We welcome Kelly Morgan as our newest veterinarian! Kelly answered a few questions for us so that we could get to know her better.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Glenview, IL and have always been in love with Chicago. Once I graduated from veterinary school at the University of Illinois in 2005, I immediately moved into the city. Fortunately, I am marrying a Chicago Firefighter so I will happily remain in the city for many more years. I initially practiced at a clinic in Oak Park where I quickly developed an interest in behavior medicine, and I am currently participating in a specialty training program to become board certified in that specialty. In my free time I enjoy biking, reading, walking my adorable dog, and knitting.
Tell us why you’re excited about Furnetic.
I am so excited to start working with veterinary students. I feel their experiences at Furnetic will really complement their education at the College of Vet Med, and I love their enthusiasm.
Tell us something about yourself that few others know.
I am a huge Harry Potter geek. Hermione Granger is my personal hero, not only because she is so clever and brave and loves books, but also because I sympathize with her bushy hair (especially during the humid Chicago summers)!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Westfest
The crew was out in full force for Westfest this past weekend. We've got some photos of the event.
Look for the Furnetic crew at these other events:
Thursday, July 30: Open House for Veterinarians at Furnetic
Friday, July 31: Public Open House at Furnetic
Saturday, August 1: Public Open House at Furnetic
Sunday, August 2: Dog Day on the Green at Soldier Field
Friday August 7-Sunday August 9: Taylor Street Festa Italiana
Rosemary speaks to a visitor.
We had water for the four-legged visitors - wiped clean between uses- and we know they appreciated it.
Look for the Furnetic crew at these other events:
Thursday, July 30: Open House for Veterinarians at Furnetic
Friday, July 31: Public Open House at Furnetic
Saturday, August 1: Public Open House at Furnetic
Sunday, August 2: Dog Day on the Green at Soldier Field
Friday August 7-Sunday August 9: Taylor Street Festa Italiana
Rosemary speaks to a visitor.
We had water for the four-legged visitors - wiped clean between uses- and we know they appreciated it.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Exterior introduction
Check out the artwork that we have on the exterior of the clinic. It shouldn't be hard to find us!
Open for business!
We've put the finishing touches on Furnetic! Check out the progress:
This is our treatment area. The patient status board is able to be seen from throughout the room, keeping everyone apprised of our patients' needs. The crash cart (red cart on the left) is in easy reach. There are three treatment tables in this efficiently planned area, giving staff space to practice.
This is the surgery suite. There are monitors on each side of the room. Doctors can view the radiograph or the image from the camera mounted in the surgery light. The lights themselves are LEDs, so they generate far less heat and use less energy.
The pharmacy has been stocked. There is a pass through to the treatment area. It's next to the lab, with the exam rooms immediately behind. The layout will help staff quickly move to where care is needed.
This is the digital x-ray room. We have all of the protective equipment mounted on the wall for easy access.
This is our treatment area. The patient status board is able to be seen from throughout the room, keeping everyone apprised of our patients' needs. The crash cart (red cart on the left) is in easy reach. There are three treatment tables in this efficiently planned area, giving staff space to practice.
This is the surgery suite. There are monitors on each side of the room. Doctors can view the radiograph or the image from the camera mounted in the surgery light. The lights themselves are LEDs, so they generate far less heat and use less energy.
The pharmacy has been stocked. There is a pass through to the treatment area. It's next to the lab, with the exam rooms immediately behind. The layout will help staff quickly move to where care is needed.
This is the digital x-ray room. We have all of the protective equipment mounted on the wall for easy access.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Spinlight
Spinlight is our creative agency.
So what does that mean? They figure out how to reach our future clients. But there is a lot of work wrapped up in that tidy statement. They have to figure out what our future clients read, where they hang out, where and how they like to spend their free time. But in order to get these Chicagoans to actually be our future clients, Spinlight has to communicate who we are, and get them to beat a path to our door.
They've started working on this. For the Chicago Family Pet Expo, they developed a cool tag to attach to our give away - a bottle of water. This is it.
