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UD grad helps Barbaro recuperate
11:06 a.m., June 13, 2006--Kendall Stratton, AG '04, never thought she'd be dodging news vans and teary-eyed fans when she took a job as a patient attendant at University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, located in Kennett Square, Pa. But once Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro became a patient, the quiet country roads around this renowned animal hospital became filled with journalists and curiosity seekers. Barbaro is recovering from a shattered hind leg sustained at the Preakness on May 20. Stratton's job is to groom, water and feed Barbaro and the other horses in intensive care and neonatal intensive care. She also assists the veterinarian nurses with routine medical procedures. “Barbaro is a very good patient,” Stratton said. “He's a little feisty, but all race horses are going to be that way.” Although world-class athletes--human or animal--generally follow strict training diets, Stratton said that Barbaro has a pronounced sweet tooth. “He loves his treats,” Stratton said. “Sugar cubes and peppermint candies are two of his favorites. He also likes carrots but he's not a real big fan of apples.” Having Barbaro as a patient adds excitement to Stratton's job. But caring for equine celebrities isn't the most meaningful aspect of her 17-month tenure at New Bolton. “Working here has really solidified my decision to go to vet school,” Stratton said. “It's a pretty intensive environment. From the end of January through June is foaling season; we see a lot of sick foals and other emergency patients coming in. “My first day of work was nerve-wracking,” Stratton said. “I stood back and observed when the first few emergency patients came in that day. But it wasn't long before I jumped in and started to assist. I discovered I really enjoyed the pace of an emergency facility.” After graduating from UD in May 2004, Stratton entered a doctoral program in pharmacology at Drexel University. Her career goal at the time was to work for a veterinary pharmaceutical company. But after one semester, Stratton began to reconsider her decision. During her undergraduate years, she had been torn between pursuing a career in veterinary research or veterinary medicine. She thought research was the way to go but now wasn't so sure. She contacted her undergraduate advisor John Dohms, professor of animal and food sciences at UD, for guidance. “Dr. Dohms wasn't surprised by the way I felt,” Stratton said. “He told me that now I knew for sure that veterinary medicine was the right choice for me.” At that point, however, it was too late to apply for 2005 admission to vet school. So in February 2005, Stratton began her stint at New Bolton. She had previous experience with small animals as a technician at Kirkwood Animal Hospital in Newark and wanted to see what it would be like to work with large animals. The fact that New Bolton is a premier equine facility was the icing on the cake for Stratton, who was a member of UD's Equestrian Team and has been riding since the age of 9. “The veterinarians at New Bolton are amazing; they are so talented at what they do,” Stratton said. “And they've been great about helping me and providing networking opportunities.” Stratton also has high praise for her experience in UD's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Barrington, R.I., native said she was drawn to the college because its small size allows faculty members to get to know students. “I immediately felt very comfortable at the college,” Stratton said. “And, academically, the animal science program was excellent.” She said the high points of her college years were a Winter Session trip to New Zealand and an “Equine Reproduction” class taught by David Marshall, assistant professor of animal and food sciences. “The equine class was so hands-on,” Stratton recalls. “Students conduct the artificial inseminations and are there for the foalings.” Stratton's performance in the classroom and out in the field was always outstanding, according to Marshall. “It was clear Kendall possessed the mental giftedness along with the personal character to become a fine young scientist and future leader in veterinary medicine,” Marshall said. Stratton will leave her position at New Bolton at the end of this month. Then it's off to Spain for a delayed graduation present--a week-long trek through the Catalonia region on Andalusian cross horses. In September, she will begin her studies at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Article by Margo McDonough |
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