04/05/2024
In life there are multiple times where the realization that one's individual decisions affect a much broader population than oneself. And this has weighed very heavily on me the last week, it is incredibly humbling as well as emotional.
Over the years I have become acutely aware that as an individual in my profession, our choices have the potential to ripple beyond the limits of our circle of family and friends. On a daily basis my presence and influence is seen, heard, and felt in a great many family homes, herds and operations- and this is something that I have not taken for granted. The realization that any decisions made would affect a significantly larger number of friends and clients can at times be incredibly overwhelming.
I have from a very young age been both blessed and cursed with an intrinsic need to pursue personal and professional growth. This smouldering necessity has once again prompted me to pursue an opportunity to broaden my career. I had tried to repress this for a number of years now, but it just kept returning more and more frequently with a growing intensity.
And so it is with a heavy heart, that I announce my departure from the beautiful Lemhi valley and the state of Idaho. A decision that I can assure you, was not taken lightly or arrived at painlessly, as growth often goes hand in hand with some level of discomfort.
I have accepted a position at Iowa State University that offers an excellent opportunity to continue to learn, grow and collaborate with others in bovine production medicine.
Although we are very excited for this next chapter in our lives, it is accompanied by a deep sadness to leave this wonderful and kind community we have been lucky to call home for the last 7 years.
I want to extend a heart felt thank you for all of the kindness, support, and trust in me as your veterinarian you all have given over the years. You all have added so much depth to my skillset, knowledge and life; and I can never fully express how much that means to me.
I will be accepting calls up to the middle of June (June 14th) and hope to see many of you in person over the coming weeks.
"There's just nothing compares quite to making my cow's life better, because in the end, it makes my life better." Otto Kilcher