Debby Winter is our contact, and I asked her a few questions about our project:
Why are you excited about working on this project?
This is such a great project for Spinlight! There are so many things about this work that makes it a great fit. First of all, PETS! I am such an animal person. I adore my dogs and love all kinds of animals. I also have the benefit of having experienced the emergency care at the College of VetMed. Last summer my dog, Moxie, almost died from heart failure and everyone there that worked with us was exceptional. She is thriving now!
It is a great category to do marketing for, pet people want to talk pets...so there are definitely less barriers to deal with. In addition to being a great category, we are excited to be part of bringing this type of thing to Chicago. That may read like a sound bite, but we have the opportunity to do something really unique with this vet clinic. The people and expertise and vision behind this new endeavor makes it poised for doing something really different and exceptional in Chicago. And the marketing can help lead that, marketing can help define this new type of veterinary clinic for the public and for the students and staff that work there. That's exciting!
What unique opportunities do you see for this new venture?
We have the opportunity to set a new standard for veterinary clinic marketing. We are going to be talking about a new kind of care, and will do it in a new way. We have the opportunity to use all kinds of marketing and really want engage the potential customer to help us talk about this new service. Pet people are a community and we will rely on that community to help us get the word out!
Tell us something about yourself which most people don’t know.
Most people don't know that Matt (co-owner at spinlight) actually considered studying to be a vet when he was choosing his education/career path! He ended up choosing graphic design. :-) And most people don't know that at one time I had 3 dogs, 4 cats and a parrot all in my house! I do love animals, but that was a lot, even for me. Right now I am focusing on spoiling my little pomeranian, "Moxie". Even with her heart problems, she is full of energy and makes me laugh every single day. If only I could be who my dog think I am!
Anything else you'd like to share?
It truly is a pleasure working with Chris [Chris Beuoy, our Director of Communications] and the other folks that have such passion for this venture. That in itself makes it an exciting project. Leading in marketing can be a scary thing for a company. It is much for comfortable being a follower, so we are looking forward to seeing how everything plays out with this campaign!
So what does that mean? They figure out how to reach our future clients. But there is a lot of work wrapped up in that tidy statement. They have to figure out what our future clients read, where they hang out, where and how they like to spend their free time. But in order to get these Chicagoans to actually be our future clients, Spinlight has to communicate who we are, and get them to beat a path to our door.
They've started working on this. For the Chicago Family Pet Expo, they developed a cool tag to attach to our give away - a bottle of water. This is it.
Debby Winter is our contact, and I asked her a few questions about our project:
Why are you excited about working on this project?
This is such a great project for Spinlight! There are so many things about this work that makes it a great fit. First of all, PETS! I am such an animal person. I adore my dogs and love all kinds of animals. I also have the benefit of having experienced the emergency care at the College of VetMed. Last summer my dog, Moxie, almost died from heart failure and everyone there that worked with us was exceptional. She is thriving now!
It is a great category to do marketing for, pet people want to talk pets...so there are definitely less barriers to deal with. In addition to being a great category, we are excited to be part of bringing this type of thing to Chicago. That may read like a sound bite, but we have the opportunity to do something really unique with this vet clinic. The people and expertise and vision behind this new endeavor makes it poised for doing something really different and exceptional in Chicago. And the marketing can help lead that, marketing can help define this new type of veterinary clinic for the public and for the students and staff that work there. That's exciting!
What unique opportunities do you see for this new venture?
We have the opportunity to set a new standard for veterinary clinic marketing. We are going to be talking about a new kind of care, and will do it in a new way. We have the opportunity to use all kinds of marketing and really want engage the potential customer to help us talk about this new service. Pet people are a community and we will rely on that community to help us get the word out!
Tell us something about yourself which most people don’t know.
Most people don't know that Matt (co-owner at spinlight) actually considered studying to be a vet when he was choosing his education/career path! He ended up choosing graphic design. :-) And most people don't know that at one time I had 3 dogs, 4 cats and a parrot all in my house! I do love animals, but that was a lot, even for me. Right now I am focusing on spoiling my little pomeranian, "Moxie". Even with her heart problems, she is full of energy and makes me laugh every single day. If only I could be who my dog think I am!
