Alberto Abdias Villalobos Fuenmayor

DVM

Clinica Veterinaria del Centro Maracaibo
Kissimmee, Florida

AAV Member Since:

2026

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I am a veterinary doctor from Venezuela, living in the USA. I graduated there in 2005, I have my active veterinary clinic and I work with exotics. After graduating here in Florida, I am working with small animals in my first year, but I want to start learning exotics in 2026 and I want to belong to all groups of unconventional pets. 

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species is the parrot, due to its high intelligence, complex behavior, and the strong bond it can form with its caregivers, which makes avian medicine both challenging and rewarding. 

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

One of the most recent interesting cases I managed was a parrot with chronic weight loss and subtle respiratory signs. Careful observation, diagnostic imaging, and minimally invasive sampling allowed early diagnosis and successful medical management, reinforcing the importance of early detection in avian patients 

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The best benefits of AAV membership are access to high-quality continuing education, evidence-based clinical resources, and the opportunity to connect with experienced avian and exotic animal colleagues worldwide. 

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I had not chosen veterinary medicine, I would likely be working in biomedical research or diagnostic imaging, fields that combine science, clinical problem-solving, and technology. 

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite class in veterinary school was diagnostic imaging, especially ultrasonography, because it allowed me to correlate clinical findings with real-time visualization of internal organs. This skill has been extremely valuable in my daily clinical practice. 

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Toni Kim

DVM Candidate 2027

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois

AAV Member Since:

2023

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first job I ever had working with birds was as a Veterinary Assistant at the Midwest Bird & Exotic Animal Hospital in Elmwood Park, IL. I still remember the “light bulb” moment on my first day, realizing, I can’t believe you can see all these species of birds in one place. Although I had always admired wild birds from afar and they were the one type of animal I never owned growing up, something clicked instantly. Not long after starting at MWB&E, I was inspired to begin volunteering at the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center (formerly Willowbrook Wildlife Center), where I trained with Illinois native species. I’ve been dedicated to working with birds ever since. 

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

As a Senior Student Ambassador for Harrison's Bird Foods, I was extremely fortunate to be able to attend this year's AAV conference in Phoenix, AZ. I was able to reconnect with people I knew from many of my pre-veterinary training, see familiar mentors from my veterinary college, and even met authors of textbooks I’ve read. Not only were the lectures extremely informative and engaging, I found the whole event very inspiring to know there were so many professionals committed to the advancement of avian medicine in one place. It was a great reminder that we as students have a powerful force supporting us. 

What is your favorite avian species and why?

It’s incredibly difficult for me to choose a favorite avian species as anyone who knows me has heard me declare nearly every bird that comes in as my favorite, but for sentimental reasons, I have to select the Blue Jay. When I was a preteen, my neighbor found a fledgling Blue Jay that had collided with a window and brought it to my mom and I for help. We took it to what was then Willowbrook Wildlife Center and later received a postcard letting us know it had been successfully released. That experience had a strong influence on my decision to pursue veterinary medicine. Blue Jays also remind me of home as I often see them gliding between the trees across the street or hear their calls just before I’m rounding the corner to my house. 

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Recently, while on triage we treated a Sharp-shinned Hawk that presented acutely after a suspected collision. Since Sharp-shinned Hawks are a relatively uncommon species for us to see, the case was memorable to begin with, but what stood out most was observing the progression of ocular trauma in real time and managing the case as new clinical signs emerged. We are not always able to see this progression, so it was a great case to relate to what we've learned in class. 

Best benefits of AAV membership?

As a student member, I have enjoyed the educational resources on the AAV website and of course attending the AAV Conference. As an executive board member of a student organization on campus, the AAV has supported our events via the Student Chapter Program Scholarship as well. We are very grateful for their support. 

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I had not chosen the veterinary field, I would likely be working in linguistics as a translator and part-time ceramist. 

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My absolute favorite part of being a vet student is being able to work with the Wildlife Medical Clinic on campus. The value of the clinical, teamwork, soft skills, experience along with the mentorship we receive from faculty and the clinic managers cannot be overstated. 

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Many may not need to hear this, but I always try to emphasize this to members of my team. We can often get caught up in treating every animal the same way. I always try to remember that every animal is an individual and we should always ensure that we are assessing the patient's behavior as such to better serve them as their veterinarian. 

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Tracey Ritzman, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice)

Veterinarian

Whole Pet Veterinary Hospital-Mountain Island, Carolina Raptor Center
Huntersville, North Carolina

AAV Member Since:

1991

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Veterinary Internship at Kaytee Products (bird food company) in Chilton, Wisconsin which was the headquarters location for the company. I was responsible for the veterinary care of 3,000 plus psittacines and passerines for nutritional studies! 

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Most memorable experience recently would be the 2025 AAV conference being outside in Phoenix, Arizona, watching Mr. Chan Quach and his flock of beautiful macaws free fly over the desert sky at sunset. 

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Owls and all birds of prey are my favorite avian species. I provide veterinary care for birds of prey at the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, North Carolina. These wild birds continue to amaze me every day with their beauty and tenacity. 

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I just presented at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons surgery summit in October 2025 about a wild great horned owl patient I treated with a degloving leg wound. I surgically placed a fish skin graft to the wound and the wound healed wonderfully with the fish skin graft treatment. I am continuing the investigation of the use of fish skin grafts in avian patients for wound treatment and this is an emergent and promising treatment. 

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The sharing of avian medical and surgical knowledge between AAV members. Also the camaraderie and community that AAV offers as an organization. 

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would own a French themed bakery or I would be living in France!
Also, I would be antique shopping - I was on the PBS television show Antiques Roadshow in 2025 featuring my collection of beautiful brass antique bird cages from the late 1800's and early 1900's. My mother gave me the collection as a gift when I graduated from vet school in 1995. 

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Learning about avian medicine from my legendary instructors Dr. Laurie Degernes, Dipl ABVP-Avian and Dr. Keven Flammer, Dipl. ABVP-Avian at NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine from 1991-1995. 

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

Avian medicine is an ever evolving field of veterinary medicine so continue to march on and think "outside the box" with your clinical care of these feathered patients.

Click the video above to view Dr. Ritzman's appearance on Antiques Roadshow.

 Left: Dr. Ritzman with a patient. Right: Dr. Ritzman received this fun T-shirt from her proud parents upon graduation from vet school.

Cecilia Bartels

Veterinary Student
Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

AAV Member Since:

2025

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I always say my favorite avian species is a tie between Bourke’s parrots and macaws. I love Bourke’s parrots for their soft colors and their gentle, fairly quiet personalities. One of my favorite patients was a Bourke’s named Mish-Mish, who broke her toe. After months of casting and careful management, we eventually decided to amputate. She was so brave during her surgery and truly the sweetest little bird, and she made me appreciate how much heart these tiny parrots have.

I also have a huge soft spot for macaws because of the bond I’ve formed with Suzy, a military macaw at our clinic. She was surrendered as a very young chick after her formula was accidentally overheated and burned through her crop, which required surgical repair. Helping care for her as she recovered and grew has made me feel so much more comfortable around large parrots, and she’s become a bird I really look forward to seeing every day.

Both species have taught me something different, and I don’t think I could choose just one. 

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

The most recent avian case that really stuck with me is a yellow Indian ringneck named Popcorn. She’s been dealing with ongoing arthritis, especially in her legs, and her mobility had been slowly declining. After adjusting her treatment plan, she’s now doing very well on oral celecoxib for pain and inflammation, along with maropitant to help keep her comfortable and eating reliably. It has been rewarding to see how much her quality of life has improved with consistent management and how bright and interactive she is again. 

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I hadn’t chosen veterinary medicine, I’m pretty sure I would have become a teacher. My bachelor’s degree is in geography, and after serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, I felt very drawn to education and community work. For a long time, that felt like the direction I was headed.

Everything changed when I took a receptionist job at a general cat and dog practice. I completely fell in love with veterinary medicine. What started as a front-desk position quickly grew into something much deeper, and I realized how much I loved being part of patient care.

About two years later, I began working in exotic and avian medicine, which opened up a whole new world for me. I started taking the remaining prerequisite courses for vet school, and the more I learned, the more certain I became that this was the career I wanted.

So if I hadn’t found veterinary medicine, I probably would be teaching. But I’m very grateful that a simple receptionist job ended up redirecting my entire path.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

One of the most memorable cases I’ve witnessed so far involved a 36-year-old blue-and-gold macaw named Max, a longtime patient at our clinic. I watched Dr. Tyson perform a surgery to remove a large intra-testicular mass that, unfortunately, required complete removal of the affected testicle. Midway through the procedure, Max’s blood pressure began to drop, and the team quickly initiated a transfusion using fresh whole blood from his brother, Titan—also a blue-and-gold macaw who happened to be a perfect donor. Seeing two bonded birds participate in each other’s medical care at that level was both medically remarkable and emotionally striking.

For a few months, Max did well—until he began showing the same constellation of symptoms on the opposite side: abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and decreased activity. That prompted a second exploratory surgery to obtain a biopsy. Pathology later confirmed what we had feared: a testicular neoplasm, and though I cannot remember the exact tumor type, the diagnosis made the case particularly challenging.

What has been fascinating—and humbling—is the process of researching oncologic treatments for macaws, where the published literature is extremely sparse. Much of avian oncology relies on extrapolation from other species, scattered case reports, and clinician experience. The limitations are obvious: small sample sizes, unclear dosing regimens, variable tolerance across species, and virtually no long-term outcome data. Yet within those constraints, it’s been incredibly interesting to identify chemotherapy protocols and medical therapies that have shown at least anecdotal or short-term success in parrots.

After confirming malignancy, the goal became shrinking the remaining testicular tumor medically to allow for a safer surgical excision. If we’re successful, Max would become—quite literally—a completely neutered macaw. For now, he’s doing well: eating, vocalizing, interacting with his family, and responding to supportive medications. Watching his resilience, and seeing how far avian medicine can stretch even with limited species-specific research, has been one of the most inspiring parts of my clinical experience so far. 

