By guest author Sarah Khatibzadeh (Cornell University DVM Class of 2014). Reposted from a blog originally written on March 1, 2012. Dr. Raker died on February 16, 2014.
Full interview available at www.vet.cornell.edu/legacy
Full interview available at www.vet.cornell.edu/legacy
A private practitioner and
academician, clinician, master surgeon, teacher and mentor, a friend to horses
and horse owners alike, Dr. Charles W. Raker has done it all.
After spending a childhood surrounded by animals in southeastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Raker attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated at the top of his class in 1942. He was a mixed animal practitioner initially, then returned to University of Pennsylvania as an assistant professor.
Dr. Raker became Chief of Large
Animal Surgery at New Bolton Center in 1956. He held that position
for almost 30 years, pioneering new surgical techniques, particularly in the
realm of upper airway surgery. He set the standard for New Bolton’s approach to
client communication, and mentored many interns and residents, some of whom are
today’s renowned equine surgeons.
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| Dr. Charles Raker (R) examining a horse by endoscope, circa 1980 Photo provided by University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine |
Dr. Raker was as
fine a teacher as he was a surgeon. Many established equine veterinarians
speak fondly of Dr. Raker as their instructor and mentor during veterinary
school. Even today, he continues to mentor veterinary students, offering advice
on coursework and careers in equine medicine.
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| Dr. Charles Raker at his home in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, 2011 (Photo by the author) |
Dr. Raker has received numerous
accolades for his achievements. In 1993, an endowed professorship in Equine
Surgery was established in his name. Two years ago, he received the prestigious
"Beyond the Call Award" from the American Association of Equine Practitioners
at their annual convention. He was only the second veterinarian to receive this
award. Dr. Raker is also the recipient of the American College of
Veterinary Surgeons Award and the Bellweather Medal for Distinguished
Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
While his professional accomplishments
are extraordinary in their own right, what equally impressed me during the
course of my interview with him was this man’s youthful energy. At
91, Dr. Raker looks and sounds like someone at least ten years his
junior. He exercises regularly, his memory is excellent, and he speaks
with more clarity and poise than many trained orators.
Dr. Raker is self-assured but
surprisingly modest for a person of such great stature in equine medicine.
Unlike many veterinarians of his generation, he promoted the inclusion of
women in large animal practice, and mentored the first female large animal surgical
residents. When I asked him about his career achievements and awards, he
described them in a matter-of-fact tone, occasionally even poking fun at
himself.
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| Author Sarah Khatibzadeh (Photo by the author) |
Though I am not a Penn veterinary
student and had met him for the first time, Dr. Raker offered me insight into
veterinary school and beyond. I am honored that he became an unofficial mentor
to me in just a few hours of conversation.
I invite you to read and also be
mentored by this fascinating story of a wonderful and inspiring legendary
equine surgeon. His professionalism, kindness, and humility are traits to
which all veterinarians should aspire.
By Sarah M. Khatibzadeh.
