Vaughn adds valuable experience to medical clinic

After 40 years in the medical field, Mike Vaughn decided to take some time off from the emergency room. In the meantime, he’s putting his skills to use with a new type of medical clinic.

Following an Appalachian Trail hike with his son in April 2020, Mike spent the past year pouring himself into volunteer work for the 77 chimpanzees at Project Chimps.

“I have really enjoyed it so much,” said Mike, who earlier this month received the sanctuary’s ‘Above and Beyond’ award for his volunteer service. “I didn’t go back to work after I came back last spring, so Project Chimps has been great for me. Working for the vet clinic has been a great opportunity.”

Mike’s career in the medical field spans from family practice to time in the emergency room — and even a five-year stint on medical transport helicopters. He brings an extraordinary amount of expertise and value to Project Chimps’ medical program.

“Mike has gone to superhuman lengths to help the medical team and assist with medical observations of the chimps,” Volunteer Coordinator Kathryn Durham said. “His experience makes him a vital teammate when we need to be thorough in a short period of time. The depth of his skills and confidence puts the whole team at ease during stressful medical procedures.”

The medical clinic has taken advantage of Mike’s ability to do everything from drawing blood to intubating chimps during procedures. He has also enjoyed the full variety of work he’s done at the sanctuary. He has spent time in facilities, the kitchen, Project Harvest and chimp care.

“The procedures are very similar to human beings, for what I’ve been part of,” Mike said. “The marvel of being able to be right next to them and touch the chimpanzees, which you never get a chance to do unless they’re asleep, inspires awe in me. It really gives you an incredible feeling to be right next to an animal that is so like a human.”

Mike said the veterinarians he’s worked with have all been helpful and instructive. He feels like he learns something new about the chimpanzees each day. 

“It’s a really neat experience to learn the individual personalities of each chimp,” Mike said. “I like Hercules very much,” Mike said. “Watching him spin around on his scooter was really fun.”