Featured Practice

Name:   Robin Downing, DVM, CVA, CPE, CCRP, DAAPM

Year Degree Received:   1986

Years at Current Location:   18

Practices:  Windsor Veterinary Clinic / The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice?

The biggest challenges are striving every day to exceed our clients’ expectations;  continuing to  provide clients with fact-based, science-driven information so they can better evaluate information they receive from other sources (i.e., the Internet);  and assisting clients with setting priorities for their pets to accommodate the challenging current economy.

 The greatest rewards are  reducing or eliminating unnecessary pain in a patient;  witnessing the restoration of function in a  previously encumbered pet;  advocate on behalf of beings who cannot speak for themselves by sharing my expertise via educational seminars at regional, national, and international conferences.

 What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois?

The move from the older buildings on the main campus into the “brand new” Basic Sciences building - - very exciting for my class!

 What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?

I took away from my education at U of I that there were terrific mentors on the faculty there, that I needed to tap into them once I was in practice (which I did), and that I needed to follow their example by providing mentorship to up-and-coming veterinary students (which we do).

Name: Susan Schaumberger  

Year Degree Received: 1983

Years at Current Location:  Started Mostly Cats in 1992 and moved to new building in January 2005.

Specialty/Type of Practice:  Small animal, 80% feline and 20% canine.  We offer laser surgery, dental services and have an in-house lab.

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice?  One of the biggest challenges is staying on top of the medical research.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois? We shared a lot during those times.  It was a mixture of excitement and anxiety.  And, of course, the joy of graduation is one of my fondest memories.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?   One of the best lessons I’ve taken away from vet school is being able to take complicated medical situations and explain them successfully to clients and staff. 

Were you involved in any student clubs or organizations?  I was involved in OTS, Open House, and intramural athletics. 

Are you currently involved with the University of Illinois?  Do you have a favorite fund to support? I support several funds but am especially proud of the Class of 1983 fund. 

Name:  Jason Bollenbeck   

Year Degree Received:1998

Years at Current Location:3

Specialty/Type of Practice: Small Animal

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice?  The biggest reward is to provide the highest quality medicine in a family-like environment.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois?  Working in the wildlife ward sophomore and junior years.   Doing parasitology research for Drs. Carl Jones and Allan Paul.  Small animal medicine and surgery rotations senior year.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?  The solid education I received from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Illinois has given me the knowledge to provide the quality medicine I practice today.

Were you involved in any student clubs or organizations?  1996-1998 director of the student chapter of AAHA.

Read more about Towne Animal Clinic

Name: Robert W. Pope

Year Degree Received:  1974

Years at Current Location: Mosinee Veterinary Clinic, Mosinee, Wisconsin since January 8, 1976

Specialty/Type of Practice: Small Animal/Exotic

What are the rewards of your practice? I love my work and I love what I do – especially seeing pets and their people. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois? Studying with classmates, eating lunch in the anatomy lab, and working in the diagnostic lab.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice?  The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine taught me how to learn.  I can only do today what I do because I wasn’t just taught the basics-- I was taught how to continue to learn new things.  So much has changed -– new diseases, new procedures -- I can adapt and change because I was taught well.

I remember one of my large animal professors, Dr. Thurman, getting mad and yelling at us “I only have you here for a few short years and I can’t teach you everything but at least I can teach you how to learn.”

Are you currently involved with the University of Illinois?  Do you have a favorite fund to support? We have supported the Companion Animal Memorial Fund since it started.  We love what they do!

Name: Robert D. Ness

Year Degree Received: 1990

Years at Current Location: Since February 2008

Specialty/Type of Practice: Avian and Exotic Pets, Holistic Pet Care for Exotics, Dogs and Cats

What are the biggest challenges/rewards of your practice? The biggest rewards are having a direct impact on the lives of clients and making a difference in the quality of life of my patients.  The biggest challenge is to overcome problems such as poor nutrition and husbandry which are often caused by misinformation about how to care for a particular species

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a DVM student at Illinois? Working in the Wildlife Medical Clinic and helping to expand the avian and exotics curriculum.

What lessons did you take away from your DVM education and how have they applied to your practice? Develop a strong foundation in science and medicine and you can apply it to situations in practice regardless of species or conditions.