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Lifetime of healing earns honor Veterinarian of the Year, of Jacksonville, credits his staff: 'That's why I look good' By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE - A lifetime of healing animals and community service may have earned Dr. Brad Frank the title of Veterinarian of the Year, but it took an environmentally conscious staff to clinch the deal. Frank, founder of the Jacksonville Veterinary Hospital, received an award application from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association months ago. But Frank pitched the packet into the wastebasket without much thought. Office manager Joni Ramer fished out the application with the thought of putting it into the recycling bin and ended up filling it out instead. Frank, 49, received the honorary title Saturday during a ceremony in Corvallis - beating hundreds of applicants from across the state. "I was totally stunned," admitted Frank, who has been practicing 23 years. "I got this because of my staff. I have a great staff. That's why I look good." To qualify for the state award, applicants had to be nominated by an outside source. In Frank's case, one outside source included Robin Dickson, chief executive officer and president of Dogs for the Deaf in Central Point. "He's very, very dedicated to what we do and our organization," Dickson said. "We are all very excited for him." For a nominal fee, Frank and his staff perform all veterinary services for animals with Dickson's nonprofit organization that trains dogs for hearing-impaired people. He's also served on the board of directors for more than 10 years. Ramer said she didn't give a second thought to nominating her boss for the award. "He's a great guy and a wonderful doctor," Ramer said. "He's got a unique way of getting animals through a stressful situation. ... He's done so many things for the people of the community, it's always selflessly." Frank grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and is a graduate of Indiana and Purdue universities. Wanting a life near the mountains and forests, Frank moved to Bandon in 1979 to practice veterinary medicine. He moved to the Rogue Valley six years later and founded Jacksonville Veterinary, which includes doctors Darla Jochum and Paul Gore. The practice cares for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and "pocket" pets such as gerbils and mice. Frank and his staff perform house calls for clients with special needs. Frank and his wife, Cindy, live on the outskirts of Jacksonville with their 4-year-old daughter, Emily, two dogs, four cats and 15 birds. Frank said he's gratified to see pet owners taking better care of their animals. Several years ago, Frank said, much of his business involved treating animals hit by cars. Today, that's not the case. Frank said pet owners don't let their animals run wild anymore. He also loves seeing children and offspring of clients and patients visiting his office. "The most fun thing anymore is being able to spend time with my patients and clients," he said. "Coming to work is like visiting my friends daily." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.