Technician of the Month
February 2017
Name
Christy Zimmer Coyle
Service
Cardiology
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel and spend time with my family. Camping, hiking and kayaking are ways that we like to get outside and enjoy nature. I’m also learning web development and design, which is a great creative outlet.
Do you have any pets?
I have 2 Shih-Tzu; Sophie and Gus and 2 cats; Pippin and Pearl.
Why did you want to become a Veterinary Technician?
I became a veterinary technician because I enjoy learning about medicine. Of course I have loved animals since I was little and I wanted to do hands-on care.
Why did you choose this specific specialty (cardiology)?
It chose me! I knew I wanted to work at KState and that was the open position that was most interesting at the time. So I went for it and I’m so glad I did. It’s been almost nine years and I still find cardiology just as fascinating as I did at the beginning.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Most people are very worried when they find out their pet has a heart problem so it’s wonderful when we get to tell them that we can help. Being able to closely manage patients and give them extra months to years of feeling happy and healthy is so rewarding.
Teaching vet students is another very rewarding aspect of my job. Watching them learn and knowing that knowledge is going to be used to help exponentially more patients than I ever could on my own is really something special.
What advice do you have for others who are wanting to become a Vet Tech?
It’s worth the effort to find a well-run veterinary technician program. After you graduate, find a place to work that practices high quality medicine and learn everything you can. Learn how to budget. Read about compassion fatigue and how to avoid it.
Anything else you want to add.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If you’re going to take care of others, be it animals at work or family members at home you must first take care of yourself.
January 2017
Name
Beth Galligan
What service do you work for in the VHC?
Pet Health Center
What are your hobbies?
Birding, hiking, dog training, nature photography
Do you have any pets?
1 Border Collie and 2 cats. I'll be getting a Border Collie puppy in January.
Why did you want to become a Veterinary Technician?
Animals have always been a major part of my life. It seemed like a natural fit.
Why did you choose this specific specialty (equine)?
I like to see a little bit of everything. No day is ever the same in general medicine.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Knowing I've made a difference in a client or pet's life.
What advice do you have for others who are wanting to become a Vet Tech?
Shadow or volunteer in a veterinary setting. Make sure it's really what you want to do. It's physically and emotionally demanding work and people interested in the field should be exposed to the ups and downs of the profession before they devote the time, energy, and financial resources to training.
Anything else you want people to know about?
The profession is very demanding. We give a lot of our time, hearts, and souls. In order to keep that up, members of the profession need to find ways to renew themselves.
December 2016
Name
Gina Jensen, RVT
What service do you work for in the VHC?
Equine Service
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include most things outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding. In my spare time I also enjoy working on my house and small building projects.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs that I have adopted. Taylor is an 11 year old red heeler mix I adopted while in tech school, she was one of the dogs we practiced nursing skills on. Patsy is a 6 year old blue heeler mix I adopted, she was a junior surgery dog. In addition, I have two QH geldings Buck and Blue. I have raised both of these guys since they were weanlings.
Why did you want to become a Veterinary Technician?
I was very much the child with a dog, cat, horse or bucket calf following me around as a child. I cannot remember a time ever being without a fur baby. Taking care of animals has been a main stay in my life and becoming a Veterinary Technician was a career that melds with my lifestyle.
Why did you choose this specific specialty (equine)?
Throughout my life I have spent a lot of time working with large animals. I purchased my first horse at 16. I showed calves in 4-H and FFA and have developed a love for helping large animals.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There are many things to enjoy about my job. One of the most rewarding is helping patients in need of care. I love when we are busy and learning from the different cases. Over the years I have learned to enjoy emergency/critical patient care.
What advice do you have for others who are wanting to become a Vet Tech?
Become familiar with what it entails to be a Veterinary Technician. Help out in a variety of clinics with a variety of patients.
Anything else you want people to know about?
I think Technical schools are a great way to explore the job field you are interested in. Education is never a bad investment in your future.
November 2016
Meet our Technician of the Month
Name
Katie Barker, RVT
What service do you work for in the VHC?
Oncology
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies include disk golfing with my husband and dog, crocheting, and drinking tea lattes.
Do you have any pets?
I have a Tibetan Spaniel mix named Daphnie and a ferret named Charlie.
Why did you want to become a Veterinary Technician?
I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a veterinary technician. Into my first year of college as an animal science major, with a pre vet interest, I realized pretty quickly that it wasn’t right for me. I have always had compassion for animals and a strong will to care for them, but I needed to figure out how to use this passion for a living. After some searching, I decided that a career as a veterinary technician was the best fit for my passion of working with small animals.
Why did you choose this specific specialty (oncology)?
It wasn’t until my internship at the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center that I was exposed to veterinary oncology. Before my internship my knowledge of cancer and treatment options was limited and the thought of working for a veterinary oncologist had never crossed my mind. My internship allowed me to discover a new interest and lead to a job that I greatly enjoy. Working in the oncology department allows me to help provide a necessary service and constantly be increasing my knowledge.
What is your favorite part about your job?
As one might expect, working in the oncology department has its sad moments. All of my patients are close to the end of life and it’s easy to get attached to them. After our patients pass away some owners will write us thank you cards. These owners want us to know how grateful they are that they were able to spend a few more days, months, or even years with their beloved pet. Knowing that I helped those clients get that precious time with their pets is the most rewarding aspect of my job. Another rewarding part is that some of the clinical trials that the oncology department has are helping to advance cancer treatment not only for animals but in humans as well.
What advice do you have for others who are wanting to become a Vet Tech?
My advice for people that are thinking of becoming a Veterinary Technician is to explore all of your options. Don’t be afraid of trying different career paths until you find the best fit.
Anything else you want people to know about?
November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, pets can get cancer no matter what breed or species. It’s important as pet owners to be educated about early signs of cancer, and treatment options. Here are a couple great links to find out more information and ways to contribute to the cause.