Robert Knapp, DVM
Board of Directors Vice Chair 2023-2024
District 5 AVMA Board of Directors representative
Biographical sketch
Dr. Robert Knapp is a small animal practitioner in Columbus, Ohio, and owner of Knapp Veterinary Hospital, a seven-veterinarian practice founded by his grandfather in 1945. Upon completing his undergraduate and DVM degrees at The Ohio State University in 1986 and 1992 respectively, Dr. Knapp joined his father in the practice and became owner in 2007. He also holds a master's in animal science from Texas A&M University.
An active Ohio State alumnus, Dr. Knapp serves as treasurer of the Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society and held the position of president in 2008. He also has participated in search committees for a variety of positions within the college, including dean, department chairs, practitioner liaison, and clinical faculty. Additionally, he has offered his expertise as an advisor to the Stanton Program, was an inaugural member of the Small Animal Practitioner Advisory Board, and participated in the college's strategic planning in 2017.
Dr. Knapp is passionate about supporting veterinary students throughout their schooling, serving as a trusted mentor and adviser to dozens of Ohio State students. Knapp Veterinary Hospital has provided clinical skills training and experience to second-year veterinary students in the Stanton Program and is a clinical clerkship site for fourth-year students gaining private-practice experience in clinical rotation. Dr. Knapp shares his extensive business knowledge as a Capstone Project adviser to students in the business minor program and assists in professional development courses, working with students during mock negotiation and job interview labs.
Dr. Knapp also has been active in the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), serving in various capacities over more than two decades. He was a long-time board of directors member, served as president in 2007, and also was Ohio delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. He volunteered for numerous OVMA initiatives, including participating in or chairing the legislative, finance, and Midwest Veterinary Conference Education committees. A staunch advocate of Ohio veterinarians, Dr. Knapp has testified on their behalf to state legislators on a variety of issues, including practice act revisions and commercial dog breeding.
Dr. Knapp's dedication to the profession has been recognized with prestigious awards including the OVMA's Meritorious Service Award in 1999, Ohio Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2014, and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Alumni in 2015. He was honored with the National Gamma Award by Omega Tau Sigma, Gamma Chapter in 2018.
Outside of his practice and volunteer activities, Dr. Knapp and his wife, now empty nesters, look forward to learning to cook for two and traveling. He also enjoys reading, all things related to Ohio State sports, and attempting to perfect his golf game.