A native of the Kansas Flint Hills, Dr. Ward began working with animals over 30 years ago as a veterinary assistant at a mixed animal practice, and as an animal care technician at a community animal shelter in El Dorado, KS. Dr. Ward graduated from Circle High School in 1983. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1988 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1990, both from Kansas State University. After college, he moved to Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks region, practicing for 25 years in both mixed and small animal medicine. He also served as a charter member on the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine's Small Animal Advisory Council. His professional interests include oncological and trauma surgery, wound reconstruction and healing, and endoscopic foreign body recovery. In his off hours Dr. Steve divides his time between Wichita and his Lake of the Ozarks home that he shares with his wife, Rosete, his two dogs (Auzzie and Grace), and his two cats (Rocky and Stinky B.). He and Rosete have a 19 year-old son, Mikale. Dr. Steve's hobbies include boating, fishing, road trips with the top down, and 4-wheeling.