12/16/2022
It is with great sadness that I am announcing that Doctor Buckner's last day with Stellhorn Veterinary Hospital is December 23rd of this year. Dr. B has accepted an opportunity to work in Florida starting next year. I have included her letter to all of our clients at the end of this post.
First, I would like to say "Thank You" to Dr. B for over 10 years of dedicated and devoted service to you and your pets on behalf of Stellhorn Veterinary Hospital. Dr. B is a fabulous clinician and surgeon and we will all miss her! Her infectious attitude, bright smile, and happy greeting made everyone feel welcome and her passion for medicine was always evident in her interactions with our clients. Thank you again for your time with us and we all wish you great success in your future endeavors!
Secondly, I know this undoubtedly raises many questions for those of us not enjoying the sunny, warm beaches of Florida. Unfortunately, I do not have all of the answers for you at this time.
As many of you are aware, this has been an unprecedented time for veterinarians across the country. Longer wait times, appointments booked weeks to months in advance, supply chain issues, increased costs for everything, and maintaining staffing while staying sane are just a very few of the challenges that we are facing daily. With Dr. B's departure, these challenges are unfortunately going to become more obvious, for at least the near future. I am in the process of procuring a surgeon to minimize any disruption to our surgeries that have already been scheduled. We may have to move appointments to accommodate their schedule, so I ask for your patience and understanding while we adjust and adapt. I am also attempting to find a new associate veterinarian to alleviate the loss of Dr. B's expertise. Once again, unfortunately, due to the overall shortage of veterinarians from burnout, bullying, retirement or the "great resignation", this is not an easy fix. I will try to keep everyone in the loop as much as I am able through posts on this page.
There are some questions I can answer...I am one person and, even with 4 boys in the house, I never mastered the ability to be 2 people at the same time; Therefore, our hours are going to have to shift for the time being. I will now be seeing appointments Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and every other Saturday. Our office hours will be 8 to 6 Monday through Friday, 8 to 12 every other Saturday. If I can obtain relief veterinarians, I will try to employ them as I am able to assist in this loss of appointment times. We will continue to keep an updated cancelation list and call whenever we are able. We are, in the short term, no longer taking on new clients. We will, however, continue to serve previous clients with new pets with a $45 appointment deposit fee for a new dog/ cat/ puppy/ kitten exam. If you call for an appointment and we refer you to another clinic, please do not think we do not want to examine your pet, but that we are under the impression that your animal needs to be seen, and we are trying to advocate for the best possible solution to your pet's needs.
Last, I can tell you that I am going to continue to do my best to deliver the same quality of care and compassion and best medicine that you have come to expect from me and my team over the last 12 years! I told the team that we have had to pivot before with the pandemic, and we will pivot again and come out stronger in the end!
Thank you everyone for allowing us to be part of your life and thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we undergo these significant changes and navigate the new road ahead. I appreciate everyone's support and kindness!!
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, and healthy new year!
Dr. Staci Couch
Stellhorn Veterinary Hospital
