AUSTIN DOMEK, DVM

Blue Mountain Veterinary Service Wibaux, Montana

Dr. Austin Domek started Blue Mountain Veterinary Service in April 2014 as a mobile veterinary practice based in Wibaux, Montana. “In the beginning, I concentrated on cattle, but out of necessity, I was willing to work on just about anything. I did draw the line at de-scenting a skunk however.”

Today, Dr. Domek enjoys staying busy and serving his clientele, whether it’s ultrasounding from sunup to sundown during the fall, Bangs vaccinating throughout the winter, or semen testing bulls in the spring and summer. His practice oversees roughly 50,000 head of mother cows and the horses associated with them, located mostly within 70 miles north and south of Interstate 94 from Dickinson, North Dakota, to Miles City, Montana. They are in the process of constructing a new facility in Wibaux with the goal of transitioning from an ambulatory service to a complete animal hospital in the coming years.

Dr. Domek was enthralled with cattle medicine from an early age and credits Dr. Terry Hall with helping him throughout his life and career. For aspiring rural veterinarians, Dr. Domek has two pieces of advice: “Rural vet medicine is a very rewarding path. Having an ‘I can do that!’ or at the very least an ‘I am willing to try!’ attitude is the major quality to ensure success. People are willing to allow you to fail, but you better try your hardest and come prepared. Also, depending on the size of the practice, you will be called upon at all times of the day and year. Becoming overwhelmed with your veterinary life is a very common problem in small practices. It is absolutely essential to have friends and family that allow for the dissolution of stress.”