Ten questions from MVMA

1) Where did you go to school and when did you graduate?

I went to Bloomingdale High School graduating in the post stone age in 1966.  I went to MSU working towards Veterinary professional program.  I picked up a BS in Dairy Science before completing DVM program, graduating December 1972.  Bloomingdale was so small; people knew what you were going to do before you did it.

2) Why did you become a veterinarian?  What other avenues did you pursue before becoming a veterinarian?

I became a veterinarian because of the mentors I was exposed to.  The first farm veterinarian I remember was Dr Dickey.  He graduated in one of MSU's first classes in 1908 - 1911.  I also had a relative that was a veterinarian, Dr Suzanne Jacoby.  She practiced in Constantine Michigan.  Dr Jacoby served on the Board of Veterinary Medicine for the State of Michigan.   I had exposure to dairy cattle questions.  We had a cow named Tag that developed milk fever.  Dr Dickey came out and gave her calcium gluconate IV.  I pestered him with a lot of questions, I have been asking questions ever since.  I still ask a lot of questions.

All of my employment opportunities were aimed at college, either working for neighboring farms, working on a feeder lamb farm or as a laborer in road construction.

3) What made you decide to practice the type of medicine/specialty you're currently involved with?

Out of MSU I bought a practice in Milan, MI with a classmate in December of 1972.  We finished taking the exam on Wednesday and moved into the house on Saturday.  Dr EW Frahm was kind enough to stay for a couple of months and help us.   We did not have license numbers, no accreditation forms, and no BNDD number.  Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs was reshuffled into DEA later.  Because of my farm background I gravitated to large animal medicine.   The practice was more successful than the partnership.  I assumed all of the practice in April 1974.  It was a very busy mixed animal practice until early 1990's.  Small animal practice and veterinary dentistry have been the emphasis since then.  I also started doing relief shifts at the Animal Emergency Clinic in Ann Arbor.  One of my clients showed up when I was on duty.  I explained I was there because I needed a hobby.

4) How did you become involved in the MVMA?  Why is it important?

I have been a MVMA member since graduation.  The resources and network capabilities are reason enough to belong.  In the last few years the extra benefits put together by the MVMA office is outstanding.  Dosiomer radiation badges savings for our staff pays for the dues outright.  It pays to belong.  Questions are answered politely, quickly and concisely.

5) How are you involved with the MVMA now?  Where do you volunteer your time?

 I am not as active at the state level as I could be.  I have learned there is a limit to what a solo practitioner can accomplish and still be effective for the practice during days.  I belong to four local associations and attend as many continuing education events as possible.  I have membership in SMVMA, SEMVMA Washtenaw Veterinary Academy and am a Member of Toledo Veterinary Medical Association.  I am an affiliate member of AAHA, American Veterinary Dental society.  I have attended the Veterinary Dental Forum since 1995.  I also am an AVMA member.  In addition I support Monroe County 4-H, and am an active member of Marble Memorial United Methodist Church.  The time sequestered between practice, family and other activities allows me to write a weekly "Pet Talk" column for a small local newspaper, Discover Milan News. 

6) What's the most rewarding aspect about your line of work?

 I love getting up in the morning being able to combat disease and pestilence.  Enhancing the health, well being, and maintaining the animal human bond is my major daily focus point.  I love having a staff focusesing on animal health and engaging in outstanding client service.  Puppies, kittens and an occasional piglet or foal are pleasure points for me.  Relieving animals from oral pain is huge for me.  I love being able to extend the love story.

7) Tell us about a typical day in your life on the job:

Surgical admissions with presurgical exams and blood test start at 8:00 AM.  Exams start at nine.  We hold an emergency slot open for 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.   Surgical procedures start about 11:00, right after mandatory lunch meal.  After elective procedures exams start 1:30 - 2:00 until 6:00 pm.  So as you see I work slightly less than half a day.  LOL

8) Tell us the most exciting/interesting/unusual thing that's ever happened to you because of the specialty in which you work:

Deciding what is exciting, interesting or unusual is difficult.  The diversity of client expectations and the common denominator of helping animals is probably the most lasting thought.

9) If you weren't a veterinarian, what would you be doing?

 I really cannot imagine not being a veterinarian.  If forced, I would be a teacher or a minister.  Both of those professions engage in mentoring, teaching and expansion of the future.

10)  If you could give one piece of advice to future or current veterinary students interested in this line of work, what would it be?

Giving one piece of advice to veterinary aspiring students is tough.  Be your self, stay grounded, and be focused on the best option for the critter, client and clinic.  It goes with out saying that ethics need to be an integral part of your moral aspect.  You should learn morals from your parents.   Veterinarians are given the utmost honor when clients trust us with their pets.  We need to be seen and act as truth merchants.

Mike Sweet, DVM