Anything else you'd like to share?
It truly is a pleasure working with Chris [Chris Beuoy, our Director of Communications] and the other folks that have such passion for this venture. That in itself makes it an exciting project. Leading in marketing can be a scary thing for a company. It is much for comfortable being a follower, so we are looking forward to seeing how everything plays out with this campaign!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Furniture!
Here are the latest images from the Center. We have begun the furniture installation in the clinic, and have some of the lighting completed as well.
Here is a shot of the reception area from the front door.
This is the treatment area. The flooring is down, and the exam lights have been installed. Note some of the overhead bins are hung.
This is our surgery suite. The cabinets above come from Herman Miller. By using these Herman Miller products, we will have increased flexibility in our set up. We will be able to change drawer sizes at will, and replacing worn or broken parts is easy.
The units in covered plastic are the medical gas panels.
This is the pack/prep room. The overhead storage has been installed by Herman Miller. The box along the back wall will support a sink. On the far left, is the opening for a pass-through into the surgery suite.
Here is a shot of the reception area from the front door.
This is the treatment area. The flooring is down, and the exam lights have been installed. Note some of the overhead bins are hung.
This is our surgery suite. The cabinets above come from Herman Miller. By using these Herman Miller products, we will have increased flexibility in our set up. We will be able to change drawer sizes at will, and replacing worn or broken parts is easy.The units in covered plastic are the medical gas panels.
This is the pack/prep room. The overhead storage has been installed by Herman Miller. The box along the back wall will support a sink. On the far left, is the opening for a pass-through into the surgery suite.
Chicagoland Family Pet Expo
Last week, we attended the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo. In Arlington Heights, this event features exhibitors for a wide variety of pet related products and services. The College of Veterinary Medicine had a booth, and personnel from Chicago and Urbana were on hand to answer questions about pet care and services we offer.
Here are a couple of photos from the day:
This is Dr. Paul, Associate Dean for Public Engagement, on hand to answer questions. Notice our banner promoting the Chicago Clinic. Spinlight, our advertising agency, designed that as a "teaser" for the clinic. Look for more content from them in the coming weeks!
Dr. Rosie LoGiudice, Director of the Chicago Center, was also on hand to promote the new clinic and answer questions.
Here are a couple of photos from the day:
This is Dr. Paul, Associate Dean for Public Engagement, on hand to answer questions. Notice our banner promoting the Chicago Clinic. Spinlight, our advertising agency, designed that as a "teaser" for the clinic. Look for more content from them in the coming weeks!
Dr. Rosie LoGiudice, Director of the Chicago Center, was also on hand to promote the new clinic and answer questions.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Drywall and more
We've had a lot of progress since the last update. The walls have dry wall, and painting has begun. The clinic is really starting to take shape.
This first shot shows one of the hallways, painted, and the ceiling grid is in place. The "ladder" above the grid holds all of the networking wires.
This is our bathroom. The sink and toilet have been set. Flooring is soon to come.
And this is taken from our associate's office, looking into the treatment room. The large window provides for a view into the hub of the practice, while still allowing veterinarians a place to enter notes, return phone calls, and discuss cases.
This first shot shows one of the hallways, painted, and the ceiling grid is in place. The "ladder" above the grid holds all of the networking wires.
This is our bathroom. The sink and toilet have been set. Flooring is soon to come.
And this is taken from our associate's office, looking into the treatment room. The large window provides for a view into the hub of the practice, while still allowing veterinarians a place to enter notes, return phone calls, and discuss cases.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New photos
Here are a couple of images from last week's meeting:
Tracey and Kelsie are with Jo, our construction manager. Jo is the one that keeps us all on the same page and moving forward with the construction. She does a great job for us!
Rosemary and Kelsie check out the progress since last week. The trades have been filling in all the things that go into the walls - backing, electricity, networking cables, and plumbing.