Lena Marker

Veterinary Student
Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen
Giessen, Germany

AAV Member Since:

2024

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first bird-related job was a chick rearing internship at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) in Cape Town, South Africa, which I completed right before I started veterinary school. During this internship I gained hands-on experience in the care and rehabilitation of endangered African penguin chicks. I assisted in calculating and updating medication amounts under the supervision of veterinarians, handled and fed chicks of all ages, and managed eggs during incubation and hatching. Additionally I kept detailed records for each bird and identified behavioral indicators to assess health status. This experience deepened my understanding of avian care and sparked my passion for working with birds in both a conservation and veterinary context. 

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species is the Great White Pelican. I admire their striking appearance with their large wings and vibrant beak. Their calm and social nature especially when working together to fish, makes them fascinating to observe. Their grace and intelligence both in the air and on water make them a truly remarkable species. 

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

The last interesting avian medical issue I dealt with was assisting in a gastrotomy to remove a fishing hook from the stomach of a Kelp Gull. The pre-surgical X-ray showed the hook as large but its full size and complexity were only revealed once the stomach was opened. The surgery was performed by Dr. David Gordon Roberts at SANCCOB, who is an excellent teacher. I was very grateful for the opportunity to learn from him during my internships at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). 

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The best benefit of AAV membership for me has been access to the online classes. These courses have been incredibly valuable in expanding my knowledge of avian medicine. They have allowed me to deepen my understanding of avian diseases, surgery and diagnostics all from the convenience of my own schedule. 

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Rachel Corin

Veterinary Student
Lincoln Memorial University
Hopewell Junction, New York

AAV Member Since:

2023

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I was an intern at the Trevor Zoo in NY where I provided animal husbandry for Grey Parrots, Scarlett Macaws, Keas, Lorikeets, Emus, Rheas, Ravens, Owls, and Hawks. 

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Receiving an externship scholarship. Thank you all so much!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Cassowaries are the most amazing creatures. Their booming call is so ominous. I love how they are the rainforest gardeners. I can't wait until I see one in the wild from a safe viewing distance.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I got to observe a xanthoma removal on a yellow crested cockatoo which was my first time seeing an avian anesthesia that was so complex and surgery was so intricate. Shout out to marvelous Dr. Brenna Fitzgerald and her right hand tech Chelsea from Colorado Exotic Animal Hospital.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The numerous opportunities to improve your knowledge on birds. I also love how involved AAV is with the veterinary student body.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would be a field biologist, paleontologist, or archeologist.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Click here to read Len's spotlight on Trends magazine, 5 questions for an avian and exotic specialist!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Dion van der Veen

Veterinary Student
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first bird job was at a local avian rehabilitation center. I started at the center when I was 15 years old, it was there where I first learned about medical care for wildlife and that passion only grew stronger ever since.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

My most memorable AAV experience was an avian first aid course that we organised while I was on the board of Archaeopteryx, a Dutch study association focussing on wildlife and exotics. The course was taught by dr. Yvonne van Zeeland and dr. Nico Schoemaker and both the theoretical and practical labs were really interesting and valuable for me as an aspiring avian veterinarian. We were able to organise the course with the AAV student chapter grant.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favourite avian species is the Eurasian eagle owl. Owls in general have always fascinated me because of their spectacular adaptation for their hunting style; their feather micro- and macrostructure that allows for perfect silent flight, their well-developed auricular system with a facial disc and ears that are positioned slightly asymmetrical that allows for great and pinpoint hearing, and of course their huge eyes that are interesting in terms of an ophthalmic exam and treatment possibilities, I could go on and on!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

While on my externship at the clinic for the rehabilitation of wildlife (CROW), a Turkey vulture with a humeral fracture was admitted after it was hit by a car. After initial stabilisation we performed orthopedic surgery on the patient where we placed an IM pin and ESF pins to create a tie-in fixator device. We also used cerclage wire to provide static inter-fragmentary compression, which was new for me. It was a great hands-on experience since I got to scrub in and help veterinarian Kasey Mitchell with the surgery.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I would not have chosen the veterinary path I would definitely work in another aspect of wildlife conservation. I have always been interested in biology and research so I would probably pursue a career in ornithology.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Shelby Parks

Veterinary Student
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA

AAV Member Since:

2023

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The summer after my freshman year of undergrad, I did a hospital internship at the National Aviary. I had always loved birds growing up, but this was my first opportunity to work with them in a medical setting. Working with everything from snowy owls to flamingos to lorikeets, I fell in love with avian medicine and have been pursuing it ever since!

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Last year, I had the opportunity to present my research at ExoticsCon in the AAV track! My presentation was scheduled for the very last day of the conference in the very last time slot, and I was nervous that not many people would attend because of that. However, the room was full! Being able to talk about my study and how handling and restraint induce significant elevations in corticosterone in Amazon parrots was such a memorable experience.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I have two favorite avian species. African grey parrots are by far my favorite psittacine species – they have such big personalities, and their intelligence always amazes me. My other favorite species is the red-tailed hawk. I enjoy their spunk and attitude in hospital, but really being able to bond with this species in non-releasable situations is my favorite part. They’re so intelligent and have a ton of personality, which makes them so much fun to work with!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

While externing at the South Florida Wildlife Center, I had the opportunity to do a partial toe amputation on a brown pelican! At school you don’t get to do too many surgeries outside of spays/neuters, so being able to do this from almost start to finish (I obviously had tons of help from my awesome mentor during the process) was super exciting!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t pursuing veterinary medicine, I think I would’ve applied for PhD programs. I love research and I have a lot of interests, particularly in ornithology, animal behavior, and neuroendocrinology! I think I’d be happy studying just about anything as long as I got to work with birds in the process.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Maryella Cohn

Veterinary Student
Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

In undergrad, I was able to be a part of my college’s ornithology lab! We ran population studies, mainly, which involved early morning blood collections on hundreds of chimney swifts. I was also able to participate in a barn owl project where we set up nesting boxes in Shelby Farms Park to observe mating behavior and collect blood samples when we had the resources to temporarily catch the birds.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

So far the most memorable experience is being accepted to present at this summer’s AAV Annual Conference! I’ll be sharing research I conducted last year on the pharmacokinetic properties of hydromorphone in barred owls. This will be my first AAV Conference and I cannot wait to meet other veterinary students and professionals in this field.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

It’d have to be the barred owl. I absolutely love those stoic, sweet birds. At my veterinary school I had the opportunity to be a Head Co-chair of the Raptor Rehabilitation team. We have had several barred owl education birds over the years, including one male I transitioned to become a temporary resident myself! His name is Walter and he has since been released back to the greater Louisiana wild after 2 years of rehab, but he was the most wonderful education bird. He was so gentle (until we prepared him for release of course) and a joy to train every day - a fan favorite at education events. I actually got one of his feathers tattooed on my forearm after his release! Barred owls were also the study subject in my summer research project. I definitely fell in love with their huge eyes and beautiful plumage when I spent 3 months handling them. I feel as though I owe a lot to this species for providing me so many learning opportunities as a student.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

About a year ago, the LSU Wildlife Hospital took in a barred owl that was unable to fly due to the lack of and damaged feathers on its left wing. This bird was hospitalized and multiple diagnostics were run, including a feather follicle biopsy, to find an underlying cause for why it could not regrow its secondary and primary flight feathers. I was able to follow this case closely as I took over the bird’s husbandry and general care under the Raptor Rehabilitation team. We tried pain medications, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories to no avail; the owl simply could not maintain any healthy feathers. If any did grow in, the owl would immediately mutilate them, so I got a lot of practice with pulling broken blood feather shafts! After exhausting Western medicine options, we decided to take the bird in for an Integrative Medicine consult and began biweekly laser therapy on the damaged wing, plus syringe fed daily herbals. We almost immediately saw improvement!! At this time, the bird was being housed with another adult barred owl and getting on much better - eating consistently, not pulling out feathers as often, and after receiving Integrative therapy for a month primaries were growing in!

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The seminars! I love visiting the Education Portal and checking out various courses to review in my free time. They cover so much more than what veterinary school curriculum is able to offer to aspiring avian veterinarians, but it’s still digestible content for students!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I honestly never considered another career path outside of veterinary medicine until working with raptors at LSU SVM as a Raptor Rehabilitation co-chair. I think if I wasn’t in the veterinary medicine field I would want to be involved in wildlife rehabilitation and work at a raptor center, specifically thinking of the facilities in Alaska and Minnesota!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I think my favorite classes would have to be our Junior Surgery course and Ophthalmology. I had the best surgery partners, without them I don’t think I would have had as much fun on my first live dog surgery despite the anxiety I had going into it. We really made each surgery a team effort from start to discharge, so that everyone felt supported when it was their turn to tackle the primary surgeon role. However, I feel much more set on working with small avian, reptile, and pocket pet patients after operating in pitbull abdomens! Additionally, I loved that Ophthalmology covered common presentations across all species, but made even the small animal specific lectures relevant to other areas of interest. I felt that this class not only prepared me for NAVLE level questions, but also gave me a solid base of knowledge for future ophthalmology complaints. Through my work with the Raptor Rehab team and the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, I have realized how common eye injuries are in wild avian populations, especially raptors, so this class was really important to me. I enjoyed the class so much that I elected to take their specialty rotation at my school!

