Estrella part 6: Making the ‘Work Family,’ Work

After five years, Estrella convinces the doctor that it is time for him to bring in a junior doctor. She handles all of the applications and decides which ones the doctor should interview. Estrella’s standards are high, and the doctor interviews only two applicants. Dr. Emily Mayfield makes a good first impression in her crisply ironed khaki pants and buttoned-down plaid shirt. So much better than the young male applicant in his Bermuda shorts and flip-flops. Estrella also notices how Dr. Emily is chatting with the clients in the waiting room. It is with a sly smile that she announces Dr. Mayfield. The interview goes exceedingly well. Doc asks the young woman how she would handle the case of the incontinent German Shepard Dog. He asks her opinion on the care of other patients as well.

Emily has practiced at the clinic for twelve years when Doc announces he is ready to retire. For her 40th birthday, Emily’s gift to herself is going into debt to buy Doc’s practice and the clinic. Doc’s gift to Emily is a forty-foot sign announcing Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, and matching letterhead. Estrella has already filed the appropriate paperwork with the licensing agencies.

Emily would not dream of continuing the clinic without Estrella — she can’t imagine what chaos would prevail. Estrella is open and sharing and unabashedly caring. Estrella and Emily are colleagues and friends. The de Ramón family considers Emily one of their own, and Emily’s brothers “adopt” the de Ramón family en toto.

Recently Dr. M has spoken of getting another intern. Perhaps this time the intern will want to stay in Clearwater and become Dr. M’s junior doctor. But, to her horror, before Estrella can contact the vet school for recommendations, The Right Reverend Stuart MacGregor asks a very special favor from Dr. M. Now Estrella must use all of her talents to keep the peace within her ‘work’ family, and Estrella knows that family can always make it work.

(This completes Estrella de Ramón.)

(Stay tuned for A. Michael Kendrick, DVM, AKA the junior doctor.)