Q&A with Dr. Ron Orchard

How did you get involved with the Shelter Medicine program?

About 12 years ago, I worked at the Seattle Humane Society. That’s where I first crossed paths with Dr. Brad Crauer.

Shelter Medicine is a program full of travel opportunities. Where has it taken you?

My career in shelter medicine has taken me across the country, working in high-performing shelters in Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington.

What is your role in K-State’s partnership with the Santee Sioux Nation?

The partnership with the Santee Sioux Nation is about five years old. Tribal leaders and the Nebraska USDA-APHIS veterinarian contacted us regarding the potential to bring veterinary services to the reservation. To us, this fit perfectly into the mission of our program because there are no veterinary services for the tribe within 70 miles. This meant we had a community of great need that would benefit from the services we could provide, even those who come from the back of a truck. These events now occur two to three times annually, and for Dr. Crauer and me, it is one of the partnerships that fills us with the most pride.

How has teaching impacted your worldview?

I love teaching and being around students. You have to always be on your game around them, because these are some of the brightest, most ambitious people on the planet. They make me want to grow as a veterinarian and human.

What does being a part of this program mean to you?

I get to combine my passion for teaching with the desire to be of service to communities. I hope to instill that dedication to duty in all my students. Every day, I get to go to the coolest job, with the coolest people. What else could you ask for?