| Dr. Duby graduated from Washington State University in 1943 and began an illustrious career in veterinary medicine. Initially, he was employed by the Department of Agriculture working on a special disease assignment. In 1944, he entered private practice in Centralia, WA. There he was elected president of the South Puget Sound VMA in 1951 and served as a member of the advisory board for WSVMA. When he was elected president of the state veterinary association, he helped to reorganize the office and hire the first executive secretary, Bob Ford. A call went out to all veterinarians in the state to send $75.00 to the WSVMA office to meet the expenses of the executive secretary. The financial obligation was met as the veterinarians came through with the needed funds. The money was put into a trust fund to be used for the association. During this growing phase of WSVMA, a magazine was published called “The Northwest Veterinarian.” It was sent to all veterinarians in the state and was a vehicle for communication. As a bonus, the advertising in the magazine was enough to pay the salary of the executive secretary. Through the efforts of Dr. Duby working with the legislature, funds were given to hire private veterinarians to work with state and federal agencies in the Brucellosis program. Together they were able to receive a Certificate of Modified Accreditation for the Eradication of Brucellosis in the state. After completing his term of office in the WSVMA, George was appointed to the Washington State Board of Veterinary Governors. He also served as chairman of the examining board of the veterinary college at WSU for 5 years. In addition to this, he worked in establishing the first meat inspection act in Washington State and was the first veterinarian from the U.S. to be in the Academy of Veterinary Medicine in the Soviet Union. Starting in 1963, Dr. Duby served as the director for 6 years of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. He also was one of the authors of the Veterinary Practice Act for Washington State. On the regional level, he was a director of the Intermountain Veterinary Medical Association and president of the group organization in 1975. On the clinical side, he was recognized as an authority on Tansy Ragwort in the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Duby’s personal achievements included membership in the Afifi Shrine, Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, and Elks. In 1977, George was recognized for his many achievements when he was elected as Veterinarian of the Year in the state of Washington. In his message to his fellow veterinarians, Dr. Duby penned the following words: “They call me the President. That is a dignified title, and I respect it. However, let me tell you what it is really like to be president of this organization. It is as if you were the Captain of a team, a team of Veterinarians with pride in their profession, faith in its future, and a profound desire to see it fulfill the completion of its status. As a Captain, I would be worthless without this team. It has been said many times that ‘Man is egotistical.’ If that be so, then it follows his egotism is soon lost in his humility when he is surrounded by such men as I have the honor to work with in our profession and its organized development. We have many friends, but the speed of our progress will depend upon how each of your teammates accept your responsibility in the future of our profession. I am looking forward to helpful suggestions and advice from all of you. I promise that your officers, with your help, will do their best to carry the ball toward new horizons in the future of our profession.” |
