Dawn Colket ’93, a Veterinary Nursing graduate, has been serving as a Surgical Technician at Hickory Veterinary Hospital since January 1994. This year, she celebrates 30 years of employment.

Growing up with animals, Colket always had a passion for their care. Her career at Hickory Veterinary Hospital began under the guidance of Dr. Nadine Hackman, the former Program Director of Veterinary Nursing. The hospital was co-founded in 1956 by Dr. William Brown and Dr. Nancy Brown, a Trustee Emeritus at Harcum College.

Currently managed by Drs. William and Tiff Kay, Hickory Veterinary Hospital operates around the clock, specializing in surgery, oncology, cardiology, radiology, and ophthalmology. They also offer rehabilitation and acupuncture services.

Drawn to the hospital because of Brown’s significant community presence, Colket initially worked in surgery, assisting with hip replacements alongside visiting doctors, performing abdominal surgeries, and providing oncology treatments. Today, she works under Board-Certified Neurologist William Kay, the grandson of William Brown.

A typical day for Colket involves checking patients’ vitals, monitoring overnight patients, setting up the operating room, prepping for surgeries, placing IV catheters, administering anesthesia, and either scrubbing in or serving as a circulating nurse, primarily focusing on cats and dogs.

What Colket most appreciates about her job are the people. She collaborates with a diverse group of colleagues, from newcomers to industry veterans of over 25 years, all of whom share knowledge and help educate one another. This collaborative environment has sustained her passion and dedication to the hospital for three decades.

Reflecting on her work, she said, “You never know what each week will bring; there are always updates. All the patients, from the Labrador to the tiny kitten, are different, and everything is always evolving.”

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