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Stettler Veterinary Clinic celebrates 20 years with Dr. Barb Munholland

Among the few things synonymous with Stettler and its long-standing foundations and the people who have been a part of it...
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Dr. Barb speaks at the surprise party thrown by her colleagues and friends on her 20th anniversary at the clinic on Wednesday

Among the few things synonymous with Stettler and its long-standing foundations and the people who have been a part of it is the name of Dr. Barb Munholland, who is celebrating her 20th year with the Stettler Veterninary Clinic, an anniversary marked with a surprise party was thrown in her honour on Wednesday, May 18 at the Stettler Community Hall.

The Stettler Veterinary Clinic has been in the community officially as a business since 1949, long before Dr. Munholland joined it.

"For many in this community, when they think of the pillars that have been foundational to the practice Dr. Barb Munholland quickly comes to mind," said colleague and friend Dr. Jackie Dobinson. "So when we imagined having a 20th anniversary surprise party for Barb we expected staff and a few clients to want to participate."

According to Dobinson, it is worth stopping for coffee to hear the unique personal journey that led her to the profession and to this community.

"Barb has been instrumental in developing quality small animal veterinary medicine where prior to her arrival the clinic focus was on production medicine and serving the mainly agricultural community," said Dobinson. "She is a mentor to many and is always the first to help a new graduate, teach a new technician, or build success for any coming through the clinic and is available far beyond what is required of her and has spent many extra nights working through emergencies with new staff."

Dobinson said that when the word about a surprise party got out, over 200 clients replied with notes of encouragement, flowers, and words of congratulations.

"Our surprise party became much larger than anticipated and Wednesday evening we enjoyed the fellowship of over 100 guests coming together to surprise Barb," said Dobinson. "Many shared personal stories and encouragement and it was truly clear through the evening that Barb has touched many in very personal ways on this journey." Dobinson added that the words of President D. Eisenhower "accomplishment will prove to be a journey and not a destination" best summarize Munholland and the Stettler Veterinary Clinic is ever grateful to have her high standard of care on the journey with them.