We loved reading this opinion article on TheHorse.com about the importance of spreading the knowledge about horses and equine veterinary care!
At Irongate Equine Clinic, we place a lot of emphasis on the importance of education. Our veterinarians sought out education and training beyond the norm early in their careers.
Dr. Pat Griffin earned his Master’s and PhD in Reproductive Physiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (On, Wisconsin!), and became board certified with the American College of Theriogenologists. That makes him one of only four veterinarians practicing in the state of Wisconsin that specialize in equine reproduction!
Dr. Lisa Nesson also continued her education beyond her veterinary degree – she completed an internship at Auburn University in Equine Medicine and Surgery, and a residency at Cornell in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Lauren Alderman earned her veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then went on to become certified in Veterinary Acupuncture (from the CHI Institute of Chinese Medicine) & Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center).
All of the veterinarians also participate in continuing education programs offered through American Association of Equine Practitioners, the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, and other industry leaders in equine medicine.
Beyond our own education, the docs place a lot of value in spreading knowledge in and beyond the equine community. Twice every summer, Dr. Nesson speaks at Camp PawPrint at the Dane County Humane Society to teach kids aged 6 – 16 what it means to be an equine veterinarian (Check out the pics on Facebook). Dr. Ketover regularly teaches the rescue community how to handle large animal emergencies with his non-profit group, Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Rescue. We also host free client education seminars to educate our community. One of the ways we’re most proud to support and educate our community is through mentoring our successors as equine veterinarians. Every week we have students riding along with us, helping with procedures, holding horses, or just asking questions. We love the questions that our veterinary students, technician students, and pre-vet students bring to us as they ride along. The thank you cards lining our office are great reminders of how meaningful that time spent with the veterinarians can be for these students.
