Education
Bachelor of Science Degree – Animal Science, Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida – College of Veterinary Medicine
Certifications
National Veterinary Accreditation Certification
Fear Free Elite Veterinary Professional Certification
Human-Animal Bond Certification
Veterinary Medical Licenses – Indiana, Michigan, Virginia
Bio
Karen Prymak-Oldick, DVM, is the clinical supervisor and veterinarian of record for the Marian University’s Veterinary Nursing Program (VNP) at the Plymouth campus. She is also a full-time assistant professor, teaching a variety of courses essential for the VNP, which is her primary academic focus. Dr. Prymak-Oldick has been a part of the VNP since the beginning working with the program director to create a strong foundation both physically, with the construction of the Veterinary Nursing Facility, and academically, with the development of a robust curriculum. Her key responsibilities comprise both supervisory, administrative, and teaching roles including curriculum development and instruction, implementation and activities supporting accreditation status, potential student interview completion, promotion of the VNP through community interactions/events, and veterinary care for animals housed at the VNP facility.
Dr. Prymak-Oldick holds the positions of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) secretary and Program Advisory Committee (PAC) secretary for the VNP. She also engages in scholarship and other professional development activities and participates in campus life through university service, including faculty governance and co-curricular programs.
Dr. Prymak-Oldick has been working in the veterinary medical profession since she was 13 and volunteered at a veterinary hospital as an animal care assistant. She has worked as a laboratory technician, at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, providing essential testing for small animal hospitals nationally. She also completed an undergraduate study on equine behavior and assisted with equine reproductive research.
During her doctoral studies at the University of Florida, Dr. Prymak-Oldick worked with the Neuroscience/Neurosurgery Department, of the College of Medicine, as a laboratory assistant and performed neuroscience research for her graduate paper. She also completed an externship at a zoo to add to her diverse experiences. Upon graduation, Dr. Prymak-Oldick started practicing small animal medicine and has done so for over 30 years. She has continued her profession in the role of veterinary technician/nursing instructor at several AVMA accredited programs for over 10 years.
Courses Taught
Teaching Philosophy
Dr. Prymak-Oldick strives to contribute to veterinary medicine in a variety of ways – providing instruction, guidance, and mentorship and creating a positive, safe, and fun learning environment for all of her students.
She seeks to create a Veterinary Nursing Program with a reputation for graduating skilled, knowledgeable, competent, and nationally registered and licensed veterinary nurses that conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times and provide the highest level of skill, care, and compassion to their patients, clients, and colleagues.
Professional Service and Affiliations
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) - VNP Secretary
Program Advisory Committee (PAC) – VNP Secretary
Marian University Plymouth Academic Advisory Committee - Member
American Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholarship Review Committee - Member
American Veterinary Medical Association – Member
Indiana Veterinary Medical Association – Member
Association of Veterinary Technician Educators – Member
Community and Public Engagement
Elkhart Area Career Center – Veterinary Careers - advisory board member
Marian University Plymouth Veterinary Nursing Program – promoter
Penn Harris Madison District Forum – previous vice president and member
Penn High School Booster – member
Personal Info
Dr. Prymak-Oldick likes to read, watch streaming services, support her college teams (Cornell University and University of Florida), travel to see and experience new things, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys interacting with her students and helping them develop their interests and pursue their dreams.
