| Dr. Bishop was born and raised in Coupeville, WA on Whidbey Island. He was the second to the youngest of ten children. His father was a medical doctor in general practice in Coupeville, and he has an older brother who is a pediatrician. The healing background influenced his thinking as he approached his career choices. At an early age, he was involved with livestock which, combined with the medical background, led to his decision to become a veterinarian. The relationship between the patient and client has always been an important part of the veterinary profession for him. Robert attended Washington State University from 1978-86 during which time he earned both a BS in Animal Science and his DVM. After graduation in 1986, he joined a mixed animal practice in Othello and in 1987, returned to Oak Harbor, ten miles from Coupeville, to the Island Veterinary Hospital where he became an owner. He has been very active in his local community serving as a Rotarian member and president of the Oak Harbor chapter. He ran for, and was elected, the Island County Coroner. In preparation for the office, he had some special training but felt his veterinary background and practice experience provided him with a well-rounded education for working in forensic investigations. During his leisure time, Robert likes to take part in several sporting events during the year, which have included the Seattle to Portland bicycle race and 5-10 Kilometer running races. He also has a boat and enjoys water skiing. His personal life has been blessed with the support of his wife Aimee and their daughter Breeanna. Dr. Bishop enjoyed his participation on the WSVMA Board and presidency. He felt it helped him to keep in touch with the veterinary community and many of its new developments and opportunities. This prevented him from feeling the isolation which many practitioners experience after a few years in the same place. He was most proud of improving the relationship between practicing veterinarians and WSVMA with the Board of Veterinary Governors. He also represented WSVMA in the first White Coat Ceremony for incoming veterinary students at WSU. He feels that involvement in the community and professional organizations are very important. In fact, his advice to veterinarians is to “GET INVOLVED, especially in WSVMA activities, and find out how GOOD it can make you feel!” |
