David Orton, DVM
Decatur
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate Veterinarian with extensive experience excelling in client education, medicine and surgical procedures. Proven track record in enhancing patient outcomes through effective treatment planning and empathetic communication. Adept at fostering strong relationships with pet owners while mentoring staff to elevate clinic standards and ensure high-quality care.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinarian
Cumming Pet Urgent Care
01.2025 - Current
- Created a welcoming environment for pet owners by addressing concerns with empathy and providing comprehensive explanations of treatment options.
- Improved patient outcomes by accurately diagnosing and treating various animal illnesses and injuries.
- Utilized diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays or ultrasounds for accurate identification of internal injuries or abnormalities in patients.
- Communicated with pet owners regarding pet diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
Lead Veterinarian
Thrive Pet Healthcare
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Established positive relationships with clients through clear communication about their pets'' healthcare needs and follow-up appointments.
- Communicated with pet owners regarding pet diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
- Administered vaccinations to prevent the spread of common infectious diseases among animals in the community.
Relief Veteriarian
Self-employeed
05.2023 - 10.2023
Veterinarian
Paulding Animal Clinic - Owner/Partner
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Conducted thorough physical examinations of animals to assess overall health and identify potential issues.
- Performed surgical procedures for better animal health, including spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgeries.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by streamlining appointment scheduling and maintaining organized medical records.
- Conducted regular wellness exams, contributing to early detection and treatment of health issues.
- Fostered team environment that emphasized continuous learning and professional development, elevating clinic standards.
Veterinary Medical Director
Creekside Animal Hospital
09.2016 - 09.2020
- Enhanced operational performance by identifying areas of improvement and implementing change management strategies.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Mentored associate veterinarians and other veterinary medical staff, facilitating professional development through training programs.
Veterinarian
Murrayville Veterinary Clinic
01.2014 - 08.2016
- Practiced veterinary medicine with emphasis on preventive care, chronic disease management and emergency medicine in small animals.
- Educated pet owners on proper care techniques, such as diet, exercise, and preventative medicine.
- Optimized use of anesthesia during surgeries, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
Veterinary Medical Director
Chestatee Animal Hospital
02.2012 - 10.2013
- Supervised clinical staff, providing continuous professional development opportunities and training to maintain and strengthen competencies.
Veterinary Medical Director / Owner
Chestatee Animal Hospital L.L.C.
12.2004 - 02.2012
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of medical practices, ensuring adherence to evidence-based guidelines and best practices.
- Improved patient outcomes and delivery of care through improved clinical quality processes.
- Streamlined healthcare processes for increased efficiency and better patient outcomes.
- Improved patient care quality by implementing new clinical policies and procedures.
- Attended healthcare conferences to stay abreast of evolution of technology and implemented improvements in practice.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients to boost retention rates, conducting regular feedback sessions.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue growth, focusing on diversification and market expansion.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Supervised clinical staff, providing continuous professional development opportunities and training to maintain and strengthen competencies.
Veterinarian
LaVista Animal Hospital
05.1998 - 09.2004
Veterinary Assistant
LaVista Animal Hospital
04.1988 - 05.1998
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Provided compassionate care for animals during treatment and recovery from illnesses or injuries.
- Implemented proper sterilization procedures to maintain a sanitary work environment and prevent cross-contamination risks.
- Assisted with euthanasia procedures in humanely and compassionately to minimize suffering.
- Groomed and bathed animals to maintain hygiene and appearance.
- Maintained clean and hygienic clinic environment, reducing risk of cross-contamination and ensuring safety of all animals.
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, and procedures, ensuring smooth operation of the veterinary clinic.
- Prepared animals for surgery, including pre-operative care and post-operative monitoring.
- Facilitated smoother surgical procedures by efficiently setting up surgical suites according to veterinarian specifications.
Education
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -
University of Georgia-College Veterinary Medicine
Athens, GA05-1998
Bachelor of Science - Biology W/ Chemistry Minor
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA09-1994
Skills
- Client education
- Surgical procedures
- Wound management
- Medication administration
- Treatment Planning
- Emergency care
- Preventative medicine
- Patient relationship management
- Compassionate communication
- Diagnostic imaging
- Chronic and acute conditions
- Effective owner communication
- Animal dentistry
- Staff mentoring
- Internal medicine
- Anesthesia administration
- Stress resilience
- Safety precautions and measures
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active listening
Affiliations
- AVMA
- GVMA
Dahlonega Nugget Newspaper Readers Choice Award
Voted Best Veterinarian in Lumpkin County 2006-2012
Languages
English
Timeline
Veterinarian
Cumming Pet Urgent Care
01.2025 - Current
Lead Veterinarian
Thrive Pet Healthcare
10.2023 - 11.2024
Relief Veteriarian
Self-employeed
05.2023 - 10.2023
Veterinarian
Paulding Animal Clinic - Owner/Partner
09.2021 - 10.2022
Veterinary Medical Director
Creekside Animal Hospital
09.2016 - 09.2020
Veterinarian
Murrayville Veterinary Clinic
01.2014 - 08.2016
Veterinary Medical Director
Chestatee Animal Hospital
02.2012 - 10.2013
Veterinary Medical Director / Owner
Chestatee Animal Hospital L.L.C.
12.2004 - 02.2012
Veterinarian
LaVista Animal Hospital
05.1998 - 09.2004
Veterinary Assistant
LaVista Animal Hospital
04.1988 - 05.1998
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -
University of Georgia-College Veterinary Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Biology W/ Chemistry Minor
Georgia State University