August 8, 1943 ~ May 28, 2026 (age 82)
Dr. John M. MacDonald, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Auburn, Alabama, on May 28, 2026.
Born in New Hampshire, John developed a lifelong love of nature and animals at an early age. As a young man, he worked on his uncle’s dairy farm, an experience that helped shape his future career in veterinary medicine.
John earned both his Bachelor of Education (1965) and Master of Education (1969) degrees from Plymouth State College. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. Following graduation, he remained at Cornell to complete an internship in small animal medicine and surgery, followed by a residency in veterinary dermatology. In 1979, he became one of the first board-certified veterinary dermatologists, helping to establish and advance the specialty during its formative years.
Dr. MacDonald began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at University of Missouri, where he served from 1977 to 1980. He then joined Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he built a distinguished career spanning 33 years culminating in being awarded Professor Emeritus in 2013. He was an internationally renowned lecturer, researcher, and author, and his work in continuing education has reached thousands of veterinarians nationally and internationally. He coauthored Current Veterinary Dermatology, which was translated in Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
Dr. MacDonald was an active member of organized veterinary medicine and served as President of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2006, Alabama Wellness Committee, and Chair of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties Executive committee. In 2011, Dr. MacDonald received the prestigious Award of Excellence from the American College of Veterinary Dermatology for his service and contributions to veterinary dermatology.
As a dedicated teacher, mentor, clinician, and researcher, he educated more than 3,000 veterinary students, interns, and residents. His passion for veterinary medicine, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for his students left a lasting impact on generations of veterinarians who carry forward his legacy today.
John shared his love of animals and the outdoors with his family. He was an adventurer at heart, obtaining a pilot’s license as a young man, and discovering exciting new passions early in his adult life including rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, racquetball and horseback riding. He found a life-long pleasure in gardening and gourmet cooking, which he lovingly passed on to his daughters. Son of a WWI Veteran who fought in the Black Watch Brigade of the Canadian Army, John had pride in his Scottish heritage. He shared the love of his Scottish heritage with his family, through attending Scottish Highland games and festivities in Scottish dress.
John MacDonald is survived by his sister, Irene; his three daughters, Kristin, Julia, and Claire; and two grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a veterinary student scholarship fund at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in honor of Dr. MacDonald’s lifelong dedication to veterinary education and mentorship, contact the CVM’s Advancement Office for more information.
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