Donna J. Henderson, DVM, had the privilege of spending her childhood on a farm, where she gained a deep appreciation and love for animals. With her early exposure to the development of different animals throughout their lifespans, she became passionate about veterinary care after being exposed to multiple outstanding veterinarians. Today, as a veterinarian with Terra Veterinary Services Inc., in Phillipsburg, Missouri, Dr. Henderson cares for an extensive variety of animals, performing surgeries each morning and holding appointments for the remainder of each day.
Dr. Henderson serves the gamut – from small critters to horses, birds, exotic pets, and even food animal species raised specifically for food production or consumption by humans. She began working for Terra Veterinary Services Inc. in 2015 and later pursued and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 from the University of Missouri while continuing to gain experience at the clinic. During her years of study in higher education, she received recognition for her academic excellence. The opportunity to work with animals is a joy that Dr. Henderson still cherishes, and she revels in taking on the challenges her job presents. She especially relishes witnessing the various phases of people’s lives with their animals and takes pride in playing a role in their journeys.
As a dedicated veterinarian, Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of mutual support and solidarity due to the significant strain and stress inherent to working in the field. Staying connected to colleagues in her network, she maintains membership in the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. Attributing her success in part to the guidance she has received from her mentors, Dr. Henderson enjoys supporting the future of her industry by mentoring burgeoning professionals and training colleagues. In addition to the advice that shaped her career and empowered her to succeed, Dr. Henderson credits her achievements to the unwavering encouragement and assistance from her community. To give back, she spends her free time collaborating with local animal control and humane societies. Despite experiencing nearly as many challenges as successes through the years, Dr. Henderson remains filled with a sense of optimism for the future. She believes that even amidst adversity, there remains great potential for positive outcomes.
Dr. Henderson strongly believes she has vital, shared commonalities with her peers in veterinary medicine. She humbly views herself as no different from her colleagues and always strives to bring the same or more zeal and dedication to her work as others in her field. Perpetually fueled by her passion to address the most critical needs in her profession, she still recalls the support and encouragement of her late grandfather during her crucial developmental years. He always expressed an unshakeable belief in Dr. Henderson’s ability to achieve her dreams, and his memory continues to provide her with great inspiration. Among the numerous remarkable moments in her career, she is particularly proud of remotely guiding an owner through the birth of a foal on a farm. The experience of assisting over the internet and participating in the owner’s joy left a lasting impression on her, and she still cherishes the sense of inclusion and warmth it brought her.
Pondering the future, Dr. Henderson hopes to expand the large animal portion of her practice. She also plans to grow the business by attracting new clients and offering a wider range of services in addition to existing ones. When she is not working to improve the lives of animals and the individuals who trust her enough to bring them to her, Dr. Henderson loves spending time on her family farm, reminiscent of her youth.
