New Pittsburg Vet Clinic: A Journey Through Time and Service
Inception and Early Years
Founded in 1981, the New Pittsburg Vet Clinic (NPVC) embarked on its journey to serve the community of New Pittsburg, a quaint town located 8 miles west of Wooster on State Route 250. Dr. Richard Wiley and his wife, Karen, a registered veterinary technician, laid the foundation by purchasing a property that had previously belonged to the late Dr. Harold Appleman, a veterinarian. The small 25’x25’ building housed an office waiting room, a lab/exam room/surgery room, and a storage/kennel, forming the initial hub for NPVC's services.
Growth and Relocation
The early 1980s saw the clinic expand with the addition of Dr. Jim Dittoe in 1982 and Dr. Brad Garrison in 1983. The practice, initially dairy-focused, also catered to horses, with farm calls addressing primarily sick and emergency issues. However, as the practice burgeoned, a move to the present site in Wooster became inevitable in 1986. The current building, once a church and manufacturing facility, now stands as a testament to the clinic's evolution.
Continued Expansion and Merger
The team continued to grow, welcoming Dr. Dave White in 2003 and merging with Dr. Mike Finney's dairy practice in 2007. Dr. Craig Zimmerly joined the ranks in November 2017. The retirement of Dr. Wiley and Dr. Finney from large animal veterinary medicine in 2018 marked a transition, and NPVC stands today as one of Ohio's largest dairy cattle practices.
The NPVC Team: A Closer Look
Brad Garrison, DVM
A 1983 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Brad Garrison has become a pillar in the veterinary community. His interests lie in reproductive management and records analysis, earning him recognition as the 2022 Ohio Veterinarian of the Year.
David White, DVM
A 2003 graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. David White brings expertise in reproduction, surgery, and calf medicine. Outside the clinic, he tends to his farm, raising pigs and sheep, and enjoys family time.
Craig Zimmerly, MS, DVM
Graduating in 2010 from The Ohio State University, Dr. Craig Zimmerly holds a Master’s degree in nutrition. His professional interests include dairy cow reproduction and calf care. Outside work, he revels in outdoor activities and family time.
Brad Messmore, Bookkeeper
Since July 1999, Brad Messmore has been a crucial part of NPVC. A graduate of DeVry University with a degree in accounting, he enjoys bowling, golfing, and family time.
Sonia Clinton, RVT, VTS (CP-Production Medicine)
Since May 2005, Sonia Clinton has been a registered veterinary technician at NPVC. With a specialty in production animal medicine, she finds balance in CrossFit, target shooting, gardening, and crafting.
Opportunities for Learning
NPVC opens its doors to students for ride-alongs, offering a firsthand experience in veterinary care. College students seeking this opportunity are required to submit a resume and a letter outlining their career intentions for consideration.
Veterinary Student Summer Externship
The clinic provides a comprehensive summer externship program for veterinary students, offering exposure to various facets of dairy production, medicine, and emergency services. The program, running Monday to Saturday, includes tasks like inventory stocking, on-farm inventory, treatment recording, surgical prep, and lab submissions. Students receive a competitive wage of $3000 for the 10-week program.
Selection Criteria
Ohio veterinary students, particularly AABP members between their 2nd and 3rd year, receive priority consideration. The selection process emphasizes prior dairy experience and commitment to clinical dairy practice. The submission deadline is March 1, with notifications sent out by March 31.
Mission and Vision
NPVC's mission revolves around providing veterinary production medical services and products to dairymen, enhancing their profitability, and achieving their goals. The vision is to be the elite dairy veterinary practice sought after by dairymen and respected by veterinary peers. NPVC achieves this through exceptional service, recruiting new clients, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Support and Collaboration
NPVC actively participates in national programs such as the Veterinary Feed Directive, National Dairy FARM Program, Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Gold Standards III, Penn State Heifer Inventory Calculator, and more. This commitment to industry standards and best practices ensures the clinic remains at the forefront of veterinary medicine.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in New Pittsburg to becoming a cornerstone in Ohio's dairy veterinary landscape, NPVC's journey is a testament to dedication, growth, and a commitment to excellence. The clinic's team, rich with expertise, continues to uphold the values embedded in its mission and vision, shaping the future of dairy veterinary practices.