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

Recently, I was given the opportunity to scrub in and assist a fourth year veterinary student with placing IM pins and an external fixator on a Black bellied whistling duck’s broken tarsometatarsus. A fairly routine orthopedic surgery in the Wildlife Hospital of LA, but this case sticks with me because of comments I heard students on another service make. To summarize, there were a select few who thought repairing a duck’s broken bone was a poor use of time and resources, they could not find any merit in the fact that this surgery allowed students like myself to experience orthopedic repairs, handle surgical tools we otherwise would not come into contact with, and follow through with bandage changes and intense rehab. All of these things are applicable across species, but any other service would not have allowed students to be hands-on, even though we had clinicians scrubbed in alongside us. The silver lining here is that there are always people who care enough to give wildlife a chance and provide a space for students to learn important skills, and I am so lucky to have mentors that believe it's worth giving one more black bellied whistling duck a second chance.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

After doing a research project last summer that required eight blood draws per study bird (12 total), I am convinced that you will hit that jugular vein every time if you have a second syringe and needle set up for back up. This might seem superstitious, but my supervising clinician and I proved it's an infallible technique... Somewhat joking aside, if you’re in veterinary school right now, find a mentor like mine who takes the time to teach you clinical skills, but also reminds you that it's perfectly okay to not know everything you’ve ever been taught until you have the time to practice it over and over. In the end, the skills will come with time, but we all need someone to help us escape our comfort zone, provide a space to make small mistakes, and grow into a confident veterinarian. Definitely easier said than done, but I know I would not be on the path I am today without the support of my mentor.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Brianna Brown

Veterinary Student
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, USA

AAV Member Since:

2023

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species is the red-shouldered hawk. They are beautiful birds with incredible sass and dramatics when in care.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

While externing at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, I helped with multiple eviscerations on Eastern Screech Owls who had experienced head trauma/eye injuries. It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much about ocular injuries in raptors.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The amazing networking opportunities and advice you can gain as a growing veterinarian.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I majored in environmental science in undergrad, and so I likely would have used that degree to become a professor. I really love marine biology so I would have specialized in something with a marine environmental focus.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite class was clinical pathology. My professor was excellent, and it was the first class where I felt like a real doctor. The classroom was flipped, and it allowed us to have real cases to learn from and analyze.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Get to know our featured member this month.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Cat Olson, Biology, B.S., Certificate in Chinese

Veterinary Student
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA, USA

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first opportunity I had to work with birds was at The Raptor Trust in Millington, NJ. As an avid birder from a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with wildlife, and The Raptor Trust gave me a taste of what wildlife medicine and rehabilitation really entailed. My primary assignments were to keep the pigeon and waterfowl enclosures tidy, tasks that both kept me busy and instilled within me an appreciation for seeing the tangible results of a hard day’s work.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

There are so many species that I appreciate for different reasons! I love bratty and brazen blue jays, who are always unabashedly themselves, boldly singing the song of their people at every given opportunity. Whip-poor-wills have a special place in my heart, as they remind me of evenings spent on the porch of my childhood home in North Jersey, listening to the sounds of the forest coming alive at dusk. Mockingbirds never fail to impress me with their sense of self-assured curiosity and entitlement. And who could forget the common grackle, who, despite their lack of showy plumage, are some of the most amusing and eye-catching birds to watch flap about in your backyard or the nearest parking lot?

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

This past summer, I interned at WildCare Oklahoma. We had hundreds of Mississippi kites come through the doors in the months I worked there, a phenomenon that occurs yearly. While some kites end up at WildCare due to orthopedic injuries or illness, the vast majority of them land in rehabbers’ hands due to an unfortunate side effect of their predilection for nesting in treetops. Oklahoma is renowned for its scorching temperatures in the summer months, something Mississippi kites apparently missed the briefing on. It gets so hot in their nests at the tippy tops of the highest trees that nestlings regularly fall or jump out! They land on the ground far, far below, where any human that happens upon the hapless chick has little hope of placing it back in its nest, 100 feet up in the tree. Thus, many of these ground-bound chicks end up at WildCare each year - a result of neither ailment nor kidnapping, but an unforeseen outcome of a nest-building preference that no doubt evolved due to some other evolutionary pressure.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Online access to the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the weekly newsletters encapsulating all that is new and noteworthy in the world of avian medicine are my favorite benefits of AAV membership!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I were not pursuing zoo medicine, I would be a National Park ranger, preferably stationed on a far-off mountain whose upper peaks are never quite free of snow drifts. I could spend the day educating park visitors on ecology and ornithology and while away the nights writing the next Great American (Fantasy) Novel.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I jump at every opportunity to participate in wildlife necropsies. I have had the chance to participate in marine mammal necropsies at the Smithsonian and work with a few of the wildlife professors at PennVet on investigative necropsies for endangered/threatened. While this may sound off-putting to some, I see every necropsy as a chance to learn more about the trials and tribulations facing wild animals in their everyday lives. Figuring out what killed one creature may help to save others in the future, giving us a better idea of how to mitigate anthropogenic effects on wildlife populations. Mortui vivos docent.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Always keep an open mind and be willing to see species you’ve never encountered before! Every day is an opportunity to learn something new.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Kyndall Zieglowsky, DVM

Veterinarian
All Creatures Animal Hospital
Phoenix, AZ, USA

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first bird job I ever had was volunteering with the owl team at a wildlife rehabilitation center. That was over 7 years ago and I continue to volunteer till this day.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

The most memorable AAV experience I have would have to be the AAV Virtual Conference that just occurred recently. I loved being in the comfort of my own home and still have the ability to continue my education and learn about avian species.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species are the Great Horned Owl and the Harris Hawk. I have always been drawn to the Great Horned and they actually started my journey into avian medicine and my love for birds. Over the years I have fallen in love with the looks and personality of the Harris Hawk. The more I learn about them, the more I am drawn towards them.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

The last interesting avian surgery I did was a tibiotarsal fracture repair on a 74g Western Screech Owl. It was actually my first surgery I completed out of veterinary school.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

My favorite benefit of being an AAV member is the abundance of resources! If I am ever stuck on a case or know I have an interesting avian case coming in later in the week, I will utilize the AAV website to look up information.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I had not chosen my present career I would be a profiler in the FBI.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite part about vet school was clinical year. I loved getting to know and work with all my classmates on a different level other than just in the classroom.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Kristina Palmer, RVT, VTS (Clinical Practice-Exotics)

Animal Care Hospital Supervisor
Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service
Zoological Medicine and Surgery Service
UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Davis, California, USA

AAV Member Since:

2003

What was the first bird you ever had?

The very first bird I ever had was a beautiful blue budgerigar, and I managed to train him to say my name. He was truly the best first bird a little girl could ever wish for.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Many years ago at the conference, Dr. Speer added a fun and creative touch by crafting movie posters for all the presenters. Dr. Hawkins' poster, in particular, was titled 'Silence of the Pain,' and it featured a humorous twist with a picture of her having a moth over her mouth, reminiscent of the 'Silence of the Lambs' movie poster. It added a touch of humor to the event. This poster haunted me for many years as it hung in the conference room in our department.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Cockatiels: These charming birds are not only adorable and lovable but can also be trained to talk, whistle songs, and become lifelong companions. My first cockatiel, Sunshine, who I had since my teenage years, was not just a pet but a dear friend who accompanied me through many significant moments in life. She even had the honor of being the ring bearer at my wedding. I still cherish the memories of our time together and miss her dearly.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Successfully treating a ratite that initially presented with THC toxicity, and witnessing its complete recovery, has been a rewarding experience.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Everything! Especially the publications library, the education portal, the conferences, and the practice toolbox.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I hadn't pursued a career in veterinary medicine, my most likely alternative path would have led me to become a park ranger at a national park, quite possibly Yosemite.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

When I was in school, I developed a passion for biology and microbiology and relished the opportunity to work with the limited number of exotic animals that found their way into the clinic at school.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

This story isn't bird-related, but it's a memorable one from many years ago. We had a skunk patient we planned to de-scent. To avoid filling the hospital with the skunk's potent scent, we set up an outdoor surgery area on the loading dock next to our department at UC Davis. Little did we know, we positioned it right under the intake vent for the entire hospital. After we removed the scent glands, the hospital was hit with the terrible odor, causing an evacuation and some unhappy faces. It was a valuable lesson learned, and needless to say, we never repeated that mistake.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

I can’t stress enough that sick birds presented to the clinic require close monitoring and observation within the hospital environment to assess their condition thoroughly. Don't rush the process of collecting diagnostics; it may be necessary to conduct physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatments in stages to prevent the bird from deteriorating in your care. The value of observation is immeasurable.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Marta Bakaj

Second Year Veterinary Student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

AAV Member Since:

2023

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first experience working with birds was through volunteering at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center in Petersburg, Pennsylvania. At Shaver's Creek, I got to work with a variety of native raptor species. I worked most closely with their Black Vulture, Matilda, and Eastern Screech Owl, Rufous. Most of my time spent with them was doing positive reinforcement behavior training. I learned so much about how to care for non-releasable raptors and the use of these amazing creatures as ambassador animals for environmental conservation efforts!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Although I am fond of many different avian species, I would have to say that the umbrella cockatoo is my favorite! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but every single one I have met has such a big personality! They provide endless entertainment and never fail to put a smile on my face, especially the resident Umbrella Cockatoo of Cornell's exotics ward, Felicia!

