Dr. John Peterson, co-founder of the Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care in Ocala, Fla., died on Dec. 25, 2022, according to an announcement on the company's social media channels.
“His dedication to the company and to the veterinary community as a whole will be fondly remembered by all,” the announcement reads. “We offer our deep condolences to his family.”
Dr. Peterson launched the practice in 1981 with Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, and continued seeing patients until the end of 2017.
From 1981–1982, Peterson Smith operated out of Dr. Peterson's farm. During this era, the decision was made to build an equine hospital. The grand opening of the hospital was July 10, 1983, at 4747 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida. This new facility was comprised of a single building consisting of a front office, offices for five veterinarians, a small laboratory, one treatment room with an x-ray machine, eight stalls and an apartment. The original surgery barn was built in 1984 and, over time, the medicine barn, sports medicine barn and an isolation barn were added.
In 1983, the practice started an internship program and became a teaching hospital. Since then, Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care has maintained a minimum of one intern, but has mentored as many as eight interns at one time. Peterson Smith also became the first private equine practice to start a surgical residency program in 1983, which has developed the skills of many successful surgeons.
In 1999, the vision to create a reproduction center became a reality with the construction of the Equine Reproduction Center in Summerfield, Florida, now known as the Advanced Fertility Center. In 2007, the administrative building of the main hospital was renovated and expanded to create more office space.
“Over the years, he had a profound impact on the practice, with his bold vision shaping us into who we are today,” the announcement continues. “Dr. Peterson's significant and lasting contributions to the equine veterinary industry are many. None more important than the role his leadership and mentorship played in the lives and careers of the numerous veterinarians and support staff privileged to work alongside him throughout his career. His dedicated work will be remembered by his many clients and the equine industry as a whole.”
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