Controversial veterinarian releases book

Jan Pol, DVM, 72, controversial star of National Geographic Wild's “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” has written his memoirs with co-author David Fisher, titled “Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow,” (Quantum.) Detailing his experiences as a veterinarian in the Netherlands, where he grew up to his current practice in rural Michigan since the 1970's, Pol has treated more than 20,000 patients in his career. In the book, he's established himself as an empathetic yet no-nonsense veterinarian who isn't afraid to make difficult decisions to do what is best for his patients. His son, Charles, describes his father as the ultimate storyteller, to the Michigan Morning Sun, and said some of his experiences in veterinary medicine are quite memorable.

Between writing his memoirs with Fisher, and filming new episodes of his TV show, Pol has been busy. The current season of “The Incredible Dr. Pol” started on August 23 with an episode titled “Piggin' Out,” in which Pol performs his first guinea pig castration.  

Pol had been fined and put on probation by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in 2012, related to a 2010 incident involving a pregnant German shorthair pointer. Pol competed the terms of probation for that complaint; however, at time of publication there is an open complaint with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. As it is an ongoing investigation the department was unable to discuss the complaint with dvm360.

Pol declined to comment for this article.