LSU Veterinary Medicine graduate Dr. Jackie Simon opened Country Place Veterinary Clinic over 30 years ago, and it remains the only animal clinic in St. Martinville, Louisiana.
Simon was involved in 4-H and showing beef cattle when she was young. She recalled her first heifer not being able to give birth on its own, so she called the nearest veterinarian who took almost an hour to get there. By the time the vet arrived and delivered the calf, it was already dead. This loss inspired Simon to become a veterinarian and return home to help her community.
Simon said the closest veterinarian practice to hers is about 25 minutes away. Being the only veterinarian around comes with its challenges, but she said the struggles have lessened over the years as she acquired new technology and employees. For example, she said that when the clinic first opened, she had an issue with getting blood work back fast enough. Now she has a blood machine and can do more work in-house…