Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb 2021

90 BEST OF 2021 www.BestOfMP.com | www.BestOfMP.Video | www.VOICEforMP.com/BestOfInterviews 2021 W W W . B E S T E O F M P . C O M . C O W hen employees are treated like family, that nurturing care extends to those they serve. This is precisely why year after year Advanced Animal Care of Mt. Pleasant is recognized as one of the Best Veterinary Practices in town. In a field laden with long hours and high emotions, David Steele, D.V.M., and Leslie Steele, D.V.M., have provided the support system their staff needs. This is to the benefit of all who visit their office. As Veterinary Assistant Fiona Ennist explained, “Not only do the Steeles dedicate their lives to their passion of helping and caring for animals, they are also involved with the staff, helping to teach and guide us to reach the best experience of veterinary care for the patient.” Similarly, Nurse Manager Jessica Hecker who has been with the practice for nearly a decade admitted, “I have worked for a few other veterinarians before I found my ‘unicorn clinic’ here. Sadly, the turnover rate is high in our field because not all hospital managers understand the emotional toll this industry can take.” However, the Steeles’ approach is different; in order to provide a consistently high level of care, they first assure their team is fully equipped, both professionally and emotionally. “We make sure our staff is provided for and secure so they can give their all,” Dr. David Steele described. “We treat everyone with equal consideration and empathy. In turn, our team is then able to give the same to our patients and clients.” The humanity and compassion that Advanced Animal Care exhibits is even evident beyond the walls of their clinic. In addition to creating East Cooper Pet Relief, a charitable organization aimed at filling the community’s needs, Dr. David Steele visits Somerby Senior Living monthly to care for the pets who belong to residents. Frequently, though, there isn’t anything necessarily needing to be addressed for the animals. In these instances, he graciously fills an alternative role as a visitor and friendly ear. He even regularly visits residents whose pets have passed on, helping them find comfort in seeing a familiar face. Having been mentored by Dr. David Steele, Hecker reinforced, “I have learned how much he thrives being of service to others, and that selflessness resonates in me and makes me want to serve others as well.” None of this is a surprise when one understands the Steeles’ mission, which acknowledges medicine as a tool but prioritizes the heart of their team in impacting the health and well-being of their patients. The Steeles demonstrate this mission further as participants in the One Health Initiative, a collaborative effort of health science professionals working to attain optimal wellness for people, animals, plants and the environment. Dr. David Steele captured their outlook eloquently, expressing, “We are all souls who deserve the same freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress. It doesn’t matter if the soul is furry and four-legged or two-legged. We care and will do what we can to make life better for that soul.” BY ALYSSA DISALVO For more information on Advanced Animal Care of Mt. Pleasant, visit advancedanimalcaremp.com or call 843-884-9838. Service and Support is Truly Special Advanced Animal Care of Mt. Pleasant In order to provide a consistently high level of care, Advanced Animal Care of Mt. Pleasant first assures that their team is fully equipped, both professionally and emotionally.