Charles F. Reid, DVM, MS

Charles F. Reid, DVM, MS

Diplomate 1965, DI/RO

1933-2009

Dr. Charles F. Reid, Emeritus Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, died on February 12, 2009. Born and raised in Great Neck, NY, “Charlie” attended the University of Vermont and Cornell University. After graduating from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1956 and following military service, he received an AVMA Research Fellowship that enabled him to complete an M.S. degree titled “Radiation Therapy in the Horse” in 1960 at Cornell University. Charlie then spent 3 years as a radiologist at the Animal Medical Center in New York City before joining the radiology faculty at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1963. At this stage in his career, Charlie began specializing in large animal diagnostic radiology at the veterinary school’s large animal hospital at New Bolton Center.

He attained Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1965 and served on its Board of Examiners from 1977 to 1979. His list of publications is lengthy, and he authored some of the very first clinical veterinary papers on radiation therapy and the use of radioisotopes. His speaking engagements covered the United States and Canada, and in spite of a reluctance to travel, took him abroad to South Africa, Ireland, and England.

His commitment to teaching is legendary. His clinical knowledge, wit, and unique style of presentation remain a vivid memory for students, residents, and faculty colleagues. He taught students and residents, regardless of their commitment to his discipline, how to interpret radiographs and “normal, normal, normal” was a standard part of the vocabulary and technique of all who passed through his doors. He received multiple teaching awards, including the University’s Lindback Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award, the American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Educator Award and Veterinarian of the Year by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.

Charlie had an enormous personal and professional interest in the equine athlete. His opinion was sought worldwide because of his clinical approach to equine radiographic interpretation. His “consulting sessions” at the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners meetings developed into the famed Radiology Panels of the 1970’s, during which Charlie’s affectionate and humorous jousting with the panelists kept the lecture rooms filled to overflowing with veterinarians grateful for his insight and entertained by his wit.

One of his greatest pleasures in life was riding through the countryside surrounding his Chester County home with family and friends and hunting with Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds. Among the horses he bred was a gold medal winning 3‐day event horse “Bally Cor,” which he co‐owned with a lifelong friend. That he managed to orchestrate his departure from this world on a beautiful winter day while out walking the dogs comes as no surprise to those who knew him well. In grand tradition, the Cheshire Hunt noted his passing with a rendition of “Going Home.” Charlie was one of those truly generous people who gave freely of his time, knowledge, and support and he is mourned by so many whom he touched, friends, colleagues and students alike.

He is survived by a brother, two sons and three grandchildren.