Without Dr Don Patton, PVH would likely not be the outstanding hospital that it is today. The office not only shares his name, but also thrives due to the priceless contributions made by Dr Patton during his 44 years of practice.
A proud native of Red Lion, Don Patton grew up with parents who were deeply involved in the community. The family owned Patton’s Gift Shop on the square, where young Don worked to fund his education. After graduating from Red Lion Area Senior High School in 1950, he attended Franklin & Marshall College before going on to earn his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
As he recalls, his choice of career was an easy decision: “Throughout my life, I have had an interest in the science field and have always had a love for animals.”
Prior to beginning his veterinary practice, Dr Patton chose to enlist in the US military. “Upon completion of veterinary school, I joined the Air Force and was stationed in France from 1957 to 1960.” Then, after serving his country, he returned immediately to Red Lion and began serving local pets and their owners as a staff doctor at Red Lion Animal Hospital.
In 1961, Dr Patton purchased the hospital and as practice owner moved ahead with a number of his plans for expansion. Under his leadership the clinic added more extensive diagnostic areas and equipment. The changes were very ambitious for the time and included surgery and treatment zones, a laboratory and x-ray facilities.
The 1980’s also proved to be an important time of change for the good doctor as the office took on the name that it bears today, The Patton Veterinary Hospital. And at decade’s end, Dr Patton
made perhaps his most enduring contribution when he chose to hire a young veterinarian named Dr Douglas Schmidt!
Dr Don Patton continued to practice and oversee the building of PVH’s new facility and current location. He retired officially in 2004 and today enjoys spending time with his family. He also
devotes many happy hours to his favorite hobby, woodworking, and has developed a special talent for creating one of a kind birdhouses.