Otterkill Animal Hospital
Newsletter Volume 15, November 2007

Congratulations to Us!

We are very pleased to announce that we have again received accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of our hospital's facility, medical equipment, practice methods and animal health care management.

Only 15 percent of all small animal veterinary practices in the U.S. have achieved accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to maintain accredited status, we must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association's consultants.

"Otterkill Animal Hospital belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine," says Thomas A. Carpenter, DVM, AAHA president. "AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of over 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, Otterkill Animal Hospital is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients."

The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. It is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1933, the association is well known and respected among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and animal health care. They also provide valuable information for animal lovers in their website www.healthypet.com.

We're extremely proud of meeting AAHA's high standards of care. It's the best way that we can assure you that you and your animal companions are continually receiving the best veterinary care attainable here at Otterkill. It's not easy to maintain accreditation, but it helps all of us be our very best.

Ultrasonography Anyone?

Drs. Zgoda and Keller have just completed advanced training in performing and interpreting ultrasound evaluations in companion animals. Ultrasound is a non-invasive method for examining internal organs using sound waves rather than x-ray radiation. Many of you have likely had ultrasound examinations performed on yourselves. We are now able to perform these same examinations on our patients. It will allow us to make more timely and complete diagnoses. We are please to offer this new diagnostic capability for our patients. Ultrasound is yet another way we can continue to provide the very best care for your companions.

Congratulations Emily!

Congratulations to Veterinary Assistant/Technician Student Emily on her recent marriage. The entire staff wishes her and new husband Rich a lifetime of happiness together. Emily is newly returned from her Aruba honeymoon and diving back in to her work and studies here at Otterkill.

Speaking of Students

You may have seen our technician student intern, Kristi, during your visits this fall. Kristi is in her second year of the technician program at Ulster County Community College. She's fulfilling her practical study requirements with us and has proved to be a quick learner and helpful staff member. We're proud to be a certified and approved externship site for several technician programs. Our entire staff enjoys the mentoring experience. In fact, LVT Sandy Wiltshire has just been appointed to a position as adjunct instructor in UCCC's technician program. Way to go Professor Sandy!

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!

Dr. Zgoda certainly enjoys practicing veterinary medicine here at Otterkill , but that's not the only place he practices. Dr. Z also enjoys practicing, performing with and acting as Managing Director for the Classic Choral Society, an eighty voice chorus comprised of both professional and avocational singers.

"Music has always been a vital part of my life; I've sung continuously in a choir of some form or another for thirty-six years. It's a great stress reliever and such a complete change from veterinary practice. As managing director I'm responsible for arranging performance dates, venues and orchestral rehearsals for our six annual performances. Professional musicians can certainly be as temperamental as some of our patients, so the "cross-training" comes in handy," reports Dr. Zgoda. More information about the Society can be found at www.classicchoralsociety.org.

The Classic Choral Society has been very fortunate to be invited to participate in a choral performance at New York City's Carnegie Hall each of the past four years. Our next performance there is on January 13, 2008. "It's a practically indescribable experience to stand on the same stage that so many of the world's best orchestras, musicians and performers have appeared on," says Dr. Z, "It's also a complete aural treat to perform in one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls. A performer is able to hear the orchestra, entire chorus and even himself in perfect balance. That is possible virtually nowhere else. Even the applause sounds better! Standing on that stage one is so far away from the chaos of every day veterinary practice, that it's often hard to leave." But leave one must. Back to practice, practice, practice it is.

Giving Thanks

The Doctors and Staff hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. We certainly are thankful for your confidence and trust in our hospital. We are extremely grateful to be able to help improve the health and lives of thousands of our animal friends. Remember to limit those table handouts to your companions during your feast. They can over celebrate too! Best wishes to you all.