Name: Karen Potter, DVM
Employer: Alcona Animal Clinic
Job Title: Associate Veterinarian
Years with current employer: 1.5 years
Educational Background: Dr. Karen Potter received a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Michigan State University.
Job Description: A typical day for Dr. Potter, as a mixed animal practitioner in northeast Michigan, is anything but typical. On any given day she may see patients varying from dogs and cats, to horses and cattle, to even hamsters. Each morning begins with Dr. Potter conducting walk-in hours where clients bring their pets to the clinic to be seen. Once office hours are complete, she then begins surgeries and farm calls. Surgeries and farm calls are performed from mid morning until late in the afternoon. Again there are a wide variety of surgeries – spays, neuters, lump removals, laceration repairs and even abdominal and orthopedic procedures. Large animal work is ambulatory. This means she has a vet truck that is fully stocked to examine, diagnose and treat animals on the farm. There are many farms that she visits on a routine basis for herd health checks. Most days end with small animal walk-in hours. Being a walk-in clinic, she never knows what problems she may see. Some days do not end after walk in hours. If there are hospitalized patients, they must be cared for and treated. Emergency on call duties are shared between the doctors at the clinic. An emergency can occur at any time of day or night.
Favorite Component of Her Job: Dr. Potter states, “My favorite aspect of my job is being able to help animals and humans at the same time. There is great joy in helping a sick or injured pet but even more joy in helping the owners that are bringing their pets to be seen. The relief that the owners have when they know that their beloved pet is in good hands gives every day a true purpose.
I also enjoy the educational aspect – both as being a teacher and a student. The majority of my job is to educate my clients about their pet’s health. Veterinary medicine is just as much about humans as it is about the animals. I also enjoy being a lifetime student. Every day there is something new to learn which makes every day an adventure.”
Least Favorite Component of Her Job: Dr. Potter admits, “My least favorite part of my job is performing euthanasia. Although this is a heart breaking part of the job, it also ends suffering. Most veterinarians will tell you that we receive more cards, gifts and gratitude following euthanasia than after saving a pets life.”
Dr. Potter’s Recommendations to Those Interested in a Career Similar to Her Own: “Experience, experience, experience. Yes, taking science classes in high school and college is very important, however, having experience with animals and leadership is equally, if not more, important. Most veterinary schools are looking for a well-rounded student that can become a valued member of the veterinary community. Veterinary knowledge will be taught in school, however, the experiences that you can obtain from working with animals, leadership experiences and community service cannot be taught in the classroom.
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