2024 Annual Report

With Deepest Gratitude Celebrating Dr. Mark Finkler “This year, after turning 70, I’ve made the decision to fully retire. It’s bittersweet for me, but it’s the right decision. It’s time. As a retiring physician once told me, ‘I want to leave while I am still wanted.’ I suppose I was destined to become a veterinarian. As a child, I was fascinated by science and all types of animals. In Catholic grade school, we were allowed to choose a Saint’s name at the time of our confirmation. I chose “Francis”, for Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. So, 44 years later, here I am. (I thought getting old would take longer!) I was fortunate to work with many fine veterinarians at Roanoke Animal Hospital. I sold RAH to Dr. Blaszak in 2020, knowing he would maintain the high standards required to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). It’s worth noting that our hospital has been AAHA accredited longer than any other animal hospital in Virginia - since 1950. To all of my clients whom I’ve met over the years, I sincerely appreciate you for entrusting me to care for your pets. I’ve always tried to treat them as I would treat my own. I’ve smiled at the joy of seeing you with a new puppy or kitten. I shared in the sadness of saying that “final goodbye” to your dying pets. I strived to reach the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment, while remaining humble enough to know that it’s impossible to always be right. For those pets I could not cure, I’m truly sorry. I’ve learned many lessons over the years. I know that for every mistake made for not knowing, ten more are made for not looking. I’ve been around long enough to know that, in medicine, the questions don’t change, only the answers. I’ve learned that modern medicine, even with all of the new diagnostic tests, cannot always provide us with the answer. I’ve accepted that these really odd cases fall under the “GOK” category - God Only Knows! While I will no longer be actively practicing, I will continue as the Veterinary Advisor for Saint Francis Service Dogs. I’ve been with them since the very beginning - over 25 years. This wonderful organization was founded in Roanoke. At every graduation, I remain amazed to see how these rowdy puppies grew up to be highly trained partners, providing a greater degree of independence for a child or adult in need of extra assistance. The end of 2024 brought with it a huge milestone for a familiar face to all of us at Saint Francis. After an illustrious career spanning more than forty years, Dr. Mark Finkler of Roanoke Animal Hospital, retired from veterinary practice. To celebrate the end of this successful chapter, we are sharing a portion of his letter to his colleagues, patients, and friends.

So, to all of you, I say farewell. I will miss you. Thank you for the memories!”

From all of us at Saint Francis - Thank you, Dr. Finkler, and congratulations!

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