Linda Schilkowsky earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Georgia in 1981, and is a 1985 graduate of the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. A lifelong “farm girl”, she spent most of her childhood in horse and dairy country in western New York state and north Georgia. She began her career in mixed practice in Elberton, Georgia. From there she decided to switch to full-time small animal medicine, working in practices in Charlotte, NC and Rome, Georgia, before launching a career as a relief veterinarian. As a relief vet she traveled extensively to fill in at practices that needed temporary or part-time help. The Schilkowsky family moved to Morganton in 2003, and Dr. Linda focused her relief service closer to home. She worked part-time at Burke Animal Clinic from 2004 until 2013, doing most of the surgery and getting to know the patients and clients, while providing relief for other practices in the region on her “days off.” In 2013 she made a shift to emergency medicine, staying and working most weekends at a veterinary emergency and critical care hospital. While she loved the challenge of emergency medicine, she missed her family and pets on the weekends. When Dr. McMahon offered to sell her this practice, she jumped at the chance. Dr. Schilkowsky has been privileged to work in some of the finest animal hospitals in the country, and brings a wealth of experience and new ideas to Burke Animal Clinic. Dr. Schilkowsky married her best friend and college sweetheart, Carl, a retired teacher who coaches track and lacrosse at Patton High School, in 1984. They have three children, all graduates of Patton High School: John, who graduated from Cornell University and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from South College, is a physical therapist in Rhode Island. Ellen, who graduated from NC State University and received her Masters degree in Dairy Reproduction from Cornell University, will graduate in 2025 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida. Jonathan Howell, who joined the Schilkowsky family in early 2016, is a recent graduate of East Carolina University, with a degree in Chemistry. Jonathan works as a chemist in Greenville, NC, and also serves in the United States Army Reserves as a combat medic. Dr. Linda and Carl also share their lives with 4 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 horses. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing with her animals, canoeing, hiking, traveling, and fine dining.