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The Mike Thomas Family
Our Impact
The impact of The Mike Thomas Family Veterinary Practice Institute extends beyond our training programs. By empowering veterinarians with advanced skills and knowledge, we contribute to the improved health and well-being of animals in shelters, increase adoption rates, and strengthen the bond between pets and their families.
Our Vision
The Mike Thomas Family Veterinary Practice Institute envisions a vibrant and comprehensive training hub for Auburn University students and recent graduates, empowering them with essential skills in medical, dental, and surgical procedures. By collaborating with rescue organizations, we aim to deliver an in-depth educational experience that covers the fundamental principles of veterinary practices, along with critical insights into physiology and anatomy. Our curriculum will emphasize innovative and economically viable strategies for effectively addressing common veterinary challenges, ultimately cultivating a confident, compassionate, and proficient generation of veterinarians dedicated to enhancing the welfare of animals and the humans who love them.
Our Story
Dr. R. Michael Thomas is a 1968 graduate of Auburn University. He's spent his entire career dedicated to the pursuit of bettering veterinary medicine for all. He currently owns and operates 11 veterinary hospitals - including 7 general practices, 3 emergency hospitals, a low cost clinic and a low cost surgery center in the Indianapolis area. Dr. Thomas has veterinary licenses in six states, and his professional interests include recent and current changes in veterinary medicine and helping private veterinary practices survive and thrive. He is also interested in veterinary medical ethics, companion animal general practice, orthopedic and general surgery, dermatology, and facilitating the practice of extraordinary veterinary medicine through assembling an outstanding group of doctors and training of support staff.
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Meet our Board
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R. Michael Thomas, DVM
President & CEO
Dr. Thomas lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife, Crystal. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with honors from Auburn University. After owning a small animal practice in Miami and practicing there for several years, he moved back to his native Indiana roots, where he was born in Shelbyville.
Link Welborn, DVM
Vice President & Director
Dr. Welborn was the valedictorian of his 1976 graduating class from King High School in Tampa and as a President’s Scholar, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Welborn graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.
Crystal Thomas
Director, Treasurer & Secretary
A native Buckeye (from Ohio), Crystal has always had a love for animals. Her parents called her Elly May when she was little. She wanted to be a veterinarian from the age of 8. Her love for animals helped her understand from a young age what a positive affect a pet can bring to a person and a family.
Chad Thomas
Director
Mr. Thomas grew up working in a veterinary hospital, then spent over 20 years as an IT consultant and project manager, mostly for Fortune 500 clients. Chad returned to the family veterinary business in 2015.
Tom Carpenter
Director
Tom Carpenter is a 1980 graduate of Iowa State University. During his career he owned 2 hospitals in Southern California. Newport Harbor Animal Hospital served as a teaching site for Western University College of Veterinary Medicine. Tom served on the first admissions committee and was a clinical professor.
Richard Coe, DVM
Director
Dr. Richard Coe began his college career at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with an eye toward earning a degree in business. While there, he adopted a German Shepherd and became interested in animal health and wellness. He continued with his plans to enter the business world, but after a few years of working for American Oil Company, he decided to pursue his interest in veterinary medicine.
Steve Curvey
Director
Mr. Curvey spent nearly 40 years working within the business side of veterinary medicine, with 25 years at Merck AgVet/Merial and 15 years as operational leader of Veterinary Management Groups. His work with Merck included numerous positions dedicated to the commercialization of ivermectin and fipronil-based products throughout the US and Canada.
Paul Pion
Director
Paul holds earned a B.S. and a D.V.M. from Cornell University. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Specialty of Cardiology). Paul co-founded Veterinary Information Network in 1991, which he continues to lead. During his time at the UC Davis he was responsible for breakthrough research on nutrition and heart disease in cats.
John Pollock
Position / Role
John is a founding member of Artisan, and has built an extensive career in middle-market investment banking, advising public and privately-held businesses across a broad range of industries. Those industries include consumer, healthcare and franchising. In his 30+ years of transaction experience, John has completed hundreds of M&A, capital formation, and shareholder engagement assignments.
John Tait
Position / Role
Dr. John Tait graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1986, received his MBA in 1995 from McMaster/London School of Business in Health Services Mgt. He also received a combined Master of Finance/Certified Financial Planner in 2001. He also has a certification in Business Valuation, having valued practices for over 20 years, and is Certified in Mediation and Negotiation from Harvard.
