Dr. Reed earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, followed by a residency at Michigan State University. He started his academic teaching career at Washington State University from 1979-1983. Then he returned to The Ohio State University, where he spent 26 years as a professor and mentor in the Equine Medicine department. Dr. Reed is a Diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a noted author and editor of numerous scientific articles and textbooks. He has spoken at many state, national and international meetings.

His primary research interests include Equine Neurologic Diseases. He is currently an internal medicine specialist, a shareholder at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, an Emeritus Professor at The Ohio State University and an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky. He is currently the Chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Advisory Committee.