CALF_News_December_2020_January_2021

22 CALF News • December 2020 | January 2021 • www.calfnews.net BY Patti Wilson Contributing Editor A veterinarian’s life consists of many layers. The journey to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and beyond takes years, encompassing a wide range of experiences. Most veteri- narians will tell you it requires discipline, stamina and a good sense of humor. Travis McCarty, DVM, and I joined up on a virtual road trip. He was heading home from work as a feedlot consultant; the long drive made a great opportunity to visit about his life and practice. I, on the other hand, was at home in my office, sequestered due to the dreaded pandemic. We had good talk. The First of Many Layers McCarty’s life began at Ashland, Kan., on a cow-calf and stocker operation. Having a practical nature, he recognized early that coming home to the ranch after college would be impossible without addi- tional outside income on his part. He plunged into his college studies at Kansas State University (KSU), taking up agricultural economics and animal science with a business option. As time passed, the dual-major student began to envision himself working, inevitably, in an office for a large corporation. Behind a desk. Mulling it over in his mind, he realized that was not going to happen to him. He needed to be outside, and he needed to be with livestock. McCarty had always been intrigued by livestock production medicine as an undergraduate. Additionally, he’d had excellent veterinarian mentors in his hometown. For him, the decision to begin prevet studies as a senior in college was simple. So, to the consternation of his parents, McCarty doubled down on his class hours and added a semester of class time to his growing education. The risk here must be pointed out. There was no guarantee of getting accepted into veterinarian school at KSU; he was hanging out on a prover- bial limb. And, as we know, the gamble paid off. Making Adjustments McCarty said the most difficult part of veterinary school was physically learning how he needed to study to make it through. Most of us don’t realize the (sometimes humorous) consequences of attending a college of veterinary medicine. These people are required to learn about everything that moves, reptiles included. McCarty said he did not appreciate the time spent on exotic zoo animal medi- cine. Somehow, he had no interest. It is compelling to learn that hours in the classroom are not primarily focused on production livestock. Dogs, cats and horses are studied in greater depth. Consequently, the Kansas veterinarian said that internships are far more valu- able to everyday learning experience, and lessons mastered in the field are carried forward with deep appreciation. After KSU graduation, McCarty spent a year interning in Oklahoma at the prestigious Oklahoma Equine Hospital before moving back home, where he spent seven years at Ashland Veterinary Center. His focus there was cow-calf health, reproduction and feed- lot medicine. VRCS, LLC Time passed and McCarty was ready to move on to owning his own business. He is now part of a group of veterinari- ans, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, LLC (VRCS). He found his position there through industry contacts and a sterling reputation. The young veterinarian describes it as an “11-veterinarian thinktank.” Each team member works remotely, bring- ing his own clients, and each of these clients has access to the services of the whole LLC. Think of it as available doc- tors giving second opinions, as needed. Feedlots also have access to pathology/ diagnostics, research and consultation on regulatory issues. The LLC itself is owned and coordinated by Dr. Trent Fox, who juggles many balls, having vet- erinarians scattered out in eight states. The company’s focus is on research, the results of which are used to develop protocol for clients. VRCS does not sell any pharmaceuticals, nor do they collect any rebates from drug companies. They remain unbiased on drug brands. The largest segment of their business focuses on feedlot cattle. McCarty says, collectively, the veterinarians at VRCS will develop protocol for 2 million head on any given day. Team members consult for some dairies, as well. A Road Trip with Dr. McCarty The McCarty family: Kelly holding Aniston, Asher and Dr. Travis McCarty. Photo by Sherrese Regier, Sand Creek Photography