David’s professional work outside his practice includes collaborative clinical work with several biotech companies specializing in developing electronic monitors, molecular vaccines, anti-cancer medication, and the protocols for the use of autologous stem cells in veterinary clinical practice. He is also working with researchers at the UCSC Long Marine Lab for whom he has provided volunteer in-field veterinary care to seals and sea lions in places such as the Antarctic Peninsula, Isla de Lobos, Uruguay and San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. In addition, he has continued to give back to Oakes and to UCSC by mentoring many of our students interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.
David’s community connections are vast, including being a past board member for Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and a current board member for The Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab. He is currently a member of the local charity, Santa Cruz Longboard Union and he has been involved with fund raising for Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary, Jacob’s Heart, Santa Cruz AIDS Foundation and several other local charities. Outside of Santa Cruz he has worked with or helped raise funds for the Police Dogs of the Galapagos, Heifer International, World Vision‐Haitian Relief Fund, American Indian Relief Fund, the Leukemia Society and MoveOn.org. His wife, Hilary (Porter '93), is on the Santa Cruz City Council.
His personal philosophy emphasizes that individuals are part of a greater world and they must strive to strengthen and balance what he sees as three essential elements: personal life, professional life and the world around us. His hope is that others prosper and benefit from his service to them.
David Shuman was awarded the Don Catalano Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Community Service at the Oakes College Commencement ceremony June 2010.
