Dr. Ken Leal

Dr. Kenneth Leal is a distinguished veterinarian, educator, and leader with over 40 years of clinical, surgical, and educational experience. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Leal began his academic journey in the prestigious College Scholars Program, earning a BA (also at UT) and publishing early research on gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in maturing mice testes. While in Veterinary School, he also co-authored a case report published in veterinary journal.  As a side note, during this time, he also obtained his 2^nd degree black belt in Taekwondo. 

An innovator in both medicine and mentorship, Dr. Leal built and led an AAHA-accredited, multi-doctor small animal hospital in Blairstown, NJ, providing advanced diagnostic imaging, comprehensive medical workups, and a wide range of surgical procedures from orthopedic repairs and thoracic surgeries to complex soft tissue cases. He also served as the attending veterinarian for the Lakota Wolf Preserve, where he managed medical, anesthesia, pain control, and surgical care for wolves, bobcats, and foxes. 

A lifelong advocate for continuing education, Dr. Leal served as President of the MNJVMA, leading initiatives that strengthened CE opportunities for practicing veterinarians. His expertise in pain management, anesthesia, and sedation was further refined through specialized training with Pfizer Animal Health (and now Zoetis) and Abbott Laboratories, where he became a trusted educator on the use of injectable and gas anesthesia protocols. 

For almost two decades, Dr. Leal has been a cornerstone of SonoPath Education, teaching hands-on ultrasound techniques and clinical applications to veterinarians around the world. His teaching extends internationally, including lectures in Tokyo, Japan, and numerous ultrasound, anesthesia, and pain management sessions across the U.S. Through his approachable, practical style, Dr. Leal empowers practitioners to integrate ultrasound and advanced diagnostic skills into everyday clinical workflows. 

Now serving as President of SonoPath, Dr. Leal continues to elevate veterinary education through innovative live wet labs, virtual training, and interactive learning experiences designed to help veterinarians enhance diagnostic efficiency and patient care. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Leal enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren, tending to his garden and greenhouse, raising dairy goats, and exploring his passion for travel, food, and cooking.