For nearly four decades, Jody Lulich has been reshaping the landscape of veterinary urology with an extraordinary blend of clinical brilliance and deep compassion.

A professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and co-director of the Minnesota Urolith Center, Lulich—described by colleagues as a "ray of sunshine" in the hospital—has dedicated his career to deciphering the biological puzzle of urinary stone disease in companion animals. Through pioneering non-invasive extraction techniques and targeted dietary treatments, his mission has been simple yet radical: to make painful, invasive stone surgeries a relic of the past.

Under his leadership, the Urolith Center is approaching a historic milestone—analyzing its two-millionth urolith (stone) submission from around the globe. By studying naturally occurring disease in dogs and cats, Lulich not only advances pet care but also helps unlock translational insights for human medicine. Yet beyond his technical achievements and published works—including his lauded memoir, In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing—his focus remains firmly anchored in empathy, innovation, and patient well-being.

The profile below is part of an ongoing CVM video series introducing the passionate minds behind our world-class research program. In the video, Lulich reflects on his research career and the driving force behind his lifelong commitment to eliminating pain for pets and their owners.