05/29/2024
October 1,1986 was a particularly auspicious day for Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. On that Wednesday, Dr. Nancy Handley began her career at GVH. Sometimes people use this phrase lightly, but we are genuinely experiencing the end of an era at GVH. If anyone has earned their retirement, it is our own, dear, Dr. Nancy Handley. Having been asked to write something in observance of Nancy's last day, I contemplated how to sum up a career as storied and successful as Nancy's. Nancy has so many accomplishment and achievements to her name, and her skill as a veterinarian is unrivaled, but she is so much more to GVH, and to our Charlottesville community.
In an effort to find the words to describe what Nancy means to GVH, Charlottesville, and veterinary medicine, I began polling the staff that has supported her for nearly four decades. The results were staggering. So many staff members made the same remarks, cementing the factuality of their impressions of Nancy over the years. Among the comments I read the most were:
"Nancy was always there for her clients and patients when they needed her."
"Nancy always has a friendly word for whoever needs one."
"Nancy always looks on the bright side."
"Nancy never met a stranger."
A common theme uncovered through my questioning was that Nancy is a natural mentor, educator, and leader. Staff member after staff member commented: "I learned so much from her", or "She loved to mentor us, and would always answer questions and pass on her wisdom." Nancy has led the staff at GVH by example since her first day on the job. She has been instrumental in shaping the culture we all cherish at GVH.
Most importantly, there is one thing that every single staff member said about our Dr. Handley: "Nancy loves all of her clients and patients. " I read that exact statement over and over, as I flipped through notes from the staff. Nothing could be more true of Nancy, or more valuable in a veterinarian than a genuine love for those in her care, both human and animal. Veterinarians areanimal doctors by trade and training, and the best are educators and supporters of animal owners and lovers, first and foremost. No one would argue that Nancy's clientele are among this town's most savvy, in-the-know dog owners for having her in their corner.
As she transitions into her well-deserved retirement, Nancy's positive spirit, wisdom, guidance, and wealth of Veterinary medical knowledge will be missed by so many. Nancy is irreplaceable and imittable. Going forward, in her absence, the best we can do will be to continue her legacy of dedication and excellence. Nancy is the consummate professional and has lifted GVH to a height of excellence that we will strive to maintain. Our staff have been led and mentored by the best, and I do not doubt that this will continue to be evident in your every interaction with the hospital. Please join us in congratulating Nancy on a truly remarkable career, and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors!
