Derrick S Milton

Self Employed Vet Locum, Chemainus Animal Hospital and Musician, NOLA Nighthawks, Foothills Brass and others

"Why Choose One Career When Two Will Do?

Derrick Milton, B.Sc., D.V.M., MRCVS graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1991. Prior to enrolling in vet school he enjoyed a 10 year career as a professional musician. Dr. Milton studied music at the University of Toronto and the Banff school of Fine Arts. He was once a regular member of the Canadian Opera Orchestra, and later the Thunder Bay Symphony. Freelance work has allowed him to play with many great musicians and orchestras across North America, including the Stratford Festival, Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, Tom Jones Orchestra and more.  He has played for circuses, film scores and every sort of bar music imaginable. Derrick has shared his passion for the trumpet with hundreds of students, teaching both privately and at schools and universities. He also owned a Mexican restaurant/jazz club for two years!

Since vet school graduation, Derrick has worked in nearly every aspect of veterinary medicine, working in research, mixed animal practice, zoo and wildlife medicine, public health, and small animal medicine. He has been a practice owner, an associate vet, and a locum. He has worked at over 50 vet clinics in Canada and the UK. 

In 2007 he stopped working as a full time vet and found he could balance his music and veterinary careers. Since 2012 he has toured regularly with the Foothills Brass Quintet. Locally he has played in many venues ranging from pubs and bars to the Macpherson Playhouse. He continues his work as a part time small animal vet at Chemainus Animal Hospital.