Like many Penn Vet alumni,
Peter Vogel, V’90, always knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. He also knew that he wanted to receive his education and training at a school with a strong small-animal program. Dr. Vogel had a great experience as a Penn Vet student and credits Dr. Meryl Littman, Dr. Dean Richardson, and Dr. Robert Washabau as being particularly influential in his decision to focus on surgery. “Everyone really wanted to see you succeed,” notes Dr. Vogel about the support and guidance he received as a student, including that from a notable hospital intern at the time, current Dean Joan Hendricks.
Upon graduation, Dr. Vogel pursued an internship in Los Angeles at California Animal Hospital, followed by a residency at UC Davis. He then began his first job at a small-animal hospital that he now owns, the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital, recently designated as one of only nine certified Veterinary Trauma Centers in the country (a distinction shared with Penn Vet’s own Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia). One of the largest referral practices in California, the hospital offers a vast array of services, including minimally invasive surgery and a full rehabilitation facility.
When not in the office, Dr. Vogel spends a considerable amount of time abroad, lecturing in various locales, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. He has found that international audiences are eager for the knowledge and expertise of American-trained veterinarians.
As Past President of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Vogel has also dedicated himself to strengthening the veterinary profession. He is particularly concerned about the significant loan debt facing many vet school graduates and sees a need to increase public awareness of the value that veterinarians offer to society. With this in mind, Dr. Vogel has included Penn Vet in his estate plans, noting that “the profession has been very good to me and I want to give back by putting my money where it can do the most good. Vet students today face many professional obstacles and I want to do my part to help them succeed.”
By setting up a trust to benefit Penn Vet, Dr. Vogel has become a member of the Veterinary Heritage Circle, a membership society for alumni, clients, and friends who have chosen to support the mission of the School by including Penn Vet in their long-term plans.
To learn more about the Veterinary Heritage Circle and the many ways to make a permanent mark at Penn Vet through a planned gift, please contact Jillian Marcussen, Director of Stewardship and Special Projects, at 215-898-4235 or
jillian2@vet.upenn.edu.