Jacob Casper, D.V.M., had very specific career goals in mind when he accepted a government position after graduating from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. "I chose government work because of my desire to have an impact on agriculture beyond the traditional practice role. By working in diagnostic veterinary medicine, I could provide accurate answers to disease diagnosis, and hopefully stop disease spread and protect the food supply."

 

Dr. Casper recently retired from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) after 36 years. During the last 15 years of his career he served as the Director of MDA's Frederick Veterinary Animal Health Laboratory and was their lead representative to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. According to Dr. Casper, " This appointment led to my interest in how disaster problems affect animals." Dr. Casper also kept his diagnostic and treatment skills sharp by continuing to practice in small animal clinics on a part-time basis for more than 20 years of his career.

 

Dr. Casper stresses that there is a need for veterinarians in many government departments. Students and young veterinarians should consider not only the "traditional" government agencies, but learn about other less obvious government opportunities by attending as many professional meetings as they can and getting to know the veterinarians involved.

 

After retirement, Dr. Casper was appointed Coordinator of Disaster Services for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He is responsible for resolving any agricultural- or animal-related problems that develop during disasters. Through this work, Dr. Casper has participated in various preparation exercises, including those involving "nuclear power plants, winter storms, severe weather, hurricanes, and terrorism" and was on duty at Maryland's Emergency Operating Center during events such as Hurricane Isabel. He is also Chairman of the Maryland Animal Disaster Planning Advisory Committee and is a veterinary consultant to the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Animal Biosurveillance Project.

 

Dr. Casper has shared his extensive knowledge and experience by instructing veterinary technician students in laboratory procedures and radiology. He has also published numerous papers in veterinary journals on such topics as pet sheltering plans during disasters and integrating veterinary services into disaster management plans. He has served as the president of the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association and also as the secretary-treasurer for the American Academy of Veterinary Disaster Medicine. For his work on emergency preparedness, former Maryland Governor awarded him the Governor's Citation.

 

After four decades working as a veterinarian, Dr. Casper still loves what he chose as his life's work. " I appreciate the respect and thanks I receive from the public when they hear what I do-and most of all, I appreciate the diversity of the challenges I face and the opportunity to help our animal friends. "