Interview: Sharon Zeigler

This is Part I of a multipart series of interviews with the Doctors and Staff of TVEC. We'd like you to get to know a little bit about us and some of the specifics of what we do and how we work.

First up is Sharon Ziegler. She's the Office Manager here, and she gets to deal with some of the non-medical issues in a modern veterinary practice. Let's see what it's like to be Sharon (she's the one on the right side of the picture).


First the facts. Tell us about your background.

Well, I have a BS in Animal Science from NCSU and i've worked in veterinary medicine for over 20 years. I took a 7 year hiatus from the field when I was the General Curator for the Carnivore Preservation Trust, where I worked with 17 exotic species of big cats and other carnivores. I've been with TVEC for almost 10 years, initially as a technician and now as Hospital Manager.

What's the most difficult issue that you deal with in your position as manager?

Finances.

Few pet owners are prepared for their pet to suffer a major medical emergency. In the midst of such an emergency is the worst possible time to have to figure out how you're going to pay for treatment. I would strongly encourage all pet owners to have a contingency plan in place for such situations - whether that means pet insurance, a credit card held in reserve, or a savings fund for pet care.

And the most frustrating issue?

Probably the most frustrating part of working in emergency medicine is the number of animals suffering from completely preventable illnesses and injuries. A few inexpensive vaccines will almost completely eliminate the possibility of parvo virus. A fenced-in yard dramatically reduces the chances of a pet being hit by a car. A pet that has been spayed or neutered has less of a tendency to escape or run away, get into fights, need emergency cesarean sections, develop an infected uterus, and develop prostate disease. Just as in human medicine, preventative medicine will save you money in the long run.

What's the best part of your job?

Without question, the best part of my job is seeing the joy of clients and pets when they are reunited after a serious illness or injury. So many of our patients arrive on a stretcher or in arms, and when that pet later walks out of our front door, we all celebrate. All of us are in this profession because of a strong dedication to and a love for animals - knowing that we have helped these families makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks, Sharon!