Tom Pryor, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
ABOUT
Tom Pryor
I was born and raised in rural west-central Wyoming, at the foot of the Wind River Mountains. My family operated a small cattle ranch, where much of my time was spent horseback looking for cows, chasing cows, or otherwise trying to convince them to stay within our fence line. My love for animals blossomed in the seat of a saddle.
Knowing that I wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of 11, naturally I pursued an undergraduate degree in History from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Perusing the course catalog each semester was akin to how I now get “distracted” in Barnes & Noble and leave with an armful of books. I regret nothing, as I developed lifelong interests and passions in a breadth of topics. Though I get a raised eyebrows when I navigate a teetering stack of books out of the store, I still find wonder and excitement in new topics and ideas. After my bachelor’s degree, I worked a variety of jobs (vet assistant, ski tech, lumberjack) and continued to collect the prerequisite credits for veterinary school. I then completed a master’s program in agriculture, before (finally) attending veterinary school at Colorado State University. When my kids ask how long it took me to become a vet, I answer them with, “Longer than it really should have.”
Following graduation in 2016, I joined an equine-exclusive ambulatory practice in Boulder, Colorado. I had the great fortune of incredible mentorship, a very diverse caseload, and eclectic array of horses and equestrian disciplines.
Throughout my tenure there, I gained a wealth of emergency experience participating in a 3-clinic emergency coverage co-op, developed robust interest and skill in sports medicine, and expanded my understanding and knowledge of equine behavior.
Since 2018 I have been fortunate enough to be able to teach through the AAEP and CSU Veterinary School, instructing on a breadth of topics including nerve blocks, radiographic acquisition in the field, SPL placement, navicular bursa injections, and navigating behavior of difficult patients. It’s been an invigorating process, and one I look forward to continuing.
When I’m not working, I enjoy working out regularly, exploring the beautiful Colorado mountains, and trying to smuggle more books into the house. I have retained my childhood role as wrangler, though instead of cows I am chasing my very busy children. Sometimes I wonder if this would also be easier on horseback…
About The Vet Relief Services
My philosophy towards equine veterinary relief is simple; provide excellent service to both the veterinary practice and the client so my colleagues can have absolute peace of mind while they are away. I truly believe we thrive as a community with support from each other. I am honored to be able to provide that support.
I know firsthand the struggle of “unplugging” when away from work. All too often I would find myself responding to client emails and phone calls, or checking in with the clinic while I was supposed to be enjoying vacation or focusing on family. I worried about the burden I was placing on the practice, and the pile up of work I would have as soon as I returned.
Imagine a scenario wherein you get to fully unplug, and come home to a tidy call sheet, satisfied clients, and everything the same (if not better) than when you left? Sounds refreshing, right? This is the goal of my equine veterinary relief service. In an industry plagued by burnout, falling employee retention rates, and prolonged hiring searches, having a dependable helping hand is essential, and that is what I aim to provide.
Whether it’s vacation, parental leave, personal leave, or you could just use some help while searching for an associate, I am here to provide the relief you deserve. If you put your trust in me, you can return to work reenergized and reinvigorated, knowing full well your commitments have been attended to properly.
Nervous about taking the break you need because you can’t find an experienced horse vet in your area? Contact Tom today for nationwide relief services.