Fred Metzger '81 Animal Bioscience

A doctor of veterinary medicine and the owner of Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, Metzger earned a bachelor's degree in animal bioscience from Penn State in 1981 and went on to graduate from the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. He opened his practice in 1992 and has overseen its growth into the largest veterinary hospital in central Pennsylvania, employing a staff of 55 and annually serving 30,000 patients. The practice recently earned the 2016 North American Veterinary Practice of the Year award from Pet Plan Insurance.

Metzger is an active participant and contributor in the veterinary medicine field, interfacing with fellow practitioners worldwide and authoring numerous publications. He co-authored the textbook, "A Guide to Hematology of the Dog and Cat," and he serves on practitioner advisory boards for Veterinary Economics and Veterinary Medicine magazines. He also is the senior international advisor for Idexx Laboratories, the world's largest veterinary diagnostics company.

A board certified veterinary specialist, Metzger has earned the designation of Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, a select group of veterinary specialists certified by examination. He is also a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom. He frequently speaks to veterinarians on topics including clinical pathology, internal medicine and practice management, and he has presented lectures and seminars in 47 countries.

A lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, Metzger has served as a guest speaker for Penn State animal science classes and for the student Pre-Vet Club. He also hosts pre-veterinary students for internships at the animal hospital.