“Veterinary medicine provides for me an amazing opportunity to interact with a clientele that shares my appreciation of the immense gift of companionship that our pets provide. There is an exciting challenge that exists when you try to treat a patient that cannot verbally communicate their concerns. We are fortunate however in that we are able to have in our ‘tool box’ not only the tools of Western medicine but also those of ancient Chinese medicine (Acupuncture) and modern day advances in technology (Class IV laser, digital radiography, fluoroscopy, auricular scope, ultrasound etc.). Each day is an adventure for which there is no road map but the journey always ends with the fulfillment of knowing I have helped
a pet’s time here with us to be more mutually enjoyable. ”
– Kim Edwards-Mitchell, DVM
“I’ve been involved in Veterinary Medicine for over 55 years first, as my dads’ gopher’ and second as a practicing veterinarian for over 30 years. I feel like I represent a collision between old and new veterinary medicine. I can appreciate the specificity of diagnostic tests that help solve the challenges of disease that don’t read the book. Yet, I respect the information gained from seeing, touching, and smelling- those tools our predecessors
utilized so well.”
– William Mitchell, DVM
About the Founder of Bristow Veterinary Hospital
Howard Leslie Mitchell, DVM
Dr. Howard Leslie Mitchell “Doc” was born on Sept. 22, 1936, He spent his early years in “the country” and teenage years in Fayetteville, N.C. He fervently loved his family, laughed often with his many friends and provided passionate veterinary care in Bristow.
Dr. Mitchell graduated from E.E. Smith Senior High in Fayetteville, N.C. He studied veterinary medicine at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1960. While in college, he was captivated by a beautiful young woman, Edna Moore. They were married on Dec. 17, 1960. He worked for Dr. John Montgomery in 1961. Howard and Edna later made Bristow their home in 1962.
He founded Bristow Veterinary Hospital in 1962 and practiced there until health issues prevailed in 2013.
Doc was one of the first veterinarians to practice acupuncture in the United States and founded the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. He was an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical
Association.
Friends have mentioned that Doc lived a lifetime for two or three people.
He departed this life on Dec. 31, 2016, at the age of 80.