Dr. Vacek was born and raised on a small farm in Littleton, CO. He attended Washington University in St Louis where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He then attended Colorado State University where he did research and studied mathematics and biology before entering the College of Veterinary Medicine and earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree. After completing an internship at Illinois Equine Hospital and Clinic, he entered a large animal surgery residency at Texas A&M University where he trained and taught for 3 years. He was awarded several research grants and the Johnson Scholarship Award for achievement in postdoctoral studies in veterinary surgery. Dr. Vacek returned to Illinois where he has practiced for over 30 years. He has given presentations at the local, state, and national levels and has published more than 20 articles on various aspects of equine medicine and surgery. In 2004, he and Dr. MacHarg opened Kendall Road Equine Hospital. He and his wife raised 4 sons in Batavia [citation].