Vet Spotlight: Embracing virtual technology with Dr. Nicklin
Meet Dr. Colleen Nicklin, a veterinarian in Geneva, Florida who has worked in small animal practice for 14 years including several rescue organizations, shelters and zoos.
“Since there is such a veterinary staff shortage in our country at this moment in time, I feel telemedicine is a great way to take the burden off of our overflowing hospitals and reassure owners on what constitutes a true emergency situation.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in the veterinary field.
I am an experienced veterinarian who has worked in small animal practice for 15 years. I was raised in New Jersey and obtained my BSc from Delaware Valley University in 2004. I then went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. I have worked with several rescue organizations, shelters and zoos. I also work emergency shifts at my local animal ER hospitals. I enjoy seeing exotic pets, internal medicine, surgery, and dentistry. In my spare time I enjoy competitive horse jumping, travel and yoga. I own two dogs (Kingsley the English Bulldog and Sprinkles the Pomeranian mix), one cat (KitKat), one horse (Pandora), and an axolotl (Bubbles). I strive to treat every patient as my own and am often found working at my desk with a furry friend on my lap.
What is your favorite part in using Vetster?
My favorite part of working with Vetster is being accessible after hours for emergency cases, especially those involving exotic or non-traditional pets. I have helped dozens of reptile, bird and small mammal pets when their normal day practice was not open and local emergency rooms were unable to see them. Most owners just need basic husbandry advice or tips on how to keep their sick pets as stable and comfortable as possible until they can be seen in person. Since there is such a veterinary staff shortage in our country at this moment in time, I feel telemedicine is a great way to take the burden off of our overflowing hospitals and reassure owners on what constitutes a true emergency situation. Today’s society is all about embracing the technology in front of us and instant access to information is what our clients want and need! I love educating people on pet health and ending a chat feeling like I have given them some piece of new information (or sometimes even just peace of mind!)
“I found an injured bird and needed to get him through the night, and I didn’t know what the best course of action was. Dr. Nicklin was patient and understanding. She helped calm my nerves and let me know what I could do to give him the best chance to survive. I appreciated her empathy. And it made all the difference in trying to help the bird.” - Client of Dr. Nicklin
What would you say to other vets who are interested in using Vetster but are hesitant to get started?
To colleagues who are hesitant to get involved with telemedicine I would advise them to give it a try! It is rewarding to be able to educate pet parents, and often from the comfort of your own home on your preferred schedule!!
The extra income I have earned from this job has paid for family vacations, helped out with extra bills and even some home repairs!
How do you envision the future of telehealth?
I envision telehealth as the way of the future. Today's society is very dependent on technology and instant access to information. Access to credentialed experts on-demand is imperative when it comes to pet health.
If you're interested in being featured in our blog, please contact Jennifer, our Manager of Veterinary Success by emailing jennifer@vetster.com.