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The best benefits of being an AAV member are the great resources! I am able to learn so much about avian medicine before it is even taught in the classroom. AAV membership also provides great opportunities to find experiences to expand my knowledge of and skills in avian medicine.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I had not chosen a career in veterinary medicine, I think I would have pursued a career as a zoo keeper. I have always had a love for animals and could not see myself in a career not involving them! I especially enjoy non-traditional species, so being able to care for some really interesting species would have been a great choice for me!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite vet school activity has to be my job as a student technician at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals Exotic Pets Service. I have learned so much about the veterinary care of a variety of companion exotics species and have received a lot of hands-on experience. This job continuously makes my passion for companion exotic medicine grow. I always look forward to my shifts; the exotics ward is my happy place!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Alexis Liesen

Veterinary Student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first bird experience I have ever had was volunteering at the Wildlife Medical Clinic at the University of Illinois during my undergraduate degree. There I was exposed to wildlife avian medicine including passerines, raptors, and waterfowl. From that point on I was hooked on avian medicine. I was able to learn how to complete basic medical procedures on many species of wild birds such as administering fluids and medication, and laser therapy on raptors in recovery. The Wildlife Medical Clinic set me on the path I am on now and I hope to continue that by working with domestic and wild birds throughout my career.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

My most memorable AAV experience was bringing back RUSVM’s Student Chapter of the AAV. When I arrived on St. Kitts to begin veterinary school, I immediately sought out the AAV chapter on campus. I was disappointed to find out that it had become inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic. I then became determined to bring back our student chapter to provide my classmates with opportunities to learn about birds. I took on the President position of RUSVM’s Student Chapter of the AAV, recruited officers, and collaborated with professors to restore the AAV chapter at my school. Since then, we have become a thriving chapter of AAV and host many different wet labs and lecture to supplement RUSVM students’ avian education.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

That is a very difficult question. I would have to say poicephalus parrots! I have my own Meyer’s Parrot and I am just in love with the personality and demeanor that many poicephalus parrots have. I have found these parrots very easy to train as well. They are hilarious, intelligent, and sometimes spicy creatures and I can’t get enough of them.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite activity in vet school has definitely working with the wildlife on St. Kitts! Through the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, I was given the opportunity to help organize the rescue and rehabilitation of a juvenile brown pelican! The pelican, who we affectionately called Peli Brown, became the very first rehabilitated and released bird in St. Kitts history.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Beatriz Sousa

Fourth Year Veterinary Student at UENF - Brazil

AAV Member Since:

2023

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first experience with birds and other rescued wildlife, as well as some exotic pets, where from my internship at NEPAS; at that time, the sector was enrolled in receiving these animals for medical screening and husbandry at the University's Veterinary Hospital. I could also do research in there with an undergraduate science scholarship, where I learned a lot about wild raptors clinical biochemistry.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

That's a difficult question, but Crested Caracara's (Caracara plancus) are problably one of the species that I admire the most. I am easily impressed by "urbanized" wildlife, and those raptors are probably one of the most well-adapted animals that surround cities here in Brazil, probably thanks to their thoughness and versatility - also, despite their imponent figure, we can also say that they're somehow really goofy!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

At NEPAS we were able to work with a juveline Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) that was rescued with cranioencephalic trauma and unilateral ocular injury after a vehicle colision. Despite its reserved prognostic, their evolution was incredibly quick and with minimal sequels and after 28 days, we where able to release them to the wild.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

I am really in love with academic career, and the AAV membership is a really useful way to keep myself updated about it while also learning about abroad experiences and opportunities about Veterinary Medicine.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I discovered my love for clinical pathology with my research experience at the University, and I can see how important it is for birds and other non-domesticated animals.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Never underestimate clinical pathology analysis! Sometimes you can find decisive information by just one drop of blood, such as an important hemoparasitosis.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Alyssa Silverman

Third Year Student at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

AAV Member Since:

2021

What was the first bird job you ever had?

After finishing my undergraduate degree in 2013, I worked at Avian and Exotic Animal Care in Raleigh, NC. This was not only my first full time job, but my first ever experience with birds. It was my time here that made me fall in love with birds and other exotic species as well as with the medical field. I hadn't really considered becoming a veterinarian before, but it was this job that eventually inspired me to apply to vet school with the goal of going into exotics.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I am partial to corvids. I am constantly amazed by how intelligent and resourceful they are and how much personality they have. I mean crows using tools? How cool is that!

Best benefits of AAV membership?

There are so many great educational resources to help prepare me for my future career. It also provides important networking opportunities with other AAV members and a sense of community amongst like-minded people.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Before vet school, I started my own pet sitting and grooming business specializing in exotics, and also worked part time in the education department at the Philadelphia Zoo. If I had not decided to go to veterinary school, my plan was was to expand my business and open an exotics-only boarding facility, while continuing to work at the zoo doing educational programming and live animal demonstrations for kids. In my future career as a veterinarian, I hope to incorporate my passion for education by offering animal/veterinary science classroom programs or eventually lecturing as a professor.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

PennVet and Cornell partner together to put on our Special Species Symposium every year. Last year I had a great time learning bandaging and splinting techniques and how to place IO catheters in a hands-on lab.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

My favorite way to catch a bird for restraint if it is already perched on your arm, is to spin quickly around in a circle while you come from behind the bird with the towel. The motion seems to be a good distraction and works for me a lot of the time with birds that are friendly but are anticipating being toweled.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Julianne Richard, DVM, MPH, CertAqV

Zoological Companion Animal Resident at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA

AAV Member Since:

2015

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Cape parrots, hands down. I've worked with several of them now, and all of them have been wonderful to treat and just hang out with. They are also sexually dimorphic - making my job easier!

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Access to countless resources! Even in my early years as a member, I was so unaware of all of the different care sheets, proceedings, etc. that were present on the AAV page. Now I visit the site daily to download new care sheets. The newer AVCCP competency program is a real game changer as well.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I like to think that I'd be a travel agent - helping people experience different places and cultures (and living vicariously through them!) even if this career isn't what it used to be. Sustainable ecotourism is important to me.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

A few weeks into my first week of vet school, I attended a chicken blood draw lab. Honestly, this spurred my love of chickens. I had never interacted with them much prior to this, but quickly learned how charismatic they were during several hours of handling and examining them.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I once had a "found-by" lost chicken transferred to me with a PCV of 1%. It was somehow still standing and eating, though profoundly weak. A necropsy revealed a pinpoint wound in the heart - it had been slowly bleeding to death for at least 48 hours (from this unknown trauma), but still was eating/doing her normal chicken things!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Christine Stehouwer

Veterinary Technician at Radnor Veterinary Hospital, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA.

AAV Member Since:

2022

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution?

My most memorable experience was becoming a member of AAV while visiting Denver for ExoticsCon. It was really cool to meet and become a part of such a passionate community of avian veterinarians and technicians.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species are Eastern Screech owls. To begin, birds of prey are my favorite to work with, from beak trims to anesthesia. We see screech owls commonly through wildlife rehab and our local community. They have fierce faces that most people (apparently) find scary in a tiny, compact body. There is one in particular, Oscar, who visited our hospital annually and more frequently as he aged. He was an extremely well handled, education owl who even in his old age always tolerated his medical procedures. Oscar made me appreciate the little creatures more than I already did.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Growing up, my dream was to be a DVM. I decided it was more practical for me to obtain a degree in biology and work in some sort of laboratory or research. When I saw my older sister go into pediatric nursing, I realized that was exactly what I wanted to do but with animals. If I didn’t start working part time at an animal shelter during college, I would have continued on my course to work in a lab as a biologist. At my hospital, I still get some of the lab work I enjoy along with all the nursing.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

I always let parrots bite/chew the towel I’m handling them with :). It keeps them distracted from my fingers and is a small but important detail for my handling of the tiniest budgie to the largest macaw.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Zoë Simpson

Third Year Veterinary Student at University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA.

AAV Member Since:

2020

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first experience working with birds was at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania. From there, I went on to complete an internship at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. Since then I have been hooked on all things avian!

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Some of my favorite experiences with AAV have been at ExoticsCon workshops. As a student volunteer, I have been able to gain invaluable experience in avian soft tissue and orthopedic surgical techniques. I highly recommended seeking out these opportunities for networking and hands-on skills while you're a student!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Vultures are some of my favorite avian species! They are essential to ecosystem health and are often misunderstood, which makes the perfect recipe for public education and outreach.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

For students, AAV membership provides great opportunities for networking, leadership, scholarships, and keeping up to date with current research in avian medicine.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I spent the summer after my first year in veterinary school conducting research on wild white ibises in Florida. The field work consisted of hiking through the Everglades, paddle boarding over alligators to reach island rookeries, and climbing to the tops of palm trees to sample nestlings. I've never been closer to birds in the wild or more covered in bird poop - it was a wonderful experience!

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

For students just getting started in avian medicine, my best advice is to do nothing! You will learn a lot from your patient by observing them from afar, and most birds will benefit from a brief period of rest before being examined or treated (especially when working with wild birds).

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Maria Passarelli, VMD

Veterinarian at Save Our Seabirds, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, USA.

AAV Member Since:

2016

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I worked at a small family-owned home and garden shop in my teenage years. We had a large inventory of bird feeders and seeds, which were extremely popular items. I learned a lot about which wild bird species preferred what seeds/foods, and how to deter problem species like squirrels. I even compiled a handout about keeping house sparrows away from bluebird boxes, because we had so many customers asking that question!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Northern mockingbird. You could ask me why a hundred times and I would give you a hundred different answers (all of them true). I love their plucky attitude as babies. I love their garbled attempts at singing as juveniles. I love how they sing at night in the summer. I love that their visual simplicity belies their auditory complexity.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The best benefits of being an AAV member are, in my opinion, the educational materials. The online resources for avian practitioners are extremely helpful, and the CE courses are excellent.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would have probably elected to be an ornithologist if I had not been a veterinarian. There are too many things to learn about birds for me to not be in an avian-themed profession. Although playing french horn professionally was on the list of possibilities for a while.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

You've heard that chickens are miracle healers, but the true masters of healing are brown pelicans. They can reduce a gaping fish hook/line wound to a tiny pink scar in record time - with a little medical help, of course!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Jared Zion (BS in Animal and Veterinary Sciences)

Veterinary Medical Student (Class of 2023) at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, USA.

