A local veterinarian is marking a milestone by celebrating 30 years in the industry.
Carel Reesink has been a veterinarian for three decades — and 16 of those years have been at Woodlands Veterinary Clinic. He works alongside his wife Jennifer, who is an animal health technologist that manages the practice. Their daughter Annika is also a familiar face at the family business.
Together, they take care of all types of animals, both small and large, house pets and livestock.
But for Reesink, veterinary medicine is as much about the people as it is about the animals.
“The big difference between large animal surgery and small animal surgery is that with large animals, the producer will usually always be watching over your shoulder. This has the potential to drench you in cold sweats or be the basis of a long-term friendship — or both,” he said.
“With small animal surgery, most takes place behind closed doors. The best stories and cases that will test your wits occur between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.”
As he reflects on his practice, Reesink draws inspiration from an Einstein quote: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
“Based on this, I think I have a whole lot more looking to do,” he quipped.
“Veterinary medicine has been, and always will be, at the interface of animal-human health. Animals are often sentinels for new diseases or even effects of changing environmental pressures. Hence, arose the ‘one health’ concept.”
Using a modern-day example, Reesink points to avian influenza and its relevance to other domestic animals and humans.
“Again, I think we have much looking and understanding to do. This is precisely what keeps this profession both interesting and very humbling,” he said. “A passion for agriculture steered me in this direction, and the rest is history.”
For the next generation of aspiring veterinarians, Reesink recommends volunteering or working at a vet clinic.
“Remember that mentorship is a two-way street — nothing worse then silence on a long road trip,” said Reesink, who pursued his veterinary studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
“For all those crazy experiences, make sure you keep a journal such that you’re equipped on the day of your veterinary interview. Look at the veterinary medicine degree as more then a veterinary licence — look at it as a great biology degree that could open many doors in the future.”
He also offers a taste of his recipe for success: listen to the client, digest the information and sprinkle in some common sense and knowledge.
“Many things have changed over the past 30 years,” he added, “but the crux of veterinary medicine will always be a good, thorough physical exam.”
One of the best parts of being a vet is that every day is different. Looking ahead, Reesink plans to slow down his practice and hopes to transition the clinic to the younger generation.
“This is a great profession with rarely a dull moment,” Reesink said. “So here’s a toast to the best profession on the planet — one which I could not have fully enjoyed without the help and support of my wife Jennifer and encouragement of my daughter Annika.”
Tribune Photo by Jo-Anne Procter
