It is with mixed emotions that we say good-bye to Dr. Michael Seimer.  After 40 years of serving central Ohio pets and their owners, Dr. Seimer has retired from practicing veterinary medicine.

Dr. Seimer graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975.  He spent his entire 40 year career at Suburban Animal Clinic, working first as a student worker while in school, then as an associate veterinarian, then eventually owning the practice.  His compassionate, caring manner saw pets and their owners through the puppy/kitten stages, routine visits, sick visits, and end of life decisions.  Children who came with their parents to Suburban in the 80'€™s and 90'€™s, have since returned as adults with their own pets to see Dr. Seimer.

Dr. Seimer has seen many changes in veterinary medicine during his 40 year career, and he has strived to keep up with them and maintain the highest quality of veterinary medicine for his practice.  In 1975 Suburban Animal Clinic became accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, and has maintained that accreditation since.  From advancements in preventative care such as new vaccines, to new surgeries and techniques, to emerging diseases, Dr. Seimer has seen a lot.  As veterinary medicine advanced, so did Dr. Seimer'€™s effort to educate pet owners on all aspects of pet ownership, including preventative medicine, proper diet, managing chronic conditions, and proper care of aging pets to maintain the best quality of life possible.

Dr. Seimer has served as the president of the Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine, on the board of Hill'€™s Pet Nutrition, the board of Capital Area Humane Society, and other veterinary committees.  The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association named him "Veterinarian of the Year" in 1987 and presented Dr. Seimer with the Distinguished Service Award in 1988.  In 2003, he was recognized by the Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians for his loyalty, support and guidance to their organization.

Dr. Seimer is retiring along with wife, Sherry, who has served as Suburban'€™s office manager for many years.  Prior to that, Sherry helped Dr. Seimer as a registered veterinary technician.  Sherry also taught in the veterinary technician program at Columbus State Community College until retiring 2009.  Sherry's roles in the practice included not only business management, but public relations as well, which has expanded greatly with the inclusion of social media.  Sherry worked to keep the website up to date and introduced Suburban'€™s presence on FaceBook, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Dr. Seimer and Sherry have two grown, married daughters and four grandchildren, who will certainly keep them entertained during retirement!  They also plan to relax, do some volunteering, golfing, and traveling.

Suburban says good-bye to yet one more long time friend, Joan.  Joan is the only person who has been at Suburban longer than Dr. Seimer!  She topped him by working at Suburban for 43 years.  Joan started as a registered veterinary technician and receptionist.  Later she took charge of inventory and ordering for the practice, organized Suburban'€™s recycling program, and more.  Joan was most known by clients for her knack at creating fun and educational bulletin board displays as well as her seasonal decorating of the clinic.  Joan was loved by all and will be missed as she retires to spend time with her husband, grown daughters, and grandchildren.

Please help us say "€œHappy Retirement"€ to Dr. Seimer, Sherry, and Joan at a reception on Sunday, February 1, 2015 from 1-3pm at The Reception House at Raymond Memorial Golf Course on Trabue Rd.  Please call or email us to RSVP.  We will also be saying €œ"Welcome"€ to new practice owner and veterinarian, Dr. Ashley Maul, and husband Errol.