David E. Holt

Dr. Holt is a gifted and enthusiastic educator. His passion for teaching students and residents endures the passage of time. Adrienne Bentley, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)

Dr. Holt is a fantastic mentor and had a huge impact on my training as a resident. Not only is he a wonderful surgeon, but he also really cares about his residents. He is passionate about teaching even the simplest procedures. I finished my residency several years ago, and Dr. Holt is still a mentor I contact on a regular basis about challenging cases. He is always happy to discuss a case (even when he is out of town) and will look at imaging and photos. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Holt. He is so deserving of this honor.

- Mary Dell Deweese, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)

David has been a trusted mentor and friend throughout my veterinary career. He inspired me as a student with his lively stories and photos of surgery, which made any other career direction seem boring by comparison. You can still see his enthusiasm and enjoyment of teaching with students, interns, and residents alike and he welcomes everyone into his operating room.

- Caroline Garzotto, VMD, DACVS

Dr. Holt was the ever-patient source of calm during residency and remains an amazing resource even now. Thank you for always answering my panicked emails!

- Christine Hsueh, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)

Dr. Holt was instrumental during my residency to help mold me into a well-rounded surgeon.

- Scott F. Roberts, VMD, DACVS (Small Animal)

Dr. David Holt, board-certified surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, has been one of the most influential mentors in shaping my career as a surgeon. His calm demeanor, extraordinary teaching ability, surgical judgment, and patience with students, interns, and residents profoundly impacted my training and current practice. To this day, I still teach many operative principles and critical-thinking approaches exactly as “Dr. Holt taught them,” reflecting the lasting influence he has had on me as both a surgeon and educator.

- Jeffrey J. Runge, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)

Dr. Holt profoundly shaped my surgical approach during veterinary school and my residency at Penn. His exceptional teaching instilled deep technical knowledge that continues to guide my practice today. Whenever I face airway surgery, I find myself asking, “What would Dr. Holt do?” Beyond those formative years, he has remained generously available – a mentor and sounding board by phone for the past fifteen year. His influence extends far beyond the operating room.

- Ezra J. Steinberg, VMD, DACVS (Small Animal)

Dr. Holt is an extraordinary mentor. I have had the honor of knowing him as a student, resident, and now colleague and he is deeply invested in the training and success of all those around him. I can think of no one else more deserving of this honor!

- Holly Stewart, VMD, PhD, DACVS (Large Animal)

I will be forever grateful for Dr. Holt’s friendship and support throughout my career. I would not be where I am today without his never-ending patience and mentorship. I will never forget the important lessons he taught me – like that “patience” should be my favorite word and a guilty surgeon is a good surgeon!

- Rachel W. Williams, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal)