Boaz Man, DVM ’04, shares insights on the importance of the human-animal bond, the Fear Free movement and the future of veterinary education and care.
“Pets help us. Pets never ask us for anything. They just provide us with love. And as pet parents, we want to know that we’re doing the best thing for those pets.”
Animal Advocacy for Long-term Pet Health
As the medical director and owner of Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, Dr. Man has dedicated more than 20 years to veterinary medicine. His passion for animals, though, is lifelong, and being a veterinarian, he says, is about more than medical expertise—it’s about advocating for the emotional well-being of pets and the families who love them.
At the heart of Dr. Man’s work is the belief in the transformative power of the human-animal bond, a profound connection that transcends words, built on trust, companionship and unconditional love. It’s the comforting nuzzle of a dog sensing its owner’s sadness, the soft purring of a cat curled in quiet contentment and the shared adventures of pets and their families navigating life together.
For many, pets are more than animals; they are confidants, protectors and family, embodying a loyalty and affection that inspire us to be better caregivers and advocates for their happiness and health.
Fear Free: Transforming Veterinary Care
Dr. Man credits Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) with shaping his journey, and one of the biggest ways he has given back to his alma mater is introducing Fear Free Certification into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum. The Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program teaches veterinary healthcare professionals how to eliminate fear, facilitate happier vet visits and improve care provided by veterinary teams.
“It was very important for me that veterinary students learn to become Fear Free certified as part of the curriculum.”
Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital is a proud Fear Free-certified hospital, a designation that reflects their commitment to the emotional well-being of pets. “Fear Free-certified means everyone on my team has taken a course to learn about emotional well-being in pets, and understand their body language when they’re fearful, anxious and stressed,” he explains.
Students at RUSVM complete the same certification course in their first year of school.
For Dr. Man, this approach is essential for the future of vet education and care.
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