Dr. Joseph Ferguson is a clinician in the urgent and convenient care service.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in southern Alabama and developed an early interest in veterinary medicine while working as a veterinary assistant during the summers. I completed my undergraduate degree in biology in Kentucky, where I also played four years of collegiate soccer.
I then graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 and began working full-time in general practice, first briefly in my hometown and then at a busy practice in Virginia for about a year. During this time, I built a solid foundation and gained experience managing a wide variety of medical and surgical cases. I now work in urgent and convenient care and also practice as a local relief veterinarian.
How did you become interested in urgent and convenient care?
I was drawn to urgent and convenient care because it fills an important niche between general practice and emergency or specialty services. While working in general practice, I experienced the challenge of balancing scheduled appointments with same-day sick or urgent concerns that often require a different approach and time frame.
Urgent care allows these patients to be seen in a setting designed specifically for those visits. I also appreciated the role urgent care plays in guiding patients through the next steps of care —whether that involves referral to emergency or specialty services or thoughtful follow-up with their primary care veterinarian — and helping set clear expectations for rechecks and ongoing management.
Tell us about a favorite case.
My favorite cases are ones where I can make a clear, immediate impact. I particularly enjoy treating superficial wounds, abscesses, and skin infections. One recent example was a puppy that was presented with significant facial swelling due to a bite wound that had progressed to a secondary abscess a few days after the initial injury.
The owner was understandably stressed and confused by the rapid swelling. We sedated the patient, lanced and flushed the wound, and sent them home with appropriate pain control and antibiotics.
It was rewarding to see the patient improve immediately and to see the relief it brought to both the patient and the owner, while also being able to send them home with a clear plan for recovery.
What are your special interests inside or outside of the clinic?
Inside the clinic, I enjoy hands-on procedures and client communication, with a focus on teaching, clear communication, and creating an approachable, collaborative environment. I’m also increasingly interested in Fear Free and low-stress handling and strive to incorporate these principles whenever appropriate.
Outside of the clinic, I still play soccer, enjoy spending time outdoors — including hiking and visiting national and state parks — and spend a lot of time with my three dogs — a black Labrador retriever, a golden retriever, and a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. I also enjoy gaming online with friends as a way to relax and stay connected.
