Famous Veterinarian and Founder of Willow Animal Hospital Dr. Kent Smith of Warrenton, Virginia has sadly passed away. He died on Wednesday 26th June 2024 leaving behind his beloved family, friends and clients in shock. He was confirmed dead through a Facebook post that reads “We are profoundly heartbroken to announce that our beloved Dr. Kent Smith passed away unexpectedly last night, at his residence.” The cause of Dr. Kent Smith’s death is unknown.
Dr. Kent Smith Early Life and Education
He was a loving and caring man who found comfort and happiness in helping animals. At the age of 11, he was determined to be a veterinarian. He sought out a volunteer job with Battlefield Animal Clinic in Manassas, Virginia. He faithfully rode his bike to the clinic, rain or shine, every Saturday and would work all day. He cleaned the hospital and cared for the animals in exchange for the opportunity to watch Dr. Richard Goode practice veterinary medicine. He volunteered for two years with Dr. Goode and then was hired by Morganna Animal Clinic in Manassas, Virginia.
Getting paid to do what he loved, he climbed the ladder from a kennel assistant to a veterinary technician. He worked side by side with three doctors. One of the doctors, Dr. David Beauchamp, suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. As Dr. Beauchamp’s clinical signs progressed, he entrusted him to be his hands. These responsibilities taught him so much and cemented his love for veterinary medicine.
Dr. Kent Smith Career
He attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate studies, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Economics. While working with Dr. Chiapella, he was able to utilize his interest and skills in business finances and economics as her business manager for 27 years. He was immensely proud of the trust and commitment Dr. Chiapella placed in him.
In 1998, he was admitted into the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He obtained his veterinary doctorate degree in 2002 and began his professional career in the Roanoke Valley, Virginia. Initially, he practised general medicine in Botetourt County for one year before being hired by Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, Virginia, where he served low-income families.
From 2005 to 2009, he worked as a full-time emergency clinician at the Prince William Emergency Clinic, a division of the Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia. In 2009, he assumed the role of senior emergency clinician. The following year, in 2010, he became a one-third owner of the Prince William Emergency Veterinary Clinic. Throughout his career, he remained resolute in never losing sight of the patient or client, ensuring compassionate and high-quality care for all.