AAV Member Since:

2020

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Penguins. They are so cute, curious and particularly resilient patients! I've always had a fascination with penguins since I first remember seeing them waddle around and swim playfully in the Bronx Zoo growing up. When I had the opportunity to participate in an externship at the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds in Cape Town, South Africa, I realized how excellent these birds are as patients. Never picking at their incision/suture site like other birds, very stable on anesthesia, to a remarkable ability to thrive as an amputee, these birds are the perfect avian patients!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

One of the last most interesting avian surgical cases involved a wild Cape Gannet that presented with generalized weakness, mild neurologic signs, along with an emaciated body condition score. An anemia and low total protein suggested further worry. After performing radiographs, a large hook was discovered in the caudal coelom. Barium contrast was added with subsequent radiographs taken, but the contrast did not isolate the barbed hook, leading to confusion. An exploratory coeliotomy was performed whereby an encapsulated 65 gram mass was removed, radiographed and sliced in half to discover the hook within it. It's suspected the Cape Gannet swallowed the hook, which then perforated through the GI tract and was then encapsulated by the body - hence why the contrast was not taken up by the hook. The bird recovered remarkably well, began eating, neurologic signs diminished, and was set for release roughly 2 weeks post op.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I think I would have pursued travel blogging or travel reviewing. I gather great joy in traveling and I have been fortunate to learn about and experience an array of different cultures other than what is present in the U.S. Some of my closest friends live in other countries. Traveling to other countries, connecting with locals, and exploring the country's cultural, wildlife, and scenic sites all create memorable experiences for me.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Don't be fooled by a raptor's sudden calm demeanor... They seem to know the exact moment you lose your focus on them and slice you with their talons.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Dana Bubka (BSA in Avian Biology)

Veterinary Student at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA

AAV Member Since:

2022

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first job working with birds was at Radnor Veterinary Hospital in southeastern Pennsylvania. I was a veterinary assistant there, and I was able to work with all kinds of exotic pet birds and wild bird species, from cockatoos and Amazons, to vultures and even a snowy owl!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species is the cockatiel. I have my own pet cockatiel named Mercury, and he is such a character! They are so little and cute but have such big personalities. He is really what inspired me to want to work with birds as a vet. He will be 9 years old this June, and I've had him since he was just a few weeks old!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Last summer in 2021, I was able to work with a juvenile vulture that had been shot almost two dozen times by children with a BB gun. Two of the pellets had hit his head, with one causing severe damage to his eye. I was able to help care for him before and after Dr. Len Donato removed his eye to give him a chance to live. The vulture survived the procedure and the last I heard, he was doing amazing and feeding great with the wildlife rehabber!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite class in undergrad was a course called "Avian Surgical Techniques." This class is only offered at the University of Georgia, and it is the only college course in the country that allows undergraduates to perform surgery on live animals, under teacher supervision of course. Every week we were able to perform a different surgery on our chicken patients. The students were able to complete the surgery from start to finish, getting to practice intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and suturing on live birds. Our surgeries included egg removal, ovarian follicle removal, cecectomy, and a gut resection.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Grace Kline, BS (Biology)

Veterinary Student at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames, Iowa, USA

AAV Member Since:

2021

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite species is the Common Yellowthroat. This was the first bird that I identified on my own while taking an ornithology class in undergrad.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

As a student, I really like the free lectures that we can watch through the education portal. It gives me an easy way to continue my avian education even if my veterinary classes do not focus on birds.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would either be a wildlife rehabilitator or an ornithologist. I volunteer at Iowa Bird Rehabilitation right now and absolutely love taking care of the wild birds. I also really love to learn new things about birds - it really excites me that we actually know so little about them and that there is so much yet to discover!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I really loved ornithology lab in college. We would go out early in the morning and look for birds. A highlight was definitely seeing some yellow-headed blackbirds on some reeds next to a pond. They are very striking.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Enjoy this tour of Valley Exotics located in Cardiff, Wales, U.K. presented by AAV Member Dr Tariq Abou-Zahr BVSc CertAVP(ZooMed) DipECZM(Avian) MRCVS. Valley Exotics currently employs 2 clinicians, 2 registered veterinary nurses and 1 veterinary nursing assistant in the exotics department. AAV would like to thank Dr. Abou-Zahr for sharing this tour of the hospital.

Jen Riley, DVM

Director of Veterinary Services at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, VA, USA

AAV Member Since:

2020

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first veterinary job working with birds was at the Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic. At the time, I thought I wanted to work with primates and wasn't particularly interested in birds. Now I love working with birds and am fine with never treating a primate again!

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

I am newly serving as a co-chair of the AAV legislative committee and I'm excited to contribute more in that role!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Brown Pelicans - they're so goofy and perfect.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Though I hate that birds get wounded, I love exploring different methods of wound repair and getting to think about new ways of treating specific wounds on a daily basis. One of the Canada Geese I'm currently treating came to us with 10" of skin missing over its neck and severe infection in that area. It's been amazing to watch the progress from the initial debridement to waiting for some of the wound to granulate in and using skin grafts to cover the areas of missing skin. In wild species, keeping bandages on and dry while still providing water sources and enrichment can difficult, but I enjoy the challenge!

Best benefits of AAV membership?

I love all of the amazing resources we have from handouts to CE to JAMS to all of the awesome members - I learn so much from everyone else!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Veterinary Student from Turin, Grugliasco, Italy

AAV Member Since:

2020

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I spent two summers in a Wild Animals Rescue Centre and I usually worked in the hospitalization rooms in wich the majority of the patients were birds. I checked their clinical situation every day, I fed them and gave them drugs.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

It's hard to say but my heart goes out to birds of prey. My favourite one is the tawny owl (Strix aluco) because its elegant flight and its "fluffy" appereance hides a strong personality.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I was lucky enough to attend a surgery on a macaw's (Ara ararauna) trachea. The trachea had some deformed rings and they need to be removed to allow for easier breathing.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

I think that discussing cases and sharing opinions wih other members on the Facebook group is important for professional growth.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I don't know because being a vet has been my fixed idea since I was a child.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Necropsy techniques.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Coordinator of Animal Health at Barranquilla Zoo in Colombia

AAV Member Since:

2021

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I worked as the veterinarian in charge of an urban bird care and research center with special emphasis on pigeons. The purpose was to investigate the health status of these animals by performing clinical exams, blood and stool tests, diagnostic imaging, histopathology and so on. Apart from the health issue, this project had an interesting social component since pigeons have long subsisted in big cities with humans, are "popular" and something like a "tourist attraction" in central squares of big cities, but at the same time are broadly considered as pests. From this job my love for birds developed and there was no turning back!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I love macaws! They are truly incredible animals. Their beauty, intelligence and sympathy are simply astonishing. I really enjoy working with psitacids in general.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

AAV has given me the opportunity to meet incredible people around the world, who share the same love and passion for birds as me. The Online Education Portal and other resources have also been very useful to me in my daily practice.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Since I can remember I always wanted to be a veterinarian. Nothing has fascinated me as much as working surrounded by animals, taking care of them, and enjoying their company. It has been the best life choice, because for me, is not just a job choice. It will never be enough study, work or time dedicated to them... they just deserve our very best!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My college years were very rewarding and I was fortunate to have excellent teachers. If I had to choose, I would say that I really enjoyed my pathology and toxicology classes. In my master's degree, I thoroughly enjoyed my classes on one health and conservation.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Veterinary Student at Michigan State University from Buffalo, New York, USA

AAV Member Since:

2020

What was the first bird job you ever had?

In 2013 I volunteered at the SPCA Serving Erie County Wildlife Department feeding baby birds. The encouraging environment allowed me to grow and gain experience in other areas of avian and wildlife medicine. That year I obtained my wildlife rehabilitation license. I then volunteered as a medical specialist working with Dr. Karen Moran and the wonderful volunteers and technicians in the department for the last eight years.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Puffins. They are adorable. Need I say more?

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Having access to an online education library with practical videos is one of the best benefits at my current stage. I can relate what I am learning in my veterinary program to what happens in an avian model, something that often isn’t as neatly integrated in class.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I will always remember a phone call I had with a gentleman while working at the SPCA Wildlife Department. He called in sheer panic about a bird attacking his retriever. He was worried the sparrow was going to give his dog a “horrible disease.” By the end of the call, he was excited, looking up the life cycle of a baby bird, and ready to go on the Cornell Ornithology website to learn more. In that moment I felt the warm feeling of “this is why I do what I do”. We really do provide a bridge between the natural world and humanity.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Veterinarian at Avian and Zoological Medicine Department, VCA Northview Animal Hospital Speciality Referral Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

AAV Member Since: 

2011

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Wildlife rehabilitation: feeding baby birds, supportive care for injured raptors, injured waterfowl.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution?

Presenting my poster "Tibiotarsal fracture repair in a toco toucan (Rhamphastos toco) secondary to nutritional hyperparathyroidism " and winning the student poster award. It was a lot of work and I learned a lot from the case and the whole experience.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

African Penguins: unique anatomy, bold personalities, playful....and they appear soft and cuddly, but their amazing beaks are far from it!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Aggressive juvenile emu with a large, chronic, non-healing wound involving the uropygial gland secondary to an emu attack. So disgusting but healed so beautifully!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Some kind of marine biology research (my BS is in marine biology) and my other passion is fish!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

First year canine anatomy: it was the real start and first hands on class of veterinary school. We even named our cadaver dog, Fascia!

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Using a foam pool noodle piece as an avian restraint device/cone is a simple yet effective way to protect our patients from themselves. Simple, yet effective!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Veterinarian in Rome, Italy

AAV Member Since: 

2000

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I started by myself in private practice, and seeing many birds I become an AvianDoc.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

At first I was in love with psittacine birds because of their incredible minds... then I discovered the falcon's simplicity and power. I love little owls like scops owls and Glaucidium species... What if I were to adopt a bird tomorrow? A green toucanet.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Every day we find new and challenging cases. Continuous growth and discovery. My greatest recent satisfaction: surgical reduction of a scapula fracture in a male peregrine that now is able to fly at maximum performance.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

I love the community, the journal, and the many resources available.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

No idea; I would have worked in social media marketing with breeding birds in my spare time.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I can't think of an anecdote at the moment, but a sentence I always say to young colleagues and students: "a dead bird without necropsy ... died twice."

