TVMF Trustee Spotlight: Tracy McAdoo, DVM

As the charitable partner of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) has been dedicated to caring for animals, educating community members and supporting veterinarian professionals throughout the state of Texas for 37 years through one or more of its mission-driven programs.

As a nonprofit organization, TVMF relies on the generosity of the veterinary profession and animal lovers. Throughout the history of the Foundation, the board of trustees also has been an integral part of building strong community-based partnerships and programs that benefit both animals and humans alike.

This month, TVMF is highlighting Board Trustee Tracy McAdoo, DVM, for her commitment, passion and unique contributions to forwarding the Foundation’s mission. She recently shared how and why she wanted to become part of the nearly 40-year strong TVMF legacy.

“Being involved with TVMF is incredibly rewarding since our Foundation provides much-needed support to veterinary students, practicing veterinarians, trusted clients and their fabulous pets,” Dr. McAdoo said. “It is truly a joy to be able to provide aid to individuals and pets when they are faced with difficult life challenges.”

Dr. McAdoo has been practicing small animal medicine in the Houston area since her graduation from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985. She is very invested in her profession, so she when she heard of the work TVMF was doing in her own backyard, she wanted to become part of it.

“I was active in my local VMA and then eventually was privileged to represent Harris County on the board of TVMA,” Dr. McAdoo said. “During my time on the TVMA board, I learned about TVMF. I knew veterinarians on the Foundation board but really had no idea what they did.”

Dr. McAdoo now enthusiastically advocates for the Foundation and its focus on improving opportunities for veterinary professionals as well as educating pet owners about the importance of regular medical care for their animals.

“I am so proud of my profession and the compassion and integrity it has stood for historically and continues to stand for,” Dr. McAdoo said. “In this time of social media, we need to be the guardians of our reputation as respected professionals. TVMF is in a unique position to showcase veterinarians doing what they do so well every day—caring for the pets and people in their community.”

One of the ways TVMF supports the relationship between veterinary professionals and pet owners is through the Rusk Veterinary Grant program. This program provides funds to supplement a veterinarian’s charitable care for animals of low-income families or for families that have an undue financial burden due to extenuating circumstances. A primary goal of the Rusk Veterinary Grant is to keep the human-animal bond intact by resolving medical issues that threaten the animal’s health.

“I love the fact that all parties are working together to restore the pet’s health and get him or her safely back home with the owner,” Dr. McAdoo said. “As a veterinarian, it is so frustrating to be faced with a sick, treasured pet and distraught owner who does not have the means to provide the recommended care.”

Another TVMF program near and dear to Dr. McAdoo’s heart is the TVMF PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program, which currently provides veterinary assistance to pets of low-income, homebound community members in six Texas counties: Blanco, Bastrop, Brazos, Dallas, Travis and Williamson.

“The TVMF PALS program embodies all that I love about TVMF,” Dr. McAdoo said. “Working with Meals on Wheels in several Texas communities, TVMF and participating veterinarians provide medical care free of charge to the furry companions of homebound individuals. The love and comfort these pets provide to their owners is immense. To be able to provide convenient quality health care to these important companions is priceless.”

Although TVMF is reaching approximately 200 homebound pet owners and more than 300 pets, some with little or no history of veterinary care, each year, more than 200 companion animals are still on the waiting list. TVMF anticipates the number of clients served to increase substantially thanks to the program’s recent expansion into Dallas County and plans for growth into San Antonio and Houston.

When others ask, Dr. McAdoo happily shares her enthusiasm for the Foundation’s mission and encourages others to become a part of the positive impact that TVMF programs are having throughout the great state we call home.

“I would encourage any interested individuals to consider sharing their time and talents with the Foundation,” Dr. McAdoo said. “You will be truly blessed by the opportunities to uplift the profession while offering needed relief to the community. Your gifts help us fund scholarships for students, provide financial support for a veterinarian or veterinary student recovering from an illness or natural disaster and provide aid for pets in need and comfort for their owners.

“I am so proud to be a part of this caring thoughtful group of individuals,” she continued. “We sincerely appreciate any contributions from the community so we can continue to serve our profession and community and pursue our shared goals.”

TVMF thanks Dr. McAdoo for her continued commitment and passion for the Foundation’s mission. It is thanks to the generosity and support of community members like her that TVMF is able to better serve animals, pet owners and veterinary professionals across Texas.

To learn more about TVMF’s mission and programs, please visit www.tvmf.org or contact TVMF Director Leah Ann Tibbitts by phone at 512/452-4224 or via email at ltibbitts@tvma.org.