Staff
Dr. Don Ryker
Dr Don Ryker has been a practicing equine veterinarian in Oakland County since 1981. He began his own practice, Don Ryker DVM and Associates in 1987. The practice has grown over the years and currently employs two veterinarians, and a support staff of six.
Dr Ryker graduated from the University of Michigan in 1972 with a degree in Oceanography and continued at the University of Missouri to complete his training as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. Don is also an adjunct professor at Michigan State University assisting with third and fourth year veterinary student’s equine medicine training.
Don has developed a strong and diverse practice treating the valued back yard horse, race horses, and horses competing in various disciplines at local and national levels. He has special areas of interest that include: dentistry, reproduction and acupuncture.
Dr Ryker is active in many local organizations that are pertinent to the equine industry and they include the following:
- Oakland Country Farm Bureau
o Board member
- Michigan State University
o Equine Advisory Council
o Adjunct Professor
- HBPA Horseman’s Benevolent Protection Association
- MTOBA Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
- Professional Horseman’s Association
o President Michigan Chapter
- AAEP American Association of Equine Practitioners
- MEPA Michigan Equine Practitioners Association
o Past president
- MVMA Michigan Veterinary Medical Association
o Past board member
o Past Michigan Veterinary Conference planner
Don finds time for a few hobbies that
include: racquetball, Thoroughbred racing, golf, and day hiking with his wife
and their border collies.
Email:
drryker@drryker.com
Dr. Ken Gertsen
DVM, MS, Diplomat American Board of
Veterinary Practitioners, Equine Specialty.
Dr. Gertsen is a University of California, Davis,
graduate. After graduating he was at Michigan State University as an instructor
in the clinic while getting his Master’s degree in Large Animal Surgery and
Medicine. He worked at the Thoroughbred race tracks in Detroit until they
closed in 1998. He joined Dr. Ryker’s practice in 1999 and has been here
since. Dr. Gertsen has been involved in teaching Veterinary Technician
curriculums at Macomb and Baker Community Colleges. He became Board Certified
by the ABVP, Equine Specialty in 1997. Dr. Gertsen is interested in surgery,
lameness work-ups and respiratory problems of the horse. He is married to Diana
who works at the Novi Public Library and has three grown children and four
grandchildren.
Jody Barron
Jody Barron joined Dr. Ryker’s practice in 1993. Jody and her husband Bobby have a Thoroughbred farm in Ortonville. Jody manages the farm in her “spare” time and has two children, Lindsey and Alec. Bobby trains racehorses at various racetracks in the Midwest and East.
Cheri Fisher
Cherie is a lifelong resident of Oakland County, Michigan. She has been a horse owner for 18 years. She has two children, 2 cats, one dog, and four horses!. Cherie has been with Dr. Ryker & Assoc. since December of 2001.
Email:
cheri@drryker.com
Kathy Pfister
Kathy Pfister joined Dr. Ryker’s practice in November 2003. Prior to that Kathy had been working as an
administrative receptionist for several years. Kathy and her husband, David,
have a farm in Ortonville where they raise and show Paso Finos.
Email: kathy@drryker.com
Celia Ryker
Email:
celia@drryker.com
Celia Ryker has owned Hadley Hill Farm since 1978. She has trained
Hunter/Jumpers and taught students since 1968. She recently stopped coaching
students at horse shows to devote more time to managing the farm for husband Don’s
growing practice.