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Yes, I’ve got many; a recent avian idea I had is: a fully cuffed 5.0 tracheotube to use like laryngeal mask in blue and gold macaw to prevent tracheal stenosis after surgery.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Third-year DVM student at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first experience with wildlife was at the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center in Florida - a rehab center for Florida wildlife where the majority of the case load and educational animals were raptors! I volunteered with them from 6th through 9th grade helping out with cleaning/food prep/basic medical care on Sunday mornings and also learning to handle the educational raptors for community events. One educational animal became very dear to my heart - "Cuervo" the Crested Caracara. He and the facility as a whole were a largely formative part of my love for wildlife and for birds.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

I loved serving as the president of my vet school's AAV chapter last year! I was able to organize a range of events and speakers, expand my bird experience and admiration to include chickens, and even invite my first employer (an avian and exotics veterinarian) to give a couple of incredible talks on parrot and cassowary reproduction and rearing! It has been very rewarding to be able to encourage others towards the avian veterinary medicine field.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I adore so many avian species and this answer could change on a day-to-day basis, but Dodo Birds have always been of huge interest to me. The interest seemed to come from nowhere when I reached elementary school, but has grown with me to be symbolic of my passion for conservation and education, especially in the field of invasive species research and educating the public on the havoc they wreak on native ecosystems. To me, they represent my desire to do all I can for our wild species to keep them from going the way of the Dodo.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

I have enjoyed being a part of the student and larger community and having access to some really impressive and very friendly bird experts.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

In a very different world, I would travel and perform at Renaissance Faires and work with the falcons and other animals.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite class has absolutely been Zoo Medicine! Tufts teaches their vet students at least a little about everything from invertebrates to primates, of course including birds.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

My first solo experience with a parrot was attempting to remove from an incubator and handle a poorly socialized African Grey Parrot in a hormonal phase. It immediately jumped out at me, clawed my arm leaving a scar, and was a somewhat traumatic experience (maybe for the both of us). However, I wasn't scared away from the field, I've learned a lot since then, and I'm happy to call myself a bird nerd.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Not yet - but I am currently enjoying the Fear Free Avian course!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Associate Veterinarian at Wellesley Animal Hospital located in Richmond, Virginia, USA

AAV Member Since: 

2016

What was the first bird job you ever had?

As a veterinary preceptor at The Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Being published in JAMS and participating as the Co-Chair of the Conservation Committee.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Raptors in general. I think mainly because most of my training has been in raptor medicine and surgery. I am fascinated by Red-Shoulder Hawks.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Dealing with a Turbit Pigeon dystocia.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The great networking with colleagues and the efforts the Association makes to improve Avian medicine and conservation.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Human medicine, actually I did 3 years of Medical School.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Pharmacology and Conservation Medicine

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I think for me the most interesting thing is that at the beginning of my career I was never interested in avian medicine until I did a 16 weeks veterinary externship at The Wildlife Center of Virginia and I was exposed to a lot of avian cases. I learned everything from passerines, to waterfowl, hummingbirds, and raptors.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

I think a tip I can give to avian practitioners is to think and to be in your avian patient's shoes. I always try to build some trust with my patients before restraining or examining them.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Veterinarian at FalconVet Veterinary Clinic, Bucharest, Romania

AAV Member Since: 2020

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Cockatiels and Macaws have a soft spot in my heart because of their personality.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Access to a community full of dedicated and knowledgeable veterinarians.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Probably unemployed. Every time I have a bad day and I think of quitting, I remember that I wouldn’t be able to do anything else.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

I think that the most important thing would be to always learn from others and to have other people smarter than you to ask when in doubt. Clinical exchanges and shadowing other veterinarians is helpful as hell from my personal experience.

AAV Members:

We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2020

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I was a 2019 summer intern at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Orlando, Florida. I assisted the raptor technicians with the daily medical treatment and rehabilitation of all native birds of prey species brought to us by other facilities and civilians. It ignited my passion for avian medicine.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

I'm excited to be a founding member of the new AAV student chapter at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and I hope we can inspire future students to join and take part in the world of avian medicine!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Strix varia, the Barred Owl. I have a love for all owls but I have a deep appreciation for how the call of a Barred Owl sounds. Their calls are so distinct and they always were very talkative while being treated at the rehabilitation center I interned at. Overall I'm a raptor lover!

While I was interning at the rehabilitation center, we worked closely with a local exotic animal hospital for surgeries. I was able to shadow a bone-pin insertion surgery on a Barred Owl with a fractured humerus. I also was able to sit in on another bone-pin insertion surgery for a Bald Eagle, but I do not recall the fracture that was present.

During my undergraduate career before veterinary school, I absolutely loved general Microbiology. I enjoy One Health and it's great being able to connect the world of microbiology between animals and humans.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

1989

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Taking care of an injured pigeon with a broken wing when I was 8 years old.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

My first AAV conference. Meeting James Harris and Don Zantop.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

The American Bald Eagle. They are very impressive and majestic birds. Their numbers were decimated almost to the point of extinction in the 1960’s. Since then, their numbers bounced back and now the they are almost every where in North America.

Repairing a severely lacerated esophagus in an Indian Runner-Pekin ducking.

Member camaraderie along with the sharing of ideas and experiences.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would be an oceanographer.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Hiking up the mountains into the rain forest of Dominica looking for Imperial Parrots while in veterinary school.  

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I started "work" with birds since I was a child, following a very big parrots' breeding center in the north of Italy, from that I had many experiences with different species in particular with parrots, and birds of prey.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Unfortunately I did not have any experience till now because of geographic distance from the events, but in future I would really like to start to participate.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

This is a difficult question, I love in particular goshawk among birds of prey, and Kea among parrots.

I work a lot using endoscopic techniques, in particular coelomic endoscopy surgery.

Having the possibility to consult a very high quality material, especially the journal and the educational portal.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would probably do this job, but I am also considering working, as I am already doing, for some NGO which are involving into animal welfare and conservation.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Unfortunately in my university we do not have the possibility to work with unconventional animals, like birds, but I consider myself really lucky because I had the possibility to work for three year with Prof. Lorenzo Crosta.  

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

Please pay attention using electrosurgery endoscopy, I tried one time with pigeons in which we are testing a neutering methods but it was not a so good idea ,unless you like smoked pigeons. :-)

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Birds are fantastic patients, don't be scared to approach them, and use every diagnostic methods that you would use with other animals! and remember "birds are made for endoscopy!"

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2012

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I worked at a local pet store in town which always had several small parrot species for people to interact with.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

The AAV has supported me numerous times since the start of my veterinary career, which enabled me to advance in a career working with birds.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Wow, there are so many amazing species out there. I'd say it's a tie between brown pelicans and red-tailed hawks. I gained a lot of respect for these awesome birds as a student working with the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana.

Being part of a group of people with a shared vision and passion for avian medicine and surgery. Also, being able to get JAMS and attend the annual conference are major benefits!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Hmm. Good question. I love music and think being a composer would be fascinating. Let's go with that.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Physiology-focused classes were favorites. It's fun (for me) to learn how things work at a microscopic level. 

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first job I had working with birds was at an educational nature center in Florida. It was here where I learned how to care for the sick, injured, and orphaned native birds (and mammals)! I was able to be hands-on with everything ranging on weight checks, medical care, and rehabilitation efforts!

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

While my time with AAV has been short, my most memorable AAV experience thus far is participating in the mentorship program! Last year at ExoticsCon I visited the AAV table and talked with Christal about my concerns regarding a lack of mentorship for avian and exotic medicine (in my rural area). She talked with me about the program and I jumped at the opportunity! I can call/text/email/facetime this group for case help; albeit, they make me work for the answers!! I am beyond thankful to have an amazing group of people at my fingertips!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I genuinely love all avian species, so it is extremely hard to narrow down a favorite! While I love all my avian patients, I have an interest and love for penguins but also for birds of prey! I have a specific love for the Harpy Eagle! Eagles are some of the most majestic creatures I have ever had the privilege of observing, much less being able to work on / treat! They are powerful, determined, and fearless. They have legs almost as thick as our wrists and their wingspan over 6ft! They are one of the marvels of this world! It would be a dream come true to be able to one day see these amazing eagles in their natural habitat.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I am one of the veterinarians for Wing-It, who is a part of the Tulsa Audubon Society. They are focused on the rehabilitation of orphaned, sick, injured or otherwise displaced wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Daily, we get calls regarding wildlife in need or perceived need. Recently, I got a call from our local game warden regarding a grounded Bald Eagle. She had been grounded for several days next to a lake and good Samaritans were becoming concerned for her health and safety. I got the call from our game warden and he promptly brought her to the clinic! On presentation she was quiet, alert, and responsive; we anesthetized her and started the work-up. Her physical exam was overall unremarkable, with no external wounds noted. Sedated x-rays were taken and again, no obvious wounds/fractures/abnormalities noted. I made a few "phone a friend" calls for help regarding this big girl but again, no one could seem to find an explanation as to why she was grounded. She was sent to a federally licensed rehabber for one month. About a week ago, I got her back to re-evaluate her. According to the rehabber, she was doing well and able to fly from perch to perch. On distance exam, she was feistier than ever, and I was hopeful! We left her alone to observe; this time she had an obvious wing droop, which she did not have before. I called the rehabber who stated the droop was never there, so we were all a bit perplexed. I called my friend and colleague, Dr. Backues; she is Tulsa Zoo's Director of Animal Health. I brought her to Dr. B and her team the following day. Once again, there was nothing to report on x-rays and the only change noted was a unilateral wing droop. We are consulting with the MN Raptor Center, but we are highly suspicious she has radial nerve damage. While this is not the most exciting surgical or medicine case, it has taught me so much! Time in an interesting thing – and even though we want answers right away - sometimes - we must be patient. This case has also taught me that collaboration is the key! We should rely on our colleague’s knowledge and experience to help us navigate cases for the betterment of our patients. Teamwork makes the dream work!

