• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Reality TV's Dr. Pol awaits state ruling on licensing complaint

January 26, 2015

Michigan veterinarian faces two charges, including negligence and incompetence.

An administrative hearing was held for reality television star Jan Pol, DVM, on Jan. 15. The investigation was spurred by a complaint from Eden Myers, DVM, after she watched an episode of Pol's Nat Geo Wild reality show, The Incredible Dr. Pol, in 2012.

Dr. Jan Pol is the star of Nat Geo Wild's "The Incredible Dr. Pol."The Michigan Attorney General's office, acting legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, has charged Pol with two counts of violation of the state's public health code. The first was a violation of general duty, consisting of negligence or failure to exercise due care, including negligent delegation to or supervision of employees or other individuals, and, the other was a charge of incompetence.

In 2011, a 2-year-old Boston terrier, Mr. Pigglesworth, was brought to Pol Veterinarian Services in Weidman, Michigan, after a car had struck the dog. According to the administrative complaint and as seen on the 2012 episode, the dog's eye was hanging from its socket; he also had a lacerated cheek, rocks embedded in his oral tissues and an injured pelvis. Pol also notes that the dog was in shock.

During surgery to remove the eye, suture the eye socket closed and suture the cheek laceration, Pol failed to wear a cap, mask and gown, according to Myers' complaint. The complaint further states that Pol's unlicensed son, Charles, assisted in the surgery and that Pol failed to provide IV therapy to the dog during the surgical procedure or a warming pad or blanket to line the dog's postoperative kennel.

Administrative Law Judge Shawn Downey presided over Pol's hearing in January. At this time the judge's recommendation has not yet been made public. The Michigan State Veterinary Board will either reject or accept the recommendation and decide whether to issue Pol a penalty. Jeannie Vogel with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs says the earliest the case may be discussed is at the March 26 board meeting but that it will likely be later.

In the meantime, comment boards on Myers' “Cancel 'Incredible Dr. Pol' show” Facebook page and Nat Geo Wild's website are populated with Pol supporters along with veterinary professionals and animal advocates who allege professional violations spanning his six television seasons.

The Incredible Dr. Pol is Nat Geo Wild's No. 1 series. The network has staunchly defended Pol, even posting on a change.org petition calling for the show's cancellation, “Dr. Pol has been practicing with a common sense approach to veterinary medicine for more than 40 years, saving thousands of sick and injured animals. It is unfortunate select individuals have rushed to judgment without truly understanding the work he has done over the years within his economically depressed community, or ever watching an entire episode of the series. ... Nat Geo WILD will continue to support Dr. Pol, as he is as passionate about animals as we are.”

In 2012, Pol was found guilty of negligence and incompetence related to the treatment of a German shorthair named Mocha. He met the terms of his probation in the fall of that year and had a “full and unencumbered license” when charged with the latest violations.

Despite criticism, Pol told dvm360 after his 2012 guilty ruling that he had no plans to stop doing his show. As long as his clients were pleased with his work, he said, he didn't worry about his critics.

Pol did not respond to dvm360's requests for comment.

Advertisement

Related Content:

Law & EthicsBreaking News
The biggest legal threat to veterinary professionals
The biggest legal threat to veterinary professionals
Veterinarian kills 2 police officers in Mississippi
Veterinarian kills 2 police officers in Mississippi
How to set yourself up with lawsuit protection
How to set yourself up with lawsuit protection

Advertisement

Latest News

CE: Why tapeworms matter

Freshpet and Petco partner launch fresh pet food subscription

AAHA Con heads to San Diego

VHMA announces latest class of CVPMs

View More Latest News
Advertisement