EMC laboratory supervisor retires after 40 years in the saddle

Karen Ingerson will never forget her initial interview, held in the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center’s (EMC) Scott Room. This elegant space, dedicated to the memory of Marion duPont Scott — the center’s first philanthropic partner — is adorned with oil paintings of Marion’s prized racehorses, her numerous awards, and beautiful antique furniture.

The interview panel that day included Frederick Fregin, then director of the EMC; Kenneth Sullins, assistant professor of equine surgery; Gary Spurlock, also an assistant professor of equine surgery; and his wife, Shauna Spurlock, assistant professor of internal medicine. The interview lasted over two hours, and Ingerson recalls feeling more than a little intimidated.

The interview clearly went well, as Ingerson joined the EMC in 1984, during its inaugural year, initially as a healthcare technician. She is now retiring after 40 years.

Located in Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, the EMC is one of three animal healthcare facilities and teaching hospitals within the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM), which is based in Blacksburg, Virginia.

At the time, the EMC had only eight employees, and Ingerson found herself wearing many hats —assisting clinicians with procedures, supporting the barn and clinical teams, and running diagnostic samples in the EMC laboratory. Over her 40-year tenure, she witnessed significant growth and change.

On her first day, Ingerson realized she had minimal laboratory equipment to work with. Some equipment was on order but had not yet arrived, and much of what was available had been previously used. However, as philanthropic contributions and financial support from VMCVM began to flow in, the laboratory’s equipment became more sophisticated. This allowed for a broader range of testing, improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of equine diseases and illnesses at speeds previously unachievable with outdated tools.

“I have enjoyed learning and growing in my role at the EMC, and I’m proud of the growth in the expertise of our laboratory team and the wide range of testing we now offer our clients,” Ingerson said.

In the early days, surgical procedures posed unique challenges. Before hoists were installed in each surgical drop stall, horses had to be manually maneuvered onto surgery tables—an exhausting, physical task. Ingerson vividly recalls the effort required for each case.

She also remembers the personal touch of Frederick Fregin, who would regularly walk around the hospital, visiting each department and speaking with every employee. He would ask how they were doing, how busy they were, and what support or equipment they needed.

“Karen is the consummate professional, even during the most difficult of times, and especially during those early years, when we were frequently short of staff and funding,” said Fregin.

Ingerson attended the hospital’s official opening on October 14, 1984. She remembers the excitement of the event and realized the profound impact the EMC would have on the local equine community. At the time, only ambulatory equine veterinary practices existed in the area. For many years, sick or injured horses needing advanced care had to be transported either south to the main VMCVM facility in Blacksburg, Virginia, or north to the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania for critical treatment.

“Karen’s dedication to the patients and her commitment to supporting the faculty and staff who care for them over a 40-year career is simply remarkable. She has witnessed — and helped shape — the EMC’s 40-year history of service to the equine community in Northern Virginia and beyond. We wish her all the best in retirement and thank her for her many years of service,” said Michael Erskine, Jean Ellen Shehan Professor and director of the EMC.

As she enters retirement, Ingerson looks forward to spending more time at her daughter’s farm, supervising her pony-crazy grandchildren and their friends, and riding and competing with her beloved quarter horse. She also plans to travel and check off items on her extensive bucket list!