Vet loves tough cases
Staff writer
Quiet and definitely bright, Dr. Jennifer Martin knew she wanted to become a veterinarian since she was four.
Originally from Indiana, Martin went to Purdue University as a pre-veterinary medicine student. After two years at Purdue with outstanding academic performance, she was accepted to its veterinary medicine program.
"It was definitely an exception," said Martin about her acceptance to the school. Purdue only allows a few students to enter the veterinary medicine program each year without completing four years of undergraduate work.
Martin received her doctor of veterinary medicine in 2000 and married husband Pat in May of 2001. In June of 2001, eight days after getting married, they moved to Kansas.
The couple met while working at a feed lot in Iliff, Colo. She was the staff veterinarian, and Pat was the head pen rider, in charge of the crew that rode the pens checking for sickness in the animals.
Since moving to Kansas, Pat has been helping area ranchers with their cattle; he also enjoys the sport of team roping.
Even after working a full week at the Hillsboro Animal Clinic, Martin takes her work home with her. The Martins have 20 acres outside of Lehigh including seven horses which they enjoy riding whenever they can. The couple also have two dogs, a house cat, and five outside cats. Being able to take care of her own animals "is a nice part of the job," said Martin.
"I enjoy what I do," said Martin. "I don't think there is a worst part," but the best part "is getting to help animals, and getting them through illness."
Martin enjoys the challenging medical cases, "but occasionally we get something that we're not equipped to handle here. We refer those cases on to K-State."
Other cases referred on are exotic animals.
"The majority of animals we see here are dogs, cats, and beef and dairy cattle. Occasionally we see sheep, pigs and goats," Martin said, "and even a few rabbits, but they're not a large part of our practice."
The Hillsboro Animal Clinic staff also includes Dr. Galle, Connie Galle, Sue Millet, and veterinary technician Susan Peters.
