Brian Darrow DVM

Anamosa Veterinary Clinic

Laureate 2021

In the 37 years since founding the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Brian Darrows love for people and animals has only grown stronger. That love from this gentle, quiet giant is revealed in virtually everything he does and hes generous with it, too. After graduating from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983 and working for a year at a veterinary practice in Wisconsin, Brian returned to his hometown of Anamosa in 1984 to establish the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic.

What started in a small, metal building caring mostly for his Jones County neighbors livestock has evolved into a large practice with eight veterinarians and 24 support staff serving a five-county area. The practice still cares for large animals, but its clientele today is 80% small animals. Brian is laid back, relaxed until he is needed to step in. He is constantly aware and steps in when needed. He is a leader by example with his dedication to treat people right. He trusts the people in his organizations, said Ron Tapper, friend of Brian. Mentoring students and young veterinarians has been a major focus of Dr. Darrows professional life. In one special case, Mackenzie Paulson, a high-school student who shadowed Dr. Darrow at the clinic, became a summer intern while attending ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Mackenzie was hired as a veterinarian at Anamosa Veterinary Clinic, and now she owns the clinic, with Brian serving as an associate DMV.

Brian has a deep affinity for Iowa State University, and not just because his ISU 4x800 meter relay team was ranked No. 3 in the nation, or because they held the longest-standing track record in ISU history which was just beat this year. Its in Africa where his integrity and leadership are especially clear. Upon hearing about the death of a former ISU track stars daughter, Sharon, after she was bitten by a rabid dog in Africa, an idea took shape that also epitomizes his impact on others. He learned that some 25,000 Africans die of rabies each year. He also learned that animal vaccine-maker Merck had a rabies vaccine donation program. Together with two other men, he began an animal vaccination program in Africa that soon became the Sharon Live On Foundation. Agnes Korir, Sharons mother, said, Having realized that our daughter died due to a problem that was preventable, he went all out to source for rabies vaccines to be used in Kenya. Our community is indebted to what he has sacrificed so much to do for them. That effort continues to this day, with Brian having made several working trips to Africa himself. Thus far the program has administered 400,000 total vaccine doses to domestic animals, the equivalent of $2 million worth of vaccine. Brians next goal is to build a 12-bed rabies treatment clinic in Kenya to be named, appropriately, Sharons Clinic. As longtime Jones County livestock producer Doug Fairbanks said: One of Brians greatest qualities is his incredible generosity with his time, money and talents to the local and worldwide community, including Sharons Project in Kenya, Africa.

For his humanitarian efforts, Brian has received the Community Service Award from the Marion-Linn chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Presidents Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, the Iowa State University Alumni Merit Award and the Rotary International Award for Sharons Project. Dr. Kurt Boerm, a former employee of Brians, said, Brian is a genuine and good-hearted person. Hell go out of his way to help you, and he gives his time to the community. Hes served as Anamosa Board of Education president, a member of the Anamosa City Council and a member and treasurer of St. Paul Lutheran Churchs Council. Hes an active member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. Recently, he was elected to a five-year term on the prestigious Western Veterinary Conference Board of Directors. Hes also served with Catholic Relief Services to educate African cattle owners about milk production and herd health.

Outside of veterinary practice, Brian spends time with his wife, Jill, and their family, and loves being outdoors to ski, go hiking, and just spend time in the mountains. To Brian, life isnt about what you can get, its about what you can give, and Brian has given generously.