Giving Back and Looking to the Future

Dr. John Zimmerman ’60, DVM ’62, cannot thank the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine enough for its impact on his life. After graduation, he worked in dairy production medicine and equine medicine for two years in Los Angeles before establishing the Sonoma Marin Veterinary Service in Petaluma, California, where he has been practicing for 57 years.

“Veterinary medicine has been a great career for me because it is a good fit,” said Zimmerman. “I like cattle and ended up coming back to my hometown. It’s given me a wonderful life.”

Grateful, Zimmerman has been a loyal supporter of the school since the 1980s and looks to the future as he most recently pledged a gift to support the Livestock and Field Services Center, a major component envisioned as part of the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center. In recognition, a naming opportunity honors his remarkable career through the John E. Zimmerman, DVM, Sonoma Marin Veterinary Service open workstation—where faculty, residents, staff and students will work together, helping train tomorrow’s veterinarians while providing excellent care.

Growing up on a small dairy farm, he has fond memories of helping his family work the farm, learning a strong work ethic and caring for cattle. Zimmerman also joined the Petaluma Future Farmers of America and judged animals at UC Davis. He knew back then that he wanted to work with cattle and attend veterinary school here.

Looking back, he feels his career has taken him beyond his expectations when he was a veterinary student. In addition to his clinical practice, he served on the California Veterinary Medical Association Agriculture Committee for 25 years and on the California Department of Food and Agriculture Cattle Disease Task Force for 12 years.

Looking forward, Zimmerman feels it’s important to invest in the veterinarians of tomorrow. He and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care to equine and livestock in the Sonoma and Marin counties. When it comes to hiring veterinarians, he looks first to UC Davis graduates who have proven to be well trained and top notch.

“I’m proud to be a graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and most grateful for the tremendous impact it has had on my career and life,” Zimmerman added. “When it’s time to give back, you give back to those who had a big impact on your life.” 

If you would like to recognize someone special through a naming opportunity at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center, please call us at 530-752-7024 or email us.