A Family Affair

Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick (left) and his son, Trace (right) prepare for the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Hooding Ceremony held on May 5, 2007. When Trace Kirkpatrick graduates in May 2007 with his D.V.M. degree from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, it will be a family affair. He will join his father, Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick, Class of 1977, and his wife, Sarah Schwerdt-Kirkpatrick, Class of 2006, as the fourth doctor in a rural mixed animal practice in Elgin, Okla.

Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick and his wife, Beverly, have owned and operated the veterinary practice serving Elgin and the surrounding communities.

“The veterinary practice belongs to Beverly and me,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick. “We have worked together through almost 33 years of marriage and raised four children. Because this is such a huge part of our lives, I am very happy to keep family involved.”

One of the reasons Trace chose the veterinary medicine profession initially was the variety of clients and patients a veterinarian can serve.

“The variety is still intriguing, but it is also the most difficult,” says Trace. “Different therapies, pharmaceuticals, anatomy, etc., make the variety of a mixed animal practitioner almost overwhelming. I will eventually focus more on large animal medicine and surgery because that is where the need is.”

For now, the young veterinarian will split his duties evenly between small and large animal practice.

According to the senior veterinarian, Trace has always been able to understand situations, figure solutions and get results while showing a heart of compassion for those around him.

“We have a growing practice because we are able to serve appreciative clients,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick. “Dr Trace will complement our practice as his wife, Dr. Sarah, already has.”

Dr. Doug Kirkpatrick (left) and his son, Trace (right) prepare for the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine Hooding Ceremony held on May 5, 2007.