Tracey and Kelsie are with Jo, our construction manager. Jo is the one that keeps us all on the same page and moving forward with the construction. She does a great job for us!
Rosemary and Kelsie check out the progress since last week. The trades have been filling in all the things that go into the walls - backing, electricity, networking cables, and plumbing.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
It's in 3D
This week's construction update saw big changes!
The metal studs are up, and the trades are starting to fill the walls. There is a lot of copper pipe and conduit. Wood is placed between studs in places where we will hang items from the wall. There's a lot of this - from cabinets to x-ray viewers.
But you can also start to see how open the clinic will be. A large window enables the veterinarians to see the treatment room while at their desk conducting calls to clients.
Here, the contractors are building the walls for the dog ward. We're using concrete blocks for sound dampening.
Rosemary LoGuidice and Tracey Hlede are in the lobby, next to what will become the reception desk. They are with Norm, from McWilliams Electric Company.
The metal studs are up, and the trades are starting to fill the walls. There is a lot of copper pipe and conduit. Wood is placed between studs in places where we will hang items from the wall. There's a lot of this - from cabinets to x-ray viewers.
But you can also start to see how open the clinic will be. A large window enables the veterinarians to see the treatment room while at their desk conducting calls to clients.
Here, the contractors are building the walls for the dog ward. We're using concrete blocks for sound dampening.
Rosemary LoGuidice and Tracey Hlede are in the lobby, next to what will become the reception desk. They are with Norm, from McWilliams Electric Company.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Walls!
Here are the latest photos from the construction site.
The contractors have studs up for the walls, and will soon be routing the electrical and plumbing through them. This image was taken from what will be an exam room. You can see the entrance in the background.
This was taken from the lobby, looking in towards the consultation room.
The contractors have studs up for the walls, and will soon be routing the electrical and plumbing through them. This image was taken from what will be an exam room. You can see the entrance in the background.
This was taken from the lobby, looking in towards the consultation room.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Meet our director!
Dr. Rosemary LoGuidice will be the Center's interim director. She will be the public face of the Center, and she will be a wonderful advocate for its programs. She's an Illinois graduate, and she's proud to be back. It's been terrific to work with someone who's so enthusiastic about the College.
I asked her a few questions to get to know her, and this is what she said:
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Albany, NY, but spent most of my life in Illinois (Geneseo, near the Quad Cities in the western part of IL). I am a 1981 Graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine; I spent 8 years at the U of I. My undergraduate degree was in Agricultural Science. I was fortunate to spend 6 years singing in the U of IL Women's Glee Club, and even got to participate in a 3 week concert tour of Europe with the WGC!
I was in private practice (equine, food animal and dogs and cats) for 20 years. I've been active in organized veterinary medicine, including serving as president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association (ISVMA). I have worked at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) from 2001 until leaving in 2009 to work at the new University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine.
I love the shooting sports. I also work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as a Hunter Safety Education Instructor. I am a member of a women's shooting organization. We promote safe shooting activities and introduce women and anyone really to the shooting sports.
I enjoy golf, although I am not good at it. It's more important to have fun than to make yourself miserable trying to be good! :-)
I enjoy working with my dog at agility and "dock dog" activities. If I can keep up with him, I'll be ok!
Tell us why you’re excited about the Center.
This is a tremendous opportunity to provide veterinary students with primary care veterinary experiences. Learning about the day to day operations and events in private clinical practice in addition to the knowledge base they receive at the main teaching hospital and veterinary school is very important for a student to develop the proper skills needed to be comfortable in private practice upon graduation. I look forward to working with area practices as well as incorporating input from the services available at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
The opportunity for me to return to clinical work, be a part of the college at the Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, work with students and to develop canine rehabilitation services are all reasons I am excited! Besides, I'll get to wear orange and blue every day, if I want to. What could be better for an Illini?!
Tell us about your pets/your experience with animals.
