By Lori EhdeAngela Van Holland, DVM, joins the long-standing list of veterinarians at Rock Veterinary Clinic.Originally from rural Trent, S.D., Van Holland completed her undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University, Brookings, and earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine May 10 from Iowa State University, Ames."I’m excited to be in the community, meeting people and becoming involved in animal health care — in both large and small animal medicine," Van Holland said.She said she was attracted to the Luverne clinic for a number of reasons. "I’m interested in mixed animal medicine, and it’s relatively close to home," she said.She lives in Garretson with her husband, Travis Van Holland, who works with Ted Berghorst of Ted’s Equipment Installation, Beaver Creek.Like most veterinarians, Van Holland said she got into animal science because she enjoys animals, but she had other inspirations as well."Our local vet (the late Jim Swenson, Jasper) sparked my interest," she said "He was always very kind and willing to explain things."Rock Veterinary Clinic has had a contract with the Sioux Falls Livestock Auction since last summer, so Dr. Gordon Hamann said the clinic needed to hire."It takes one vet full-time over there now, so we just need more help," he said.Van Holland joins Hamann, Dr. John Bowron, Dr. David Iverson, and Dr. Kay Burkhart at Rock Veterinary Clinic, located south of Luverne on Highway 75.Hamann and Bowron have been with the practice for 36 and 32 years, respectively. Iverson and Burkhart both came on board in 1979.Van Holland said it’s a bit intimidating to work among so many seasoned veterinarians, but Hamann said it’s nice to have "new blood" in the practice."She’s just got a great personality and attitude," he said. "We are looking forward to the months and years ahead with her in our practice."
