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WHEREAS, Lawrence Gerson, VMD, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1975 and founded Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic in 1977 as a family veterinary practice, providing care primarily for cats and dogs; and,
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WHEREAS, At the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Gerson served as president of its Alumni Society and received their Award of Merit; and,
WHEREAS, In 1985, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association named Dr. Gerson as “Veterinarian of the Year”, where they honored him with their Distinguished Veterinary Service Award and Special Merit Award; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson served as the President of the Western Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and later became Trustee from Western Pennsylvania to the PA Vet Medical Association for 12 years; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson wrote a bi-weekly column in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette titled, “Pet Points”, in order to educate pet owners on various topics regarding animals and their health and welfare. He also hosted a show titled, “Pet Talk” on WQEX for many years throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s; and,
WHEREAS, From 2005 to 2014, Dr. Gerson served on the Pennsylvania State Veterinary Licensing Board, which included a position as Vice Chairman of the State Veterinary Board; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson previously served as the chair of the PA Veterinary Foundation and is the president of the Allegheny Abused Animal Relief Fund, which raises funding to help abused and neglected pets; and,
WHEREAS, Prior to “emergency vet hospitals” existing, Dr. Gerson would return to his vet clinic late at night to check on dogs who needed to be kept overnight. Dr. Gerson worked with 13 other veterinarians to organize an emergency clinic for animals, which has now the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson served as a consultant for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in their “History of the Dog” exhibit. In animal related crimes or cases related to animals, Dr. Gerson consulted with the District Attorney and served as an expert witness many times during animal cruelty cases; and,
WHEREAS, Not only has Dr. Gerson been committed to the veterinary field, he also has been active in the Point Breeze community, serving previously as the President of the Point Breeze Organization and still currently serving on the Board of Directors; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson lives in the East End with his wife and two dogs and is a proud father and grandfather, and although a successful and prominent career, Dr. Gerson states that his family is his proudest achievement; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson has two children, Evan and Stephanie, and four grandchildren, Ellie, Henry, Michael, and Shayna, and has been happily married to his wife, Barbara, for 44 years; and,
WHEREAS, When Dr. Gerson is not practicing veterinary care, he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, bicycling, skiing, and gardening and spending time at his cabin in Indiana, PA; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson has always been there not only for the animals he’s cared for, but also for his community, family, and friends whenever they have been in need; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Gerson retired during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and has missed out on saying “goodbye” to many of his clients from over the years; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby celebrate the decades-long career of Lawrence Gerson, VMD, the knowledge and time he has given to the field of veterinary medicine, and the commitment he has shown to the community of Point Breeze and the City of Pittsburgh.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare June 7th, 2021 to be “Lawrence Gerson, VMD Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.