In my opinion, the benefits of AAV are countless! There are resources for you as a member and non-member, with the website being a wonderful tool for my clients - and myself! I also love the networking opportunities that have come from AAV. I have met so many wonderful people at conferences; people who continue to stay in contact with me throughout my career! I have even been able to speak with members and mentors on the phone via text, or at times, FaceTime! I am beyond grateful for the mentorship! No matter where you are at in your career, there is ALWAYS someone happy to guide you! I am grateful for this association and all they have to offer!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I had not become a veterinarian, I would have become a marine biologist. I am originally from Florida and the ocean life with all it has to offer is amazing! My father and I would go to the lake or beach and explore; collecting whatever neat thing we would find on the beach. We would talk about the ecosystems and how each creature – small or big – played their own important role. I guess my love and fascination for marine life stems him!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

While I enjoyed a large portion of my coursework in veterinary school, I particularly loved small animal internal medicine and cardiology. Each of these courses provided their own set of challenges and interesting cases.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

About 4 weeks ago, I got the call to examine a bald eagle. I have gotten several calls in the past to examine wildlife and birds of prey, including bald eagles, so this call was not anything out of the norm. She was brought in by a game warden and immediately sedated for evaluation and x-rays (not the eagle in the above story). After the work-up, she was placed in a large enclosure where she could recover from anesthesia. About 20-30 minutes later, I noted she was awake but incredibly quiet – and still – lying on her side in the corner of the enclosure. Unfortunately, I had failed to get a weight on this girl while she was under anesthesia (ROOKIE MISTAKE) but being how she was so quiet, I did not think this would be an issue. I had grabbed the scale and stepped into the enclosure … alone. Within seconds, this girl was attached to my face! She had flapped her powerful wings – from lying on her side – and launched into my face. I grabbed her legs and quickly and calmly brought her to the ground. By her grace, she stopped flapping but continued to grip my face. During sedation x-rays, it was noted that she had a fractured femur from a gunshot wound (old and healed injury). I tell you this part because while she could still grab rather well, she was weak in one of those legs. She relaxed that leg and I was able to pull her talons from my face and placed that leg on the ground – truth be told, she “gently” grabbed my arm, but this was better than my face! I laid on the ground with this girl attached to my face for 4 minutes and 30 seconds before someone came to the back. By this time, my face was throbbing, and blood was dripping down my hand, forearm, and her leg. The whole ordeal lasted 8 minutes and 45 seconds – a lifetime if you ask me! The eagle received a pedicure and I was finally free! One emergency visit, CT, painful flushing, strong antibiotics, 7 stitches, several rounds of laser treatments, 3 scars, and 3 talons in an acrylic paperweight – I have learned from my rookie mistake. I was fortunately incredibly lucky; albeit, humiliated and humbled. The silver lining – she is doing well and is soon to be released! Oh! Did I mention this unfortunate event is on video?

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

The buddy system is essential when dealing with birds of prey!! Do not become lax or take for granted that these animals are wild!!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2016

What was the first bird job you ever had?

The first job I had working with birds was at a mom-and-pop pet store near my hometown. They hand raised parrots and offered boarding services for all kinds of exotic animals. This was where I became acquainted with and fell in love with birds. I was taught how to trim nails and wings (of which I have since learned many different techniques!) and how to hand feed the babies, monitoring and recording their weight throughout the day. I have since been fortunate to get to know many of the other incredible families that make up the wonderful class of Aves!

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

The most memorable AAV experience was starting up the first AAV student chapter at my school, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. I was a first year vet student and someone asked if I was interested in starting an AAV student chapter at the vet school. I had learned about AAV when I was in high school and first looking at what it takes to become a bird vet. I was ecstatic to do anything bird related, let alone help start the first AAV chapter at our school, especially so early in my vet school career! It was a lot of hard work and planning, but later that year we got the club up and running. There were only a handful of us in each class who wanted to work on birds, but we found each other! Our school's teaching hospital didn't see birds (or any exotics) and as a result we didn't get many opportunities during our curriculum to learn about feathered things. This made any avian education we could receive invaluable to us. Since then, we have had the honor of hosting many incredible speakers who freely gave their time to visit and educate us through weekend lectures and labs. We were able to learn and practice many clinical skills during these meetings that will be sure to benefit us in our future careers. The AAV community is full of so many compassionate, generous, and highly skilled veterinarians. I am honored to be learning from the best!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

There's just something about macaws that I can't help but love. They are loud and kooky, can be difficult and sassy, but are also so silly and playful. I currently have a 22 year old severe macaw named Wiley who has taught me so much about what it takes to be a good bird parent (parront?) and I am learning new things every day! I also have a blue-crowned conure named Petrie, and 2 green-cheeked conures, Navi and Kiwi. I am certainly partial to all of these species!

The networking opportunities are probably some of the most valuable benefits of AAV membership. I have met and learned from so many wonderful veterinarians in AAV. These examples range from finding speakers for our student chapter meetings to connecting with AAV members for externship opportunities during my clinical year of school. I would not be where I am today without the help of so many wonderful, kind, and compassionate AAV members. I look forward to continuing on as a member after graduation!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would most likely have gone to music school. I have been playing piano since I can remember and guitar for 18 years. I have learned bits and pieces on a handful of other instruments over the years (mandolin, harmonica, ukelele, violin and banjo) but my two favorites will always be piano and guitar. Years ago, my best friend and I used to play fairly regularly at a local cafe and it was some of the most fun I have ever had!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2019

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My first bird experience was working with non-releasable raptors as part of an environmental education program called Wild Ontario at the same time that I began my undergraduate studies in 2014. Almost 6 years later, I am still involved with the program, helping with the daily care and training of falcons, owls, and hawks, as well as delivery of programs that educate the public about native raptor species.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Chickens will always hold a special place in my heart. I have been doing research on the behaviour and welfare of domestic chickens in the meat and egg industries for the last 5 years and have fallen in love with their intelligence and personalities, which can be just as fascinating and entertaining as those of companion parrot species.

An AAV membership provides a lot of resources to veterinary students interested in avian medicine. I find that these can be fun to go through when I want to take a break from studying for my classes in vet school. I'm also looking forward to the potential connections that I might be able to make through my membership.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

My first real love before animals in general was dinosaurs, so I might have ended up in paleontology. Otherwise, I am also passionate about animal training, and considered working towards becoming a professional animal behaviour consultant specializing in avian behaviour at one point.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I'm currently only in my second year of vet school, but my favourite class at the moment is Principles of Disease in Veterinary Medicine. It is an enormous amount of content to learn, but it made me realize that I also have an interest in pathology. Getting to learn about the occasional avian-specific disease is also a bonus.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2011

What was the first bird job you ever had?

During college, I started as a veterinary technician at an exotics clinic in North Jersey.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Participating in my first surgical lab was the most memorable. Since attending my first AAV conference I have signed up for a hands-on lab every year. It is great to see my mentors enjoy teaching as much as I enjoy learning. It's even more amazing to be able to then pass on that knowledge to new veterinarians and students. I'm looking forward to serving as AAV's Hands-on Workshop Coordinator for ExoticsCon 2020!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

It's hard to just pick one! My favorite psittacine would be a cockatiel with their sweet but spicy personality, my favorite regional wildlife species would be the great horned owl with their strength and fierceness, and who doesn't love chickens and waterfowl!!

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Rose-breasted galah with granulomatous cellulitis, dermatitis and osteomyelitis of the left wing and left distal phalanx of digit 2, cultures revealed MRSA. The bird was wasting away but after a full wing amputation and digit amputations, it is now thriving and pain free.

I love that AAV fosters collective learning, sharing of knowledge, and fostering of new veterinarians.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Wildlife rehabilitation

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I participated in a dairy cattle practicum in college which I loved. In veterinary school my exotic rotations were my favorite. I had the opportunity to spend 4 weeks at LSU which grew my love for wildlife.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2012

What was the first bird job you ever had?

My residency was officially the first job I had with birds. Unofficially, I bred and raised Australian native parrots throughout my childhood and this is where my love of birds came from.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

A highlight was being awarded an International Scholarship to attend my first AAV conference in 2012 in Seattle. I met such amazing colleagues that I am friends with and get to see every year at the conference!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I have a soft spot for cockatiels, I love them because they were the first bird I owned, and the reason I became a veterinarian. As I have worked more with birds, I love Caiques, they are such clowns and I love their personalities.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Recently I was able to treat a chicken with lead toxicity that required a blood transfusion. This was such a cool case because I was able to work with a local rescue to obtain Roosters that were her blood donors.

I love being able to connect with other like-minded veterinarians, going to the annual conference to learn and get the latest up-to-date information. Additionally, AAV have worked hard in recent years to provide a lot of educational tools for members including client information sheets and online webinars.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Probably an ornithologist working in conservation field work.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

My favorite class was our Avian, Exotic and Wildlife Course, I knew from the beginning what my professional goals were so I couldn't wait for the official learning of avian medicine in the last couple of years of the course.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

Coming to the US to study Avian medicine has been a huge journey for me, but I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had. During my residency I lucky enough to work with Bald Eagle, this was such a special moment as these birds are so majestic and special. But my advice to recent and new graduate veterinarians interested in avian medicine is to find a great mentor and make the time to learn from them.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

I love using the lone-star retractor, it is such a versatile surgery tool. It is great for coelomic surgery but I also use for avian dystocia to help dilate the cloaca and find the oviductal opening. It has many uses in small mammal and reptile medicine too.

More About Dr. Lee  

Dr. Lee has found social media to be a useful tool – you can find her on Twitter @DrAmberLee and Instagram @dr_amber_lee. She shared a few photos from recent cases to give us a glimpse of her work as an avian veterinarian.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

A wildlife rehabilitation center that worked to a large degree with different avian species, especially raptors.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Recently our club was able to take a field trip to a wonderfully run non-profit parrot rescue (the only one in the state of Iowa). It was a great learning experience thanks to the expertise of our advisor, Dr. Bianca Zaffarano!

