Dr. Baughn Retires From Eagle Creek Veterinary Clinic(posted Sept 9) After 32 years of practice, Dr. Jim Baughn, DVM said goodbye to his clients and during a two hour open house at the west side clinic. Although Baughn will no longer be in practice, the doors still remain open with Dr. Barry Foster and Dr. Sarah Shaffer carrying on his philosophy of treating animals. Foster has been with the clinic since 1991 and a partner for the last seven years. Foster recently purchased Baughn's interest due to the retirement. Foster credited Baughn's interpersonal skills as the building block to a successful clinic. Foster said he knew from the time he was six that he wanted to be a veterinarian because of his love for animals. Reflecting back at that age, he did not have any inkling to the importance of developing rapport with the pet owner to as an essential ingredient to treating the pet. "We are not here to judge, but to help," he said. Some pet owners do not have the financial capabilities or the attitude to spend thousands of dollars on their pets while others equate their pets as children and money is not a concern when it comes to treatment. Approximately 50 people filled the clinic to say their farewells. Karen Pickens and Bev Dugger of Speedway came to sign the message book and talk with Baughn. They have been taking their cats to Baughn when he first started as a veterinarian with Georgetown Veterinary Clinic. Dugger described his leaving as more like "a funeral" than an open house, noting that she has known him for 32 years. Pickens explained that she has named her cats after Dr. Baughn and his staff. In 1982, Baughn started his own clinic at 7307 W. 38th Street. The building went through three renovation phases during his ownership. Sarah Shaffer, DVM joined the clinic in June because of its excellent quality in practice. Shaffer, a 2007 Purdue University graduate, explained she was very selective of the type of clinic she wanted to work in. She said the doctors are very team oriented to work with on the tough diagnosis. "I am thrilled to be here," she said. Baughn said his practice has always been filled with enjoyment and challenges. He credited his staff for helping him to develop good customer relations. |
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