ARROWE
Dr. Emilie Blough
Veterinarian, Crossroads Food Animal Veterinary Service, LLC, IN/MI | BA 2004, Manchester College | DVM 2007, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
My Story
I grew up in the barn. My family had cattle and I loved spending time with my Grandmother
especially with the cows. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a vet. I enjoyed getting to be around our farm vets and my dad handled a lot of treatments on the farm. It seemed that observation and being tuned in to details pertaining to animals was my gift. This desire never faded as I tinkered with the idea of being a marine biologist, music teacher, and it just seemed to fit to pursue a career in Vet Med.
My Struggles
I definitely think I had a leg up in some areas of applying for vet school and experiences as an interested food animal person due to my farm background, but honestly, the real struggle was
combatting self doubt and needing mental toughness to juggle the demands of schooling. Conquering the mental game was a battlefield at times. I am really fortunate to be strong willed, determined and stubborn in that when I commit to something, I am going to see it though. I was very persistent in seeking opportunities to help me succeed and surrounded myself around people who were willing to invest in my development, and in return I worked my butt off to make sure they knew it was a solid investment. I wasn’t willing to take “you are a girl” or “you are short” as a no or rejection or any sort of deterrent…maybe a detour, but I kept on chugging.
My Heroes
I grew up in the church of the Brethren. We are a group of peace and service oriented people. I think the influence of many doing service oriented projects, tithing, and giving back was hard-wired into me early on. I was also a 10 year 4-H member and participated in many clubs and projects and held numerous offices. The ability to speak in front of people and be comfortable with leadership early on, was a huge driving factor in my success throughout school. My family showed dairy cattle locally and at State and National shows and we had to learn responsibility and poise. I know my path would have been different if not for the activity.
My grandmother was the first really strong woman I knew. She was educated, and taught music, worked on the farm with my grandfather and dad, and also could drive the tractor. She was active in the community and volunteered her time and service in many ways. She was a great balancer of life, but worked hard. She was still digging thistles out of the pastures when she was in her 70s, before her death. I really loved her and miss her.
Our farm Vet Dr. Robert Zell was my veterinary icon hero. He was kind and his wife was his practice manager, but one of the most sweet and gentle people I knew. They provided many opportunities for me to ride along, help, and touch base throughout my schooling. I really appreciate and treasure the influence they had on my life.
Dr. Mark Hilton was someone I got to know in my early vet school days. I was able to work for him in the summer between my 1st and 2nd years of vet school and fill in when his RVT Debbie was out on maternity leave. He provided me with mentorship unlike anyone I had previously experienced. In many ways, he shaped my career. Expectations of excellence, ability to communicate and think through difficult cases, and he never ever made me feel unworthy of the profession I was pursuing….he demanded much, and I was glad, because I am intense in pursuing excellence and struggle with people who don’t push me or believe in me.
My externship my Sr. year of Vet School was at Kurtz Veterinary Clinic in Hagerstown, IN. Drs. Greg and Robyn Kurtz and Dr. Christy Herr really helped launch me out of the nest and from my last block of school, my externship, into a doctor. They remain friends and valuable mentors and I cover their practice from time to time.
I am so extremely fortunate and blessed to have had and still have so many wonderful people in my life!
My Typical Day
Our schedule varies greatly. Farm calls and office management are juggled as best as possible. We work with some poultry farms and do routine blood testing, pregnancy check and vaccinate cattle a LOT this time of year and also serve white tail deer clients. We have numerous small ruminant clients who pop up with emergency calls, and management consultations for breeding and pregnancy checking this time of year too. We have been slowly rolling out more small animal wellness services in our building recently too.
My Stressors
Work and life stress is sometimes hard to separate. Regarding work: people who don’t pay their bills and having to chase money even though this is a slimmer problem than many other businesses face, it is a drag. Trying to cash flow at times when calls are lean and building expenses high. Juggling saying NO to people who call for farm calls that are not clients and not being guilty. Taking time away and not feeling guilty. Self care is so so so important. Then add in relationship stress, contracting a building, family challenges, outdoor grounds management, and other community activities I want to participate in and the fun of staying healthy and safe with the challenges of COVID.
My Why
Fulfilling my God given calling and using my gifts. Seriously amazing friends and clients over the bond of animals. Flexibility of schedule as a practice owner – to an extent at times…..Making a difference for animals and owners. We talk about being able to help our clients and their animals optimize their operations, health of the animals, and the care of the environment. Taking care of the critters, the environment, and humans who care for them are all important. This is stewardship.
