Darren Remsburg

Darren Remsburg is not your typical veterinarian. A 1996 Brunswick High School graduate and a 1999 Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) graduate, Darren earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. In the short eight years since then, Darren’s professional experience includes private practice, research, teaching, veterinary product support in the corporate world, and entrepreneur. He’s also found time to marry and start a family that now includes three beautiful daughters. Not surprisingly, his wife, Carrie, is also a veterinarian.

Large animals, especially bovine, are Darren’s passion. Growing up, Darren was heavily involved in 4-H, raising, showing, and judging dairy cattle. Through 4-H, he met Lester Dudrow, who became a mentor, friend, and huge influence in his life.  Mr. Dudrow was well-known throughout the county and the state as a dairy cattle judge, and as Darren says, “he was legendary.” Darren’s 4-H experiences, spending time at his grandparent’s farm, and his interest in science ultimately led to his becoming a vet.

After several years in private practice in Lancaster County, PA, Darren returned to University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine to develop new education curriculum specifically to train technicians for large animal practices; the equivalent of a nurse for human health care.  He also managed the University’s dairy farm and taught classes. In June 2011, an opportunity to re-enter private practice surfaced where Darren could participate in developing a new business model utilizing the curriculum research he completed at the University of Pennsylvania. This model is of interest to today’s dairy farmers as a more economically sustainable animal health care option, because combined with new technology, technicians can handle the majority of large animal issues, and a vet is available for consulting. And as if this weren’t enough to keep him busy, Darren also works for Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company in the animal health division, fielding calls from the public about their animals and Pfizer products.

Darren received two scholarships specifically supporting the study of agriculture while attending VPI. The first was from The Edward Dawson Grove, Sr. Fund, and the second from The Dudrow Scholarship Fund.  The Dudrow Scholarship was described by Darren as “a huge honor,” given his relationship with Mr. Dudrow.

How did the scholarships impact his success? “The scholarships allowed me to spend time on research while completing my undergraduate degree,” said Darren. “Instead of working to pay for college, I was able to earn 400 hours of veterinary and research experience that made me a competitive candidate for the veterinary program at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary. This gave me a huge advantage, and I’ll always be grateful.”

Darren advises new high school graduates to find an area of interest and pursue it.  “You’ll find that your job becomes more than just work, it becomes a passion and you’ll be happy.”