technology Innovator Award, University of Florida, 2016
Clinical Investigator Award, University of Florida, 2014
American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Residents’ Award, 2010
Best Podium Presentation, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, 2008, 2010
Best Resident Forum Presentation Award, ACVS Surgical Summit, 2008
Veterinary Orthopedic Society Mark S. Bloomberg Award, 2008, 2010
Education
Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Florida, 2007–2010
Master of Science, University of Florida, 2008
Rotating Small Animal Internship, Ontario Veterinary College, 2005-2006
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (First Class Honors), University of Sydney, 2003
Research Publications
Our stand alone veterinary orthopedic surgical center is carefully designed to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Features such as advanced air filtration systems, positive air pressured operating rooms, we maintain an optimal environment for surgical care. Every detail—from airflow to easy-to-clean surfaces—is planned to keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout their orthopedic treatment.
