The Incredible Dr. Pol

Diane and Jan Pol in 2019

• Jan Pol (born on 4 September 1942, in Wateren, Netherlands)[5], studied veterinary medicine at Utrecht University, graduating in 1970. Moved with his wife Diane to Harbor Beach, Michigan, and Pol worked for a veterinarian for more than 10 years. They then moved to Weidman, Michigan, where they started their own practice, Pol Veterinary Services, out of their home in 1981.[6][7][8] His practice has transformed from large animals to a mix with small animals. Because of the unavailability of emergency care animal hospitals in this rural area, emergencies make up a large portion of the practice.[9] He claims to have served more than 19,000 clients in his many years of practice.[8] Dr. Pol says that despite his advancing years, he can't retire: there are not veterinarians stepping into the breach to take care of farm animals.[10]

• Diane Pol (born in Mayville, Michigan, in 1943), met Jan Pol when he was a foreign exchange student at Mayville High School in 1961. She has a master's degree in Special Reading and used to be a teacher at Harbor Beach Elementary School. Diane and Jan have been married for 50 years.[11]
• Charles Pol (graduated from the University of Miami in Florida, 2003)[12] Producer.[2][13]
• Brenda Grettenberger (born in 1967, Eaton Rapids, Michigan) graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992.[14]
• Emily Thomas (born in 1984 in Warner Robins, Georgia) graduated from University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, is married and the mother of three children. Emily left the practice (and the show) in 2019. She relocated with her family to take a job in Virginia.[15]

Filming The Incredible Dr. Pol in 2019

Pol is surprised that the show became a hit "watched by everybody—all kinds of life, all ages, big family show, and I think this is what is so fantastic.” He credits his son Charles, who is the series producer, and who successfully pitched the series to National Geographic. According to Pol, Charles counseled him, “Dad, do your work. That is interesting enough. Don’t look at the camera, don’t do anything for the camera.” Pol continues. "... it’s not scripted; it is real”[13]

In 2012, a disciplinary board placed Dr. Pol on probation for negligence and incompetence.[16]

Pol's practices have been the subject of multiple alleged disciplinary proceedings, and his performance has received a mixed reception by veterinarians.[17] Another veterinarian flatly states that the show exhibit antiquated Veterinary practices, going back more than a quarter century; and thereby convey a false impression of the profession.[18]

His treatment of a dog, as depicted on the show, spawned a complaint from a viewer, not the pet's owner.[19]

In 2013, Michigan Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter sponsored House Bill 5176, seeking to prohibit authorities from investigating reports of misconduct or allegations “based upon information obtained from viewing the broadcast of a reality program.”[19] Dr. Pol testified in favor of the bill. It was referred to the House Health Policy Committee in December 2013, died in committee, and has not been re-introduced.[19]

In March 2015, an administrative hearing found a breach of the standard of care.[20]

In April 2015, government regulators in Michigan found Pol in contempt for his treatment and care of a Boston terrier that was hit by a car and suffered an eye proptosis and broken pelvis in May 2011. A disciplinary subcommittee of the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine decided on 26th March to fine Dr. Pol $500 and put his license on probation for not complying with the least possible standards of care required by the state. Pol was also ordered to complete an educational course. His sentencing was overturned, however, by the Michigan Court of Appeals, which stated that “the owners of the dog were happy with the care it has been given” and called the previous decision by the subcommittee "arbitrary and capricious".[8][18][21] The complaint was placed by a viewer, not the pet's owner.[19]

In 2016, the Court of Appeals reversed and remanded, holding inter alia that there was no competent evidence that there was a breach of the standard of care.[22] There were supporters of the ruling based on notions of elemental due process, including vagueness of the charge, lack of an objective and clear legal standard, and variance of the evidence presented from the charges lodged.[23] At this juncture, a spokesman from Mackinac Center for Public Policy opined that consumers and the market place, not an officious government, should be able to make care decisions for their animals.[19]

However, in late 2019 after remand, the Michigan Court of Appeals in another unpublished decision, wrote an extended opinion which affirmed the lower decisions that imposed discipline.[24]

• Official website
• Incredible Dr. Pol, Episode guide