Who is Dogtor
J. ???
There have been a number of readers who have written me in the recent
past asking for my true identity. I have also come across a number of posts on various Internet forums mentioning this site that
have intimated that the information I provide must be of question since I have hidden my identity. The latter statements have
been what has prompted me to reveal my name, as I would not want anyone to turn away from this important issue
just because the provider won't give up his privacy.
I have kept my identity obscured for a number of reasons, some of which are no longer
applicable. (I use the word "obscured" because anyone could actually find out who I am if they simply did an Internet search
for "dogtorj". You'll see that I'm far from totally underground.) But the main reason I have operated in obscurity is that
I needed my privacy in order to continue my research while running my busy single-man veterinary practice. Yes, I am a
real person, a real veterinarian with 26 years of practice experience, and I am married with two children.
But the frenetic phase of my medical research has come to an end as of early 2005. The book
is on hold as I start a few speaking engagements. I continue to read medical information nearly every day but it is at a much
more leisurely pace, cataloging it into the framework that the last 5 years has provided. Medicine now makes sense,
which it did NOT before I began this journey.
So, I am ready to put to rest the "Zorro" phase of my Internet life...a name that some of my
"clients" have used. I had to laugh the first time I read that. But in a way, that's how I felt for the past few years- fighting
misconceptions and deceptions and trying to help people and pets without them knowing who I am. But the idea of anonymity
was also fueled by my total lack of desire to become well-known. I needed my privacy to be able to function efficiently
but I also find fame totally undesirable. For example, I would never want to be a successful Hollywood actor or
political personality.
The fact is that I give God all of the glory for the wisdom and truths found on this site.
Before my "revelation", I feel that I knew nothing. I was just like most of the doctors and veterinarians that people write
to me to complain about nearly every day, parroting out what I had learned in medical school and not being able to think beyond
the words "idiopathic" or "genetic".
My only true advantage is my belief in God and the calling that He has put on my life to seek
His face...His will...His wisdom. I know that this statement will turn many readers off because I have received letters to
that effect, complaining of the lack of separation of "church and state". But this is the truth. Once I started praying FOR truth and AGAINST deception then answers started coming. I began every day with that simple
prayer...I wanted THE TRUTH. I was tired of being deceived by the world and all of its players. I finally took the story of
Solomon to heart and earnestly sought WISDOM. I turned from all that I knew was wrong and chased God. Anyone can
do this and, man, what an amazing journey this has been.
So, who is Dogtor J.??? My name is John...John B. Symes, DVM...an ordinary man who, by
the grace of God, finally answered the call that all of us have received at one point or another. In retrospect, it is incredible
that it has taken this long. But God had a plan for my life just as He has for everyone reading these words. Amazingly, it
involved years of preparation and life experiences to allow me to be able to completely identify with the afflicted. Many
of you have read my story and now know all that I have experienced- a myriad of symptoms including life-threatening depression.
I have been to the abyss and looked deep into it. There I gained my empathy. But now I see that so much of our bodily
suffering is needless...from a medical point of view. Whether that suffering is necessary for other
reasons may remain to be seen by those experiencing it. If my life has taught me anything, it is that there is a
reason for "the fire".
There you have it. My name. I graduated from Auburn University in 1979, receiving the Upjohn
Award as outstanding senior in small animal medicine. I did an (optional) internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in
Boston and have practiced small animal medicine ever since. My personal medical woes began years and years ago and can
all be explained by the celiac disease (and other food intolerances) that I was finally made aware of 5 years ago. This awareness
led to nearly everything you read on this site.
I truly hope that your knowing my identity adds some dimension of credibility that has
apparently been lacking during my time of anonymity. As you see, I am no high-powered academician with lots of alphabet soup
after his name. I am simply a seeker of answers...a chaser of Truth...a person that any of you could be if you were so motivated.
All you have to do is answer the call.
To God be all of the Glory,
John
John B. Symes, D.V.M. (aka Dogtor J.)
Beltline Animal Hospital
1212 W. I-65 Service Rd. South
Mobile, AL 36609
