Veterinary alumnus puts wellness first in hospital support
Growing up in his father's veterinary practice, Reed Hall DVM '96, learned early that medicine was about more than treating animals.
As the owner of two Northern Virginia animal hospitals and an enthusiastic supporter of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion, he's built his career on a powerful idea: The best care happens when we care for each other.
"We all have seasons when things are tough," Hall said, sitting in his Town & Country Animal Hospital office. "I learned that from watching my dad, and I really saw it during my time at Virginia Tech. The professors there didn't just teach medicine – they showed us what it meant to truly care."
Hall has displayed his care for the veterinary college with a $250,000 gift toward the expansion and renovation of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In August, the Virginia Tech Board of Trustees approved an initial $4.3 million planning authorization to begin the design process. The veterinary college is seeking $9 million in contributions to make the renovated hospital as large and as advanced as possible.
Veterinary college at one point seemed doubtful to Hall.
"I failed chemistry in college, and I was ready to give up," Hall said. "I told my advisor I wanted to be a football coach and teach history instead. She listened, then said, 'There are too many history teachers. Why not try chemistry again?' Then my dad simply said, 'Why don't you just go to the library every night?'"
That simple advice changed everything. Hall earned a B in chemistry but needed to figure out if it would be enough. Then came a call that seemed too good to be true.
"I got the call on April Fool's Day," he said. "I actually thought it was a joke. But it was a call telling me I'd been accepted as an alternate. Those four years in Blacksburg changed my life."
That turnaround led him to Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where professors like Spencer Johnston, a former professor of veterinary medicine specializing in orthopedic surgery, and Edward Monroe, who served as a professor of internal medicine, shaped not just his medical skills but his entire approach to practice.
"They were always there for you," Hall said. "If you were struggling with suturing or had questions, they made time. They taught us like peers, not students. You could feel how much they cared."
Today, Hall's commitment to caring for veterinary professionals defines his practices, which employ 180 people across Northern Virginia.
Some questioned the cost when he implemented a comprehensive mental health support program for his staff. He responded immediately: "If it saves one life, it's worth every penny."
"I used to think seeing a therapist was a sign of weakness," Hall said. "Life teaches you otherwise. We've had people tell us this program saved their marriage. Supporting mental health isn't optional in this profession – it's essential."
Hall's commitment to holistic wellness in veterinary medicine found a natural fit with his alma mater's vision for the future.
"This expansion isn't just about a bigger building," says M. Daniel Givens, dean of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. "It's about creating an environment where healing happens on every level – for animals, students, and our entire veterinary community."
The hospital, which opened in 1987, now serves over 13,000 small animals annually, with specialties growing from five to 14. The planned renovation could double the hospital's total space. and modernizing much of the existing space.
"Everything I have is because of this school," Hall said. "The more we support both the medical and emotional growth of young veterinarians, the better care they can provide."
His commitment to nurturing the next generation of veterinarians extends beyond his gift to the college. Through his Vet Ready program, he provides dedicated teaching spaces and hands-on training for new graduates at his practices.
His approach to practice management reflects his faith and family values. Together with his wife and children, he's created a culture that emphasizes both professional excellence and personal well-being. As a member of the C12 Group and active participant in the Christian Veterinary Mission, he sees his work as a calling to serve both animals and people.
"At the end of the day, we're helping families," Hall said, watching students practice in his teaching lab. "Their pets are family members. When we take care of our veterinary teams – really take care of them – they can provide the best possible care for those families. That's what this expansion is about. It's about building a place where everyone can thrive."
The expansion of Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Teaching Hospital seeks to raise $9 million in philanthropic support during 2024-25. Contact Sandra Torget, assistant dean of advancement at storget@vt.edu or 540-231-4716 to learn more about supporting this transformative project.
