The Essential Work of DVMs
There’s no question the veterinary workforce is essential. The industry provides medical care for household pets, service and therapy animals and issues certificates of veterinary inspection required for the movement of animals between states and countries, including those entering the food supply.
If you didn’t already appreciate the importance of your veterinary team before recent events, you probably do now. Veterinarians, technicians and their office staff have continued to provide quality care for our animals amidst the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fittingly, July/August is the time we acknowledge our veterinary care community with our annual DVM-focused issue. This year, we are featuring the voices of our local veterinarians and have asked them to share anything they would like readers to know.
We hope you enjoy this issue and take time to thank your horse’s veterinary care team for their commitment and care.
Equine Medical Associates
J. Mike Johnston, DVM
Edmond, OK
Written By: Grace Owen, DVM
Dr. Johnston graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972 (then Oklahoma State University of Agriculture and Applied Science) as the youngest member of his class. An Oklahoma resident from Comanche, he has always been a pioneer of veterinary medicine in the state. He began his career in an equine practice near St. Louis, Missouri, and then moved to a solo equine practice in Bethany, Oklahoma. In 1978, he established Equine Medical Associates in Edmond, Oklahoma. EMA is an innovative practice incorporating new medical and surgical techniques, the first of its kind in this area.
In 1991, Dr. Johnston became the president of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA). He has been a member of this association from 1972 to 2020 and achieved lifetime membership status in 2015. He pioneered the use of nuclear scintigraphy in Oklahoma in 1992, providing a new diagnostic technique for this area. In 1999, he was honored with the OVMA’s Equine Practitioner of the Year Award. He has also been the Official Veterinarian for the Morgan Grand National and World Championships held in Oklahoma City for over 30 years.
Dr. Johnston’s passion lies in equine reproduction services, and with over 40 years practicing in this field, he has developed a true talent for it. He is proficient in mare care, artificial insemination and has a knack for working with the difficult mare. As an integral part of the breeding program in this area, he has handled and collected such famous stallions as Impressive, Tactical Cat, Roman Strawman, Zan Par Jett Smooth and DW Bonfire. Furthering research in this field, he has actively contributed to the Society for Theriogenology.
Dr. Johnston has always been involved in supporting the veterinary community. He is on the board of the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab. He has also sat on numerous state and national advisory boards. He continues to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation of veterinarians by teaching externs and interns at EMA. As one of the longest-standing practitioners in this area, he continues to be an influential presence in the shaping of Oklahoma’s equine veterinary practice. Here at Equine Medical Associates, we are lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge.
Shipman Veterinary Services
Jim Shipman, DVM
Claremore, OK
Shipman Veterinary Services was established in 1987 by Dr. Jim Shipman. We are a complete, full-service veterinary medical facility in Claremore, Oklahoma. We have grown to a three-doctor practice that provides care for equines and small animals.
We see appointments at our small animal office and our equine barn. Additionally, we do mobile farm calls. We offer a full in-house lab, ultrasound, digital radiographs and shockwave therapy for horses. It is our goal to provide the best possible medical, surgical and dental care for our highly-valued patients.
We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Shipman Veterinary Services strives to offer excellence in equine and small animal veterinary care to Claremore and surrounding areas. Visit shipmanvet.com for more information.