VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Robert "Bob" McCarthy
Robert "Bob" McCarthy, DVM, MS
Assistant Professor of Large Animal Emergency and Critical Care, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
When did you join the veterinary college?
I joined VMCVM on Sept. 1, 2025, after finishing my surgery residency at Oregon State University.
The best part of being a faculty is?
Getting to work with students and house officers! I really love the teaching aspect of my job, and I find it very rewarding. When I left vet school, I had no plans to return to academia, but life had other plans.
Best advice I've gotten...
I would say there are 2 pieces of advice that I try to keep in mind:
- From my parents: "Never stop learning and always give 100 percent to everything you do."
- From my residency advisor: "Complications dictate the outcome."
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...
Fixing animals by moonlight, teaching students by daylight.
My hidden talent...
I'm really good at shearing sheep for showing. I grew up doing 4-H, and I showed sheep, cows, goats, and chickens.
I really love public speaking as well. I was a senior banquet speaker and a commencement speaker during my residency.
A person who has inspired me...
I know it's cliché, but I've always been inspired by my parents. I hope to one day accomplish half of the things that they have done so far.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
There will be hard days that turn into long nights. It's important to have a good support system to help you along the way, and it's even more important to advocate for yourself.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
That there are finite possibilities with what you are able to do in vet med. The opportunities are endless; you just need to make it your own!
If I had a superpower, it would be...
Being peppy at 2 a.m.! It comes in handy with my job. 🙂
This excites me the most about the future of my industry...
Being part of creating a new service and seeing the added benefits of having a better work-life balance for everyone involved.
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Convincing my nieces and nephews that I'm the cool/fun uncle. So far, it seems to go well if I sneak them the snacks that their parents say they can't have.
Favorite way to end the day...
Reading a good book or working on a crochet project while watching TV.
Top of my bucket list...
To see Adele in concert (if she ever releases a new album).
My favorite quote...
"You is kind. You is smart. You is important." - The Help
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have 2 Bouvier des Flanders!
Kida is almost 10 years old, and her favorite activities are napping and snacking.
Helga is just about 6 months old, and her favorite activities are playing in her water bowl and being involved in whatever I'm doing.
Anything else to add?
I am a member of the Blacksburg Master Chorale (I'm a baritone), I try to play volleyball once a week, and I'm really good at trivia.
