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Dr. Brad Smith
Pedaling for Dollars
When Dr. Brad Smith was in the Peace Corps in Honduras, his son Chris (shown center, now 36) was nine months old and “one of the youngest volunteers.” Joy in volunteerism runs in the Smith family. Joined by Chris and younger son Alex in summer 2006, the Smith trio cycled 157 miles through the Pioneer Mountains surrounding
Dillon, Montana. At the end of an 11-hour day, 400 riders had raised $177,000 for Camp Mak-a-Dream (a cost-free camp for children and young adults stricken by cancer).
“Happiness is the best medicine.”
Whether at work or at play, this ACVIM Diplomate finds his greatest joy in helping others.
At the start of Dr. Brad Smith’s career, with a new DVM from the University of California-Davis, he found deep gratification as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras. There, he helped poor farmers to raise livestock more successfully. After the Peace Corps, he returned to UC-Davis as an instructor, and, in his own words: “I loved teaching so much I never left.” Today, Dr. Smith is Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Associate Dean of Clinical Programs. He’s also serving as President of the ACVIM’s Specialty of Large Animal Internal Medicine. Over his career, he has helped set the standards in large animal health care. Notably, he pioneered the development of a modified live genetically altered—and much more effective—Salmonella vaccine for dairy calves, resulting in healthier herds and safer milk and beef for the public.
“Research funding helped make my own contributions possible,” says Dr. Smith.
“I tell others to get involved and contribute because it will make you a happier person.”
Join Dr. Brad Smith and the other supporters in the Leadership Club with a contribution of $1,000 or more to the ACVIM Foundation. Every dollar you give supports clinical investigations and programs of education, advocacy, and service that are leading to our ultimate goal: healthier and longer lives for animals.
