An enduring family legacy

Veterinary practice has been as much a part of the Coatney family as their deep and sprawling roots with the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

It all began when Douglas Coatney, DVM ’68, was 10 years old and went with his mother to the veterinarian with his sick dog, Boots. Around the same time, he had been assigned a science project at school and was pondering what kind of project to undertake.

“The veterinarian asked me, ‘Young man, what are you thinking so deeply about?’ I said, ‘We have a school science project and I have no idea what to do.’”

Coatney recalls the veterinarian’s response, "You want to do it on intestinal parasites in dogs and cats?"

“I said, ‘What does that mean?’ He sent me home with pamphlets. On the way home, I said, ‘Mom, he is so nice. That’s what I want to be.’ And I never changed my mind. That veterinarian was a 1943 DVM graduate of Ohio State.”

Years later, in June 1970, in his first job post-graduation, Coatney was hired by two older veterinarians who ran Far Hills Animal Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. By that time, Coatney had served two years in the Army.

Six months after he started, the owner passed away. “The other veterinarian and I built a new clinic just north on the same road,” he recalls. They named it the Far Hills Animal Clinic. Eventually, Coatney bought out his colleague and practiced solo for 10 years.

His daughter Emily Coatney-Smith, DVM ’95, joined the practice upon completing her DVM at Ohio State. For her, applying to Ohio State for veterinary school “made sense,” she says. “It felt like home. I was close to family and knowing that my dad had a great education at Ohio State meant there was no question about where I would pursue my veterinary degree.”

She fondly remembers spending weekends at the clinic, helping with the animals that were boarded. 

“My father’s favorite story of me was when I was maybe five years old, helping deliver Great Dane puppies. I was holding them and rubbing them to keep them warm,” she says.

Coatney-Smith had always loved science and medicine, and for a while, she was torn between human medicine and veterinary medicine. She says the most significant change she’s seen in veterinary practice is the advancement in technology. “Digital radiography, in-house bloodwork and ultrasonography are just a few advances that have made our job much easier and faster. It makes us better doctors.”

She praises the College of Veterinary Medicine’s new curriculum that integrates clinical, hands-on training beginning in the first year.

Over the last 10 years, she has also worked closely with a local rescue organization, managing care for animals that have suffered abuse and neglect and are in critical condition. “When these dogs survive, thrive, and are so grateful for the care and love they receive, it makes it all worthwhile,” she says.

Adam Coatney-Schuler, DVM ’03, Dr. Douglas Coatney’s son, was attracted to veterinary medicine at an early age.

At age 13, he worked in the kennel and bonded with animals. He says he loved watching his father care for their animals at home and in the animal clinic.

“Like many young children who love animals, I wanted to enter the veterinary field, but unlike the many who eventually grow up and move on from this ambition, I always knew I would become a veterinarian.” 

He says the decision to attend Ohio State for veterinary school was “a given.” Over the years, he has enjoyed watching and participating in the advancements of veterinary medicine. He continues to stay updated on the curricular developments at the college to keep pace with the latest advancements in education.

“I’m really proud to say I graduated from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine,” he says. “It really does remain one of the vanguards in the field.”

Most recently, over 50 years after the eldest Coatney began his practice, grandson Tyler Smith, DVM ’24, has joined the family practice at Far Hills Animal Clinic. Smith credits Ohio State and its faculty and staff for providing him with invaluable knowledge and the clinical skills he now uses in daily practice.

“Not only have I been prepared with veterinary knowledge, but the friends I made at Ohio State have been an amazing resource when I need support or advice.”

He feels blessed to be surrounded by a family full of veterinarians. “They were my role models growing up. Their hard work, passion for the profession, and success ultimately drove me to pursue a career in the same field,” he says.

“Words cannot adequately express how rewarding it has been to work my way from a kennel assistant all the way to a doctor at my family practice. It has been amazing to see how a family of veterinarians can positively impact the community.” 

Adam Coatney adds that the clinic naturally became an integral part of the Dayton community. “A big thing for me is building our family within the
community,” he says.

“When I was a kid, we would run into clients everywhere, and we’d hear, ‘Oh, Dr. Coatney!’ So, for me, it’s been really nice to be a family that’s a part of the community.”

The elder Coatney agrees. “I believe our success comes from being a family practice. I believe people appreciate that.”

Meanwhile, another Coatney is waiting in the wings, he says. “Hopefully, Tyler’s younger sister, Kenzie, will join us in five years.”

The Coatney family and their legacy as three generations of Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine graduates serve as a testament to our ambition to Be The Model® learning and work environment of choice within Ohio State and the veterinary community through a culture and organizational structure that values, supports and empowers our most important resource, our people.