Dr. Michael Mason, Veterinarian
This practice honors Dr. Michael Mason who was my mentor from 1981 to 1992. The best that I am in veterinary medicine came from those years and that worthy veterinarian.
Dr Erik Johnson
In 1981, I went to work at East Marietta Animal Clinic (which still exists by name) on old Wylie Drive which is now a Sports Authority parking lot. My folks drove me over on July 4th, 1981 and we found Dr Mason walking dogs. (Even if you’re closed, the dogs still gotta walk!) and I ‘interviewed’ and he asked if I could start Monday and that was it.
Veterinarian Dr Michael Mason
Dr Michael Mason was a solo veterinarian practitioner who’d been in business for almost 20 years at that point. I was 16 years old. I worked afternoons, summer and other school breaks, and weekends. Every holiday would find me walking dogs at the clinic.
Dr Mason, (who’s still alive and well) taught me a ‘busy’ work ethic. We weren’t allowed to sit around. He said he never wanted to see me with my hands in my pockets. I remember lots of things he taught me.
More than that, he SHOWED me (by daily example) how to “be” in veterinary medicine. Honest. Forthright. Treat the dogs and cats like you’d treat your own. If you mess up, apologize and tell the truth. Never say anything bad about other veterinarians. Always keep learning.
And then another thousand things about people, pets, practice, so many philosophies. Here’s an example: “Never call a “cage” a “cage”. Call it a ‘compartment’ because that sounds so much better than ‘cage’. He’s absolutely right. The kind of things that stick with you.
My parents gave me a LOT of core skills to do well at Dr Mason’s clinic, but he taught me everything I needed to know about being a Veterinarian. I am indebted.
Doc Johnson
Nov 22 2019
