Adair County Veterinary Clinic welcomes third doctor

Through a learn-on-the-job experience called a preceptorship while she was still a student at Iowa State University, Dr. Kailey Clarke knew that Adair County Veterinary Clinic would be a great place to begin her career in veterinary medicine. She began her career here this summer and is thankful she did.

Not only did Clarke get along with former classmate, Dr. Melissa Garcia, but also with the rest of the staff and clinic owner, Dr. Gary Schulteis.

There was something else about Adair County Veterinary Clinic that drew Clarke to Greenfield.

”The fact that it is a true mixed animal clinic, you don’t always get to see those anymore,” Clarke said. “A lot of clinics are one way or another — they only do large animal work or they only do small animal work — and I’m very interested in everything. It’s exciting and you never know what’s going to come in the door.”

A native of St. Louis, Missouri who has extended family in Griswold, Clarke met her husband, Casey native Stephen Clarke, while she was still in school.

Clarke was first drawn to veterinary medicine because she’s always loved animals, but it wasn’t until part way through her education that she decided on her career path.

”I actually started studying animal ecology and it wasn’t until after I graduated and started working in shelters that I thought this was really cool, this is fun, I really love medicine and really love surgery,” Clarke said. “I met some really awesome mentors who really encouraged me to go to vet school. I went back and took a few online classes and in-person classes and got in [to vet school] the first time and it’s a good fit for me.”

While she loves each animal she cares for, Clarke loves her human clients as well. She loves seeing the relationship owners have with their pets, the relationship farmers have with their animals, and the value that all embodies.

”You can tell the dedication, appreciation and love that people have for their animals, whether it’s big or small,” Clarke said. “The dedication that goes into producing cows, sheep, it is people’s entire livelihood. I love being a part of their lives and that means a lot to me.”