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FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Supporters of a popular veterinarian known to help rural Alaskans fear critics have run him off.
Eric Jayne left Alaska on Oct. 1. Friends said they haven't heard from him and they don't know if he's coming back.
Jayne is known across the state for bringing veterinary care to under-served rural communities, but his unconventional methods - he performs surgeries in community centers - have caused some to call his work into question.
An online state database shows Jayne's license is in good standing but at least one veterinarian confirmed he complained to the veterinary board about Jayne. Supporters of Jayne believe there are more.
A state investigator won't confirm the complaints or comment about a possible investigation.
Jayne's supporters have organized a petition and letter-writing campaign on his behalf.
Angie Fitch, a veterinary assistant who has traveled with Jayne, said they have about 600 signatures and more than 100 letters of support. The Humane Society of the United States and Doyon, Ltd. have issued letters to the Alaska Veterinary Medical Board complimentary of Jayne. The board meets next on Jan. 8 in Anchorage.
At issue is whether the veterinarian should be allowed to skimp on professional standards.
Jayne's supporters say the doctor is thorough, sanitary and no animals have been harmed. Many of the animals he sees would otherwise go untreated, they said.
A critic said it's not fair if veterinary
Clinton Crusberg, a veterinarian in Delta Junction, said Jayne performs surgeries in sub-standard conditions and fails to conduct follow-up examinations. That might be OK in the Bush but not on the road system, he said.
Crusberg complained to the veterinary board following a clinic Jayne held in Delta Junction.
"I think he does fine work but he needs to do it in the right way," Crusberg said. "He was doing surgeries in fire halls and community centers and stuff like that. It's just not really up to snuff. It's just poor practice, really."
Becky Bowers said Jayne traveled to her backcountry home outside Nenana to vaccinate her 20 sled dogs. Carting the dogs to town to see a veterinarian would have been difficult, Bowers said.
Bowers assisted her father with his veterinary practice. She's observed Jayne and thinks his methods are sound.
Lee Ann McKenzie has organized vaccination clinics performed by Jayne and said he is unfairly harassed by veterinarians who dislike him because he charges reduced rates and performs procedures pro bono.
"We want Dr. Jayne and other veterinarians that want to do like he does to be able to come to Alaska," McKenzie said. "I'm not saying they have to loosen regulations but I think they have to be more open minded and more in touch with the needs of Alaskans."
Fitch said there's an enormous demand for veterinary services in rural communities.
"There needs to be 20 more of him to go out to the villages to get caught up. That's how much of a need there is," she said.
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