There is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians, but Montezuma Veterinary Clinic, in Cortez, has managed to snag two of the brightest and most dedicated animal doctors available.
Recent vet school grads Dr. Lisa Gartland, 26, of Michigan State University, and Dr. Hanni Horner, 27, of Colorado State University fill out the medical staff at the clinic. Both are newcomers to the area, but grew up in small towns with farming backgrounds.
“Growing up in a rural area where everyone knows each other is what I’m used to,” said Gartland. Her interests in animals began with volunteering at zoos, and a photo on the clinic website of her holding a large tiger cub proves it.
“I grew up around animals and have a real love for them, so vet school was a natural choice. It was a lot of hard work, and I’m ready to serve the community needs.”
Gartland is a member of the American, Michigan, and Colorado Veterinary Medical Associations and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Her interests include preventative medicine, surgery, wildlife, and bovine production medicine.
Horner also grew up in a rural area and has a life-long appreciation of horses and livestock. The first time she treated a horse and it recovered, she was hooked, and knew she wanted to be a vet.
“I enjoy the field, working with people and their animals,” she said. Her focus in school was equine and large animal medicine.
Horner is a member of the American and Colorado Veterinary Medical Associations and has an interest in acupuncture and other alternative therapies and their healing benefits.
“I have treated cows and horses with acupuncture for pain management,” she said. “It worked for my dog and really relieved the shoulder and back pain for my horse, Drifter.”
Both new docs spent the last eight years at university, four years earning a BA and four years training to be veterinarians, with one year clinical experience at a vet hospital.
They stress preventative care and are trained in the latest technologies and procedures, including surgeries, vaccinations, laser therapy, ultra-sound, digital X-ray, pregnancy diagnosis, breeding-soundness exams, and more. Plus, they make house calls, and the clinic offers 24-hour emergency care.
Give them a call at (970) 565-7567 or visit their website at www.montezumavetclinic.com
