At SouthCare Animal Medical Center love for outdoors and stewardship go hand in hand

Some may not see the connection between kayaking through Bowl and Pitcher rapids and switching to waste-free digital x-rays—but to veterinarian and outdoorsman Dr. Gregory Benoit it all makes sense. For him, whether it’s work or play, a healthy water system “permeates everything.” This philosophy guides business practices at SouthCare Animal Medical Center, where staff worked with the Spokane River Forum to earn their 5-star EnviroStars certification. Upon learning about the program, office manager and fellow nature lover, Cindy McCormack, knew it aligned not only with Dr. Benoit’s values but also her values and those of the whole staff. As Dr. Benoit put it, “Cindy loves the Northwest, she loves the environment, and she just jumped on it.” Cindy did much of the organizing and legwork in the 5-star certification process. As a 5-star member, the clinic has been recognized for a number of practices including total conversion to digital radiology, reusing towels, proper disposal of all biomedical waste, instilling a general recycling program which cut waste in half, and taking a leadership role in the community. Taking on stewardship is nothing new for McCormack. Much of her adult life has been spent monitoring the health of bird populations integral to our ecosystem in the Northwest. When she’s not at the clinic, she volunteers in the Silver Valley, where heavy metals, specifically lead, have contaminated the environment. She also works with the MAPS Project (Monitoring Avian Production and Survivorship) in the Little Spokane watershed. The environment is likely the last thing on the minds of those with a sick puppy, but veterinary clinics, and medical facilities in general, must carefully manage a number of hazardous wastes. SouthCare Animal Medical Clinic has always taken proactive approach to reducing, and when possible eliminating, their waste stream. In the words of Dr. Benoit, “If we smile in the front room we have a responsibility to do the right thing in the back room. That goes from pet care to taking care of the environment. It carries through everything.” When he’s not at the clinic, Dr. Benoit can often be found kayaking or fishing in the St. Joe or Clark Fork with his dog, Gooch. He along with other staff members are involved with a number of outdoor and stewardship groups such as the Audubon Society, Department of Fish & Wildlife, Spokane River Clean-Up, and Iris Project.