Gustafson Assumes MVMA Presidency

July 21, 2025

Glacier County veterinarian Dr. Barr Gustafson was recently named president of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association for the 2025-2026 term. Dr. Gustafson succeeds Linda Kauffman, DVM, of Stevensville, who will now serve as past president on the MVMA Executive Board.

Dr. Gustafson was born and raised in Conrad, and as a youngster traveled the backroads of north central Montana with his veterinarian father. He developed a liking for assisting animals in distress, and considered interacting with the diverse and interesting group of animal owners an added bonus.

A 1985 graduate of the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Gustafson has been practicing in Glacier County since 1990. He also helps his wife Colleen and son Owen on the family cow/calf operation. His daughter Greta is a Large Animal Surgical Resident at Oregon State. In his spare time, Barr enjoys fly fishing, skiing and reading.

In addition to Dr. Gustafson’s appointment as president of MVMA, Julie Oghigian, DVM, Bozeman, will serve as president-elect, Alan Goldhahn, DVM, Bozeman, assumes the vice president position, and Chelsey Petz, DVM, of Three Forks enters the secretary/treasurer role. Laurie Gaugler, DVM, Hobson, and Marty Zaluski, DVM, Helena, serve as directors on the Executive Committee.

MVMA’s mission is to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health and agriculture in the state of Montana. The Association represents nearly 600 small, large, and exotic animal veterinarians across Montana.

Source: MVMA

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