Dr. Monica Steffen joins Veterinary Clinic staff
Dr. Monica Steffen, DVM, has recently joined the staff at the Guttenberg Vet Clinic. She was inspired to become a veterinarian while growing up on her family's farm near Luxemburg. (Photo submited)
By Caroline Rosacker
Veterinarians diagnose animal health problems, vaccinate against disease, treat animals suffering from illness, infections, wounds, and fractures, perform surgery, and educate pet owners about feeding, behavior issues, and breeding.
According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, 77 percent of veterinarians who work in private medical practices treat pets.
Dr. Monica Steffen, DVM, was recently hired at the Guttenberg Vet Clinic, located at 1414 Highway 52, Guttenberg. She joins staff members Dr. David Connell, and veterinarian assistants Stephanie Goedken, Michelle Hinzman and Shannon Knaack.
Dr. Steffen was raised outside of Luxemburg on her family’s dairy farm. "I still currently live on the farm, where I try to help out whenever I can," she commented.
Dr. Steffen earned her veterinary degree from Iowa State University. She was first introduced to animal husbandry during her youth. "Living on a dairy farm was where I first learned animal husbandry and my first insight into a veterinary career," she noted. "I tried to be present whenever the veterinarian was at the farm performing our herd health, or for emergency calls. I asked questions, and thankfully the veterinarians who were there answered my non-stop questions and inquiries about their job."
She went on to say, "I was further inspired when I grew up and was able to job shadow numerous veterinarians. Their empathy for both animal and owner was one of the greatest inspirations for me."
Steffen will focus primarily on small animal services. She spoke about the most gratifying part of her job. "The most rewarding part of my job is being able to care for creatures that can’t speak for themselves and their caretakers," she said.
In her spare time Steffen enjoys reading, line dancing and baking. "I also drink too much coffee and I have started dabbling in crochet," she added.
Steffen has embraced her new position at the clinic. "I have truly enjoyed being a part of the veterinary clinic staff this past month and half," she told The Press. "I have enjoyed meeting the community's members and their pets – so far, and look forward to meeting more! I would like to thank the Guttenberg community for making me feel welcome, and for their patience as I start my career."
