NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Randall Smith, DVM, former veterinarian at Apple Lane Animal Hospital, explained that his desire to spend more time with his family was a driving force behind his decision to retire. His retirement celebration at the practice was Sept. 2.
"Retirement is always a difficult decision, no matter what profession you're in," Smith said. "There comes a point in time, you've got to step back and look at what's best for you and your family. You get into this, it is 24-7. The one difference we don't have versus human medicine is we don't have a standalone hospital. We don't have a 24 hour emergency care in a standalone hospital, nor do we have walk-in care. We don't have a walk-in care facility where we can send things, so we take it all on. It does cost a lot of family time."
Smith believes there are four things every animal loving kid who thinks they want to be a veterinarian needs to know before they embark on that journey.
"The first one was, you've got to deal with people," Smith said. "The second one is you have to deal with the blood and guts. The third one was, you have to be responsible for the death of animals, whether that's they fail to respond to therapy, or you have to make a decision to humanely euthanize an animal, you're still responsible for the deaths of animals. The fourth one is, the amount of money it costs. The loan debt is terribly large these days."
Smith is really thankful for all of the customers, colleagues and community members that have wished him well.
"I almost feel like those people at the awards shows," Smith said. "You can't thank everybody, because you'll leave somebody out. That's the way I feel. I'm grateful for Dr. Miller and the staff and understanding, carrying on the business. That means a lot. For the relationships we've developed with clients over the years. A lot of those clients, they've become friends. I don't know that they will ever understand how much they impact me in that relationship. I just want to thank everybody out there. We're still going to be in town. I'll maybe see people around town more often, because I might get out more."
Smith said Hutchinson has treated him and his family well and he is grateful for the community's continued trust and support.
Below is Nick Gosnell's conversation with Dr. Smith.
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