Dr. Kathleen McGill announced as 2009 Yukon Quest Head Veterinarian For Immediate Release: July 3, 2008 WHITEHORSE, YT & FAIRBANKS, AK – The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is pleased to announce that Dr. Kathleen McGill has accepted the position of 2009 Head Veterinarian. Dr. McGill returns to the Head Veterinarian position following the retirement of Dr. Vern Starks who was Head Veterinarian for the 2008 and 2007 Yukon Quests. Dr. McGill lives in Columbus, Ohio where she ran two small-animal veterinary clinics. She has a deep passion for all animals and sled dogs in particular, combining her professional veterinary expertise with time on the sled when she lived in Colorado and ran a recreational team of Malamutes and competed in weight- pulling events. Dr. McGill has served on the Yukon Quest Veterinary Team six times in the past seven years, and served as Head Veterinarian for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 races. “Having Kathleen back as our Head Veterinarian is a real plus for the Yukon Quest organization and the 2009 race,” said Stephen Reynolds, Executive Director of the Yukon Quest in Canada, “her experience on the trail, as a previous Head Veterinarian and with the great Veterinary Team that Dr. Starks assembled over the past two years gives our Veterinary Program excellent continuity and her return will bring immediate familiarity for our mushers, race personnel and volunteers.” The Yukon Quest Head Veterinarian is responsible for all aspects of canine care leading up to, during and following the race, which starts February 14, 2009, in Whitehorse, Yukon; from the information provided to mushers throughout the fall, to the Pre-Race Vet Checks, along the entire 1,000 mile trail and via the Post- Race drug testing and Veterinary Program wrap-up. Dr. Starks announced his decision to focus his time on non-Yukon Quest activities this winter, and Dr. McGill was recently offered the Head Veterinarian role for the 2009 race. “I am excited to be coming back as Head Veterinarian and am looking forward to working with the incredible team of professionals on the Yukon Quest Vet Team. Excellence in canine care is one of the fundamental principles of the Yukon Quest and the Vet Team ensures that every sled dog is properly cared for throughout the race; leading that team is a serious responsibility and an honor and I am anticipating a great 2009 Yukon Quest,” shared Dr. McGill in response to her recent acceptance of the 2009 Head Veterinarian position. Opening Day for sign-ups for the 2009 Yukon Quest is Saturday August 9, 2008.