My first pets were a pair of chickens, "Sarge" and "Private" when I was about 8 years old; I progressed to "Peanuts" the hamster, then "Grigio" a gerbil, then "Napoleon" a black 1/2 Siamese cat that was actually trainable: for one trick, he would meow outside my bedroom window for me to lower a basket on a rope so I could pull him up (1 story high is all) into my bedroom. My first and only horse, that I had for 16 years, was the first horse I ever saw born (I was 13 at the time), "JJ Socko". Unfortunately, he and I were hit by a drunk driver when I was riding him and he was killed. I then acquired a great dog, "TJ". He was an Australian Cattle Dog, and way too smart! He would ride with me in my practice truck on calls with me. After "TJ", I adopted an abandoned cat, "Smudge", a white and yellow domestic short hair that I still have. In June 2008, "Otter" (a field-bred English Cocker Spaniel) came to live with me and he is a true delight....most of the time. He and Smudge amuse each other and me!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Meet our new employees!
We have two new employees. Rosemary Burke has joined us as the Assistant Director for Business and Client Services. Kelsie Dolezal is our Head Veterinary Technician.
Here is a photo of them taken at the construction site. Tracey Hlede, our first DVM, joined them at left, with Rosemary in the middle, and Kelsie on the right.
I asked Rosemary and Kelsie a few questions to get to know them, and here is what they said:
Rosemary:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I have a background in healthcare and operations management. My experience includes working for healthcare supply companies as well as at the University of Illinois Medical Center. During college I spent summers working at an animal hospital. I love animals of all kinds!
Q: Tell us why you're excited about the Center.
A: I believe the Center will have a truly positive and significant impact on Chicago's pets, pet owners, Vet Med students, and the Chicago veterinary community and I am very excited to be a part of it.
Q: Tell us about your pets/your experience with animals.
A: Currently I have a six year old male shepherd mix named "Flags." Past pets have included a variety of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and a crow.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that few others know.
A: I am fascinated by sharks! This started during a snorkeling trip in Belize where by odd circumstance I got to hold a baby nurse shark.
Kelsie:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: Originally from Goshen, Indiana, I attended Purdue University and graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. While in school, I did both my externship and half my practicum in Alaska. The other half of my practicum was completed at the Animal Behavior Clinic in the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After graduation, I took a months road trip to ski in the western United States, and ended up settling in Chicago where my boyfriend (now husband) is from. Working at Animal Medical Center of Chicago for almost 3 years in small animal general practice, I was ready for a move to research. I was employed by the Rush University Comparative Research Center for almost 2 years. My job at Rush mostly consisted of anesthesia for many different species, from mice to goats! Both my jobs were great experience's from which I gained knowledge and wonderful friends! In my free time I like to play in the snow (or shade, depending on the season) with my boxer, Pnut. I also enjoy eating my chef husband's food, doing crafty things like sewing and jewelry making, dancing, hiking and anything outdoors. I love Chicago, but being from northern Indiana I still love to get out of the city and enjoy the farmland!
Q: Tell us why you're excited about the Center.
A: I am SO excited about the center because it is going to be a teaching facility for both veterinary and veterinary technician students. Working at Rush we were able to teach quite a bit of Principal Investigators and Medical Students how to properly handle and care for their research animals. I found I really enjoyed that aspect of my job and decided I was ready to use my experiences to help educate vet and tech students. They are our future in the veterinary field and I want to make sure vet students understand how important technicians are and how to utilize them to their fullest ability.
Q: What's your funniest animal story?
A: I guess one of the funniest things I've seen is how much pigs love to be scratched! If you start to scratch them on their backs they will move around and make sure you get them in all their itchy spots. Pigs are great to watch too, so smart!
Q: Tell us something about yourself that few others know.
A: I love poop! Parasitology, that is! Parasitology in a general practice consists of taking a sample of your pet’s feces and looking at it under the microscope, identifying tick and mite species, fleas, and sometimes worms. In tech school I excelled in parasite identification and actually considered a career in a parasitology lab. I believe the eggs we see under the microscope are works of art, and if blown up, would make a great decoration in your home or office.
