Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society

History of JVMS


Welcome to the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society (JVMS).

Many of our current members may not be familiar with the rich history of this organization. We believe it’s important to share this legacy, so members can better understand the community they are part of. JVMS is not just a group that meets occasionally for dinner—we are a collective of philanthropists, innovators, and community advocates with a lot to be proud of.

This historical account was compiled with the help of Dr. Russell Snyder, Dr. Ann Silverness, and Dr. Mitch Crystal. While some original records have been lost over time, we remain committed to updating our milestones and achievements for future members. If you have additional information or corrections, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

A Legacy of Giving


Incorporated in the mid-1970s, JVMS has made significant contributions, such as:

  • Supporting the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department by donating two German Shepherd dogs, trained in Germany.
  • Establishing scholarships at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, including:
    • A $10,000 emergency aid scholarship fund allowing students to borrow interest-free loans for six months. No loan has ever gone unpaid.
    • A $10,000 scholarship providing $1,000 annually to veterinary students from Northeast Florida.
  • Becoming the first local veterinary association to support the UF School of Veterinary Medicine’s “Dean’s Circle of Excellence” program with a $5,000 contribution in 2010.

Innovation and Notable Contributions


Members of JVMS have been at the forefront of numerous advancements in the veterinary field:

  • Emergency Care: JVMS members established Jacksonville’s first emergency veterinary clinic, providing after-hours, Sunday, and holiday care—significantly improving work-life balance for veterinarians.
  • Spay and Neuter Initiatives: JVMS collaborated with the Jacksonville Humane Society to develop a groundbreaking spay and neuter program, recognized at both state and national levels. Funds from this initiative were used for JVMS continuing education programs.
  • Veterinary Technician Program: After decades of advocacy, a veterinary technician program in Jacksonville became a reality in 2010, thanks to the efforts of JVMS members.
  • Street Dog Coalition- Every three months, JVMS members partner with The Streetdog Coalition, ACPS, and FCNMHP to offer free veterinary care to the pets of unhoused individuals at the Sulzbacher Center in downtown Jacksonville.

Celebrating Achievements


Our members have shaped the veterinary profession both locally and nationally:

  • Dr. Peter Roy co-founded the American Animal Hospital Association and served as a regional director.
  • Dr. Ronald Jackson gained international recognition as a heartworm disease researcher and helped establish the American Heartworm Society.
  • Several JVMS members served as Presidents of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), including Dr. C. Paul Vickers (1949), Dr. Peter Roy (1956), Dr. Ralph Chambers (1962), Dr. Robert Jackson (1978), and Dr. James Pennington (2003).

Specialty Pioneers


JVMS is proud to recognize the first specialty veterinary practices launched in Jacksonville:

  • Equine Internal Medicine: Jacksonville Equine Associates, Dr. Alan Weldon, DVM, DACVIM (1991)
  • Small Animal Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine: Brentwood Animal Hospital, Dr. Philip Hightman, DVM (1994)
  • Veterinary Specialties:
    • Internal Medicine: North Florida Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Mitchell Crystal, DVM, DACVIM (1997)
    • Ophthalmology: Jacksonville Animal Eye Clinic, Dr. J. Daniel Brogdon, DVM, DACVO (1997)
    • Neurology: North Florida Neurology, Dr. Andrew Hopkins, BVSc, DACVIM (1997)
    • Surgery: Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Rob Goring, DVM, DACVS (1997)
    • Dermatology: Animal Friends Dermatology Service, Dr. William Abbott, DVM, DACVD (1998)
    • Dentistry: North Florida Veterinary Dentistry, Dr. Sharon Hoffman, DVM, DAVDC (2004)
    • Oncology: Southeast Veterinary Oncology, Dr. Tracy LaDue, DVM, DACVIM, DACVR (2004)

Distinguished Members


JVMS members have received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • FVMA Veterinarian of the Year:
    • Dr. Ronald Jackson (1963)
    • Dr. Frank Gruesser (1975)
    • Dr. Robert Jackson (1980)
    • Dr. Howard Acree (2009)
  • Dr. Russell Snyder received the Distinguished Service Award from the UF School of Veterinary Medicine (2010).

JVMS continues to honor its legacy while fostering innovation, education, and philanthropy. Thank you for being part of this remarkable tradition, and together, we will uphold the values that define our society.