Dr John de Jong is a small animal practitioner in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He is a former board member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and served as its president from 2018-2019. Dr de Jong is also a past president of the Massachusetts and New England Veterinary Medical Associations, as well as the American Association of Housecall Veterinarians. He is on the board of trustees at Tufts University and serves on the board of advisors for the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Dr John de Jong
Could you introduce yourself briefly to WSAVA members?
When asked to introduce myself, I always start by saying that I am husband to Carole Lee, father to Jack and Sam, and am proud to be a veterinarian. I am a small animal practitioner in Boston, MA, with a focus on surgery and have served in many positions in organized veterinary medicine. My interests include all sports, fishing, rugby, good food, and I am active in my church and my community.
Could you tell us a little about the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and your work there?
I started the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic in 1986. Because it’s a house call practice, it allows me to serve clients who may have trouble getting out of their homes or who have animals that are a challenge to bring to a veterinary clinic. I was inspired by the work of colleagues in farm animal practice, as ribed in the James Herriot books I read as a child.
Dr John de Jong operating
You have a long track record of working with veterinary associations in the US. What have you enjoyed most and what has it taught you?
Years ago, my wife asked me what I got out of my involvement in organized veterinary medicine. The answer was easy! Through this involvement, I have enjoyed the collegiality and camaraderie of fellow veterinarians, some of whom have become my closest friends. It has also exposed me to aspects of the profession that I would have never known as a small animal practitioner. If you like, it has provided me with ‘CE on steroids.’
Dr John de Jong with his wife, Carole
Why did you want to get more significantly involved with the WSAVA?
I wanted to get more involved because of my passion for the profession and wanting to take it to an international level. The reputation of the organization is that it is strong and well run.
What do you hope you can bring to the role of Honorary Treasurer?
I hope to bring my many years of experience in organized veterinary medicine to provide whatever assistance I can. I have experience as a treasurer of other organizations, have a keen eye for financials and a conservative fiscal outlook. I am also experienced in investments so can perhaps lend perspective to strategy there as well. My goal is to increase the visibility of our profession to the public to increase awareness of the many things that veterinary medicine does. As a member of the Board, I plan to advocate for doing as much as we can to increase the visibility of the WSAVA and the profession as a whole.
I feel that the WSAVA’s vision and mission statements highlight the importance of its work – to provide care to companion animals worldwide to ensure their optimal health and welfare by working together as professionals through an educated and committed global community. Companion animals are the other half of the human/animal bond and, given its significance today, this is more important than ever.
Could you tell us something about you that may surprise us?
I majored in Bio-psychology and International Relations in college. I am one of two sons of two Dutch parents and two Puerto Rican stepparents. I am fluent in Spanish and proficient in French.
Dr John de Jong with his two sons