Here is a photo of them taken at the construction site. Tracey Hlede, our first DVM, joined them at left, with Rosemary in the middle, and Kelsie on the right.
I asked Rosemary and Kelsie a few questions to get to know them, and here is what they said:
Rosemary:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I have a background in healthcare and operations management. My experience includes working for healthcare supply companies as well as at the University of Illinois Medical Center. During college I spent summers working at an animal hospital. I love animals of all kinds!
Q: Tell us why you're excited about the Center.
A: I believe the Center will have a truly positive and significant impact on Chicago's pets, pet owners, Vet Med students, and the Chicago veterinary community and I am very excited to be a part of it.
Q: Tell us about your pets/your experience with animals.
A: Currently I have a six year old male shepherd mix named "Flags." Past pets have included a variety of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and a crow.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that few others know.
A: I am fascinated by sharks! This started during a snorkeling trip in Belize where by odd circumstance I got to hold a baby nurse shark.
Kelsie:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: Originally from Goshen, Indiana, I attended Purdue University and graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. While in school, I did both my externship and half my practicum in Alaska. The other half of my practicum was completed at the Animal Behavior Clinic in the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After graduation, I took a months road trip to ski in the western United States, and ended up settling in Chicago where my boyfriend (now husband) is from. Working at Animal Medical Center of Chicago for almost 3 years in small animal general practice, I was ready for a move to research. I was employed by the Rush University Comparative Research Center for almost 2 years. My job at Rush mostly consisted of anesthesia for many different species, from mice to goats! Both my jobs were great experience's from which I gained knowledge and wonderful friends! In my free time I like to play in the snow (or shade, depending on the season) with my boxer, Pnut. I also enjoy eating my chef husband's food, doing crafty things like sewing and jewelry making, dancing, hiking and anything outdoors. I love Chicago, but being from northern Indiana I still love to get out of the city and enjoy the farmland!
Q: Tell us why you're excited about the Center.
A: I am SO excited about the center because it is going to be a teaching facility for both veterinary and veterinary technician students. Working at Rush we were able to teach quite a bit of Principal Investigators and Medical Students how to properly handle and care for their research animals. I found I really enjoyed that aspect of my job and decided I was ready to use my experiences to help educate vet and tech students. They are our future in the veterinary field and I want to make sure vet students understand how important technicians are and how to utilize them to their fullest ability.
Q: What's your funniest animal story?
A: I guess one of the funniest things I've seen is how much pigs love to be scratched! If you start to scratch them on their backs they will move around and make sure you get them in all their itchy spots. Pigs are great to watch too, so smart!
Q: Tell us something about yourself that few others know.
A: I love poop! Parasitology, that is! Parasitology in a general practice consists of taking a sample of your pet’s feces and looking at it under the microscope, identifying tick and mite species, fleas, and sometimes worms. In tech school I excelled in parasite identification and actually considered a career in a parasitology lab. I believe the eggs we see under the microscope are works of art, and if blown up, would make a great decoration in your home or office.
New construction photos
Here are the latest photos from the site:
In this first picture, you can see that the contractors have spent a lot of time working above the future ceiling. These things won't be seen, but will be well appreciated. They've installed the "race track" that will hold the network cabling. They've also got the water lines in. The trenches for the drains have been filled, and just need a topcoat. Next, they'll draw the layout of the facility on the floor, and use this as a guide to put up the walls.
I couldn't resist taking this shot out the front window. More snow was soon to fall, and it was a typical Chicago winter scene. But before I know it, spring will be here, and so will the Center.
In this first picture, you can see that the contractors have spent a lot of time working above the future ceiling. These things won't be seen, but will be well appreciated. They've installed the "race track" that will hold the network cabling. They've also got the water lines in. The trenches for the drains have been filled, and just need a topcoat. Next, they'll draw the layout of the facility on the floor, and use this as a guide to put up the walls.
I couldn't resist taking this shot out the front window. More snow was soon to fall, and it was a typical Chicago winter scene. But before I know it, spring will be here, and so will the Center.
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