Dr. Bart Q&A
Dr. Bart Bryan. You all know him, you all love him, and you all trust him completely with your pets’ lives. His combined love for animals and Auburn surely shines bright, but there’s far more to Dr. Bart than meets the eye. Read on for a Q&A with the Independence Veterinary Clinic doctor himself to learn about just why he does what he does every day!
Where did you attend veterinary school?
I attended Auburn University and graduated in 1998.
What made you choose this particular school?
Growing up on a large farm in Alabama, I always knew Auburn was the only place I wanted to attend.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in the veterinary field?
I grew up with animals. I many times had to help treat many of our own animals on the farm. But, a field trip in 10th grade was the final push. We visited a local veterinary clinic and I got to see a real surgery. From that point on there was no other thought as to what profession I would choose.
What inspires you to go to work every day?
Knowing I can actually make a difference. Since I enjoy surgery, many times the satisfaction is almost instantaneous.
What’s a defining moment in your career that you will never forget?
I was a new graduate in 1998. After a successful surgery, I received a thank you letter from the family of the patient. The entire family signed it, including the young kids. The kids drew pictures with crayons as well. I’ll never forget how it felt to be appreciated on that level for the first time as an actual veterinarian. It was very special.
What’s your favorite thing about Independence Veterinary Clinic?
Because we have owned IVC for 14 years, we have been a part of the lives of so many families. It’s really wonderful to see kids grow up along side their puppies and kittens. There’s something special about the bond that develops over the years between a child and their pet.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be one of my wife’s dogs. I would never want for anything and would be her top priority.
Tell us about your favorite childhood pet.
We had a Hereford bull by the name of Ralph. He would follow you around like a puppy and he would let you ride him with no bucking.
Give us the funniest animal experience/story you’ve got.
An elderly farmer in Georgia called me at about 2am one morning with a sick horse. He stood by the road with a kerosene lantern wrapped in a red bandana so I could see the turn off to the road to his farm, which was about 2 miles off the road. When I got there I introduced myself and told him to get in my truck and we would drive to his barn. He refused because he said he never rode with strangers. He walked the 2 miles to his barn.