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Turkey Vultures--sadly misunderstood but incredibly intelligent! I love their individual personalities and the significant roles they play in their ecosystems.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The student portal is great! I have used the externship locator and I plan on applying for scholarships for externships as well as our student chapter for club events. I also love the Online Education Portal. The topics and video presentations are a wonderful tool for filling in some gaps were the school curriculum may fall short. They have also given me ideas for new topics and wet labs for our club!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I'm confident I would still be working with birds in some fashion. My BS degree focused on wildlife care and many people in my field find jobs at zoos, conservation centers, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. I have one friend who is an aviculturist at the International Crane Foundation--very cool!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2013

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

My most memorable experience was when I went to the AAV conference for the first time during veterinary school. This was the first time that I had been surrounded by other people who were passionate about avian and exotic medicine and I was blown away by all of the knowledge that was being shared. This was also the moment that convinced me that I wanted to pursue a career in avian and exotic medicine.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species would have to be a cockatiel, even though they're one of the most common birds we see. I just think they have so much personality that even when they're being sassy in the exam room I can't help but find them cute.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

For me, the best part of AAV membership is the access to a wide variety of avian medicine knowledge, either via contacts with colleagues or the research posted in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. I feel like one of the more interesting parts of avian and exotic medicine is how much we all still have to learn about our patients and each new bit of knowledge we're able to obtain is invaluable.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I hadn't chosen veterinary medicine I probably would have done something related to music, most likely music education.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2010

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Prior to going to college I never had a chance to work with birds. After starting college and trying a few different jobs trying to build my resume for vet school, I found a job at the Southeastern Raptor Center working in their education collection. This was a great opportunity, as not only did I get to work with great birds, but I got to teach the public about them and their value in our ecosystems.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I love black vultures. They are incredibly intelligent birds. In a lot of ways they have very similar behaviors to many of our companion birds. I have had the chance to work with several educational black vultures and they are as nice as any psittacine I have met. Due to their intelligence, I have seen them become very crafty trying to outsmart their trainers, and often times we have had to implement foraging programs similar to what I would recommend for a companion bird. Vultures get a bad perception of being messy and lazy. Take some time to meet one of these birds if you have an educational program near you.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

We recently saw a falconer whose Harris hawk had suffered a very distal fracture of the right tarsometatarsus. We had a very limited amount of bone to work with, but were able to place a type II external fixator on the leg. Within 3 hours of recovery, the patient was weight bearing on the leg and able to grasp with the foot. I am always amazed at how quickly these patients can recover from something that would seem so debilitating to us.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The chance to meet and interact with fellow bird nerds has been amazing. When I came through vet school, Auburn only had a raptor program. I had no chance to get any exposure to companion birds through my school work. Attending AAV's conference back when it was in Seattle, I had the chance to meet some clinicians that later would allow me to come visit their clinic while I was in my senior year. This was a chance to expand my knowledge beyond what I could achieve at my school. Since graduating, networking with fellow members has continued to provide me with opportunities to learn and grow as an avian veterinarian.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

While in undergraduate and vet school, I worked in a raptor rehabilitation center. This was by far my favorite activity during school. It kept me focused on what I was working towards and let me see the application of my classes. Plus it was nice to get outside and do some work rather than sitting inside studying.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2017

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

Undoubtedly, when I got the 2018 AAV Student Externship Scholarship which is the most memorable moment in my life. This helped me to open a path to enrich myself through an externship in an aviary. I can still remember those memorable days.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Recently, Emu bird does enter into my favorite list. They are so friendly and I did examined them during my internship in Rangpur Zoo, Bangladesh, and I observed them very closely and liked their behavior to come close to the people and show their intimacy with the zoo-keeper.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

The most recent avian case I handled was about pump handled breathing in a short faced pigeon. As we have seen several cases about pump handled respiration in layer birds, but for me it's the first time where I saw this condition in a pigeon.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

It's a great opportunity to learn more about the avian species and AAV provides scholarships for the students which helps us a lot to expand our knowledge through externship. Together with many professionals, AAV creates a forum where we can share our thoughts and discuss about any query related to the avian medicine.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I think, i'd become a biologist.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

During my class, I liked the presentation session very much. At first, we had to select a specific topic about birds, their behavior, management, diseases and treatment and then gave our presentation in front of the whole class separately. This helped to build ourselves strongly and gave us the courage. And also it is a very easy way to learn the latest information through ourselves.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2019

What was the first bird job you ever had?

After my first year of vet school, I worked at ''Chouette à voir!'', which is a rehabilitation center for birds of prey, and I also worked at the Birds of Prey Clinic after my second year.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I would have to say the peregrine falcon, because we trained three of them at ''Chouette à voir!'' to hunt lures in front of visitors and I never stopped admiring their flight skills.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

Last summer, we had a lot of West Nile virus cases at the birds of prey clinic. The birds arrived in really poor shape and got better with only supportive care for a couple of weeks. Following their evolution from this condition was really impressive!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I would have been a physiotherapist. I practiced figure skating for 15 years and competed for 10 years. I injured myself three times and always enjoyed my weekly visits to the physiotherapist office.

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I recently had a couple of lectures with Dr. Isabelle Langlois on the essentials on companion bird medicine and they were my favorite lectures since I started vet school!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2015

What was the first bird job you ever had?

It was at a wildlife recovery center in 2007.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I love all birds, but I have a passion for the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Meet other veterinarian colleagues in love with birds, and get more knowledge about birds. 

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Surgery class

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Zoo Aviculturist

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

University of Sydney AAV Student Chapter President

What is your favorite avian species and why?

Rallus obsoletus. I've worked with these birds as part of a Species Survival Plan in all aspects including hand rearing and in-the-field population estimates. The Rallus genus is one of the most widespread genera in the world and it has been an utmost pleasure to work with this species of rallid.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The AAV provides excellent opportunities for professional development and networking by making available information and training for all of those in the avian healthcare field to advance their knowledge in pertinent bird news, education, and medical advances. 

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Vet school- epidemiology

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I have been bitten by a bald eagle and a rainbow lorikeet. I can confirm that lorikeets are more vicious.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Successful avian wildlife management takes a collaborative effort from avian veterinarians, wildlife rescuers and carers, and supportive veterinary and rehabilitation staff. We all have particular skill sets and experience that augment one another and it is vitally important that we all work together toward a common goal: a better tomorrow for all wild bird species at home and around the world.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2018

What was the first bird job you ever had?

Clinica per Animali Esotici, Rome, Italy

What is your favorite avian species and why?

My favorite avian species are raptors. I have loved them since I was very young, actually soon after the Dinosaur period. Now my interest in them has changed, of course, and I truly believe that all raptor species are extremely important for the environment as they are top predator, and they can bioaccumulate and show the consequence of pollution and poison that are present in the environment all around the world.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

We are dealing with a left ventricular dilatation in a cocktail. We are now conducting all the exams that we can according to the owner. Since now it seems a ventricular dilatation consequent to myocarditis.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

Make a group of people that like and work on the same subject. The possibility to speak and learn different techniques, protocols, and ways to solve the problem. The Journal it's also a great tool!!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

Naturalist biologist

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Clinical medicine and pathological anatomy

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

"I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not." Cit. Socrates

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Always check twice and review all the possible differential diagnosis, because if unprovable there is still one possibility.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2010

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I only worked with cats and dogs until I started working at Windcrest Animal Hospital almost 10 years ago. They needed an exotic technician. I was anxious to learn these new skills. I had some exposure to parrots through friends. But I found out that birds are my passion.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

I love attending the AAV annual conferences. It is wonderful to meet and share experiences, tips and tricks with others that share my passion.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I love Amazons. I find them to be highly intelligent and entertaining. Windcrest has a Mealy Amazon as a hospital pet. She and I bonded shortly after I started working there. It has been love ever since.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The ability to share ideas with others that love birds. The ability to communicate through Facebook and get relevant information on the AAV website. Also some of the lasting friendships I have made.

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I always wanted to be a veterinarian. But since I wasn't financially able to pursue that career, a licensed technician is the next best thing.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

I help one of our vets teach an exotic class for a local technical school that has an accredited Vet Tech program. One of my favorite classes to teach is Exotic Radiology. During the lab portion, I teach the students to take radiographs of various exotics. One of the most memorable moments is when we took rads of a hen. The students were excited to see that she had an egg in her coelom. But after she awoke from anesthesia, she laid the egg on the x-ray table. I don't think the students will ever forget that.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV Member Since: 

2019

What was the first bird job you ever had?

During my summer right after my first year in vet school I worked at Chouette à voir!, a birds of prey rehabilitation center in St-Jude managed by the UQROP (Union québécoise de réhabilitation des oiseaux de proie) which is affiliated with the Birds of Prey Clinic of our university.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I am in awe with the Great Horned Owl because of one particular bird from my summer at Chouette à voir!. We received an owlet that could not go back into the wild. We made the decision to train him with other birds, which were in the same situation as he was, so that he could become an ambassador! I saw him grow from a small fluffy feather ball that could fit in the palm of my hand to a 1.5kg adult bird who made his first flight with me!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

If I did not embark myself in the journey that is vet school, I would have taken the path of human medicine as a cardiologist! I finally made up my mind after a short observation internship at the Biodôme of Montreal, in which I saw the thrill of dealing with more than one species!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

Organizing and presenting the ''Bird of Prey: Emergency techniques'' wetlab for the students from across Canada during the Student Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (SCVMA) Symposium with the help of Dr. Guy Fitzgerald.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

Dr. Andrea Winkel-Blair, DVM, MPH

Andrea Winkel-Blair, DVM, MPH, is a graduate of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a concentration in zoo and aquarium sciences. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 2009. She earned her Masters in Public Health from University of Minnesota in 2010. She went on to join the US Army Veterinary Corps in 2009 where she was an active duty captain. After 4.5 years she decided it was time for a change and left the Army for private practice. Dr. Blair was in private practice for about 1 year before she decided that she wanted to go back for a 3-year residency in avian medicine at Texas A&M University. She currently is at MedVet Hilliard in Columbus, OH where she has been part of the medical team since 2018. She is passionate about Avian & Exotic Medicine and her special interests include exotic behavior medicine, avian surgery, avian reproductive medicine, raptor medicine, and reptile medicine and surgery. Dr. Blair is also excited about being elected as the incoming Chair of the Association of Avian Veterinarians Aviculture Committee. She is an active member in Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, American Veterinary Medical Association, and Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.

New Conservation Committee Co-chairs (joining current co-chair Dr. Jesse Fallon)

Dr. Nikki Becich, DVM

Dr. Nikki Becich, member of the AAV since 2014, is a 2018 graduate of Tufts Veterinary School. She is currently working with exotic companion and small animals at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital in West Virginia. Dr. Becich also works with the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, a non-profit organization started by Katie and Dr. Jesse Fallon which aims to treat and rehabilitate wild birds, as well as educating the community in the importance of local species conservation. She has worked as an international field associate for programs in Ecuador for the National Aviary since 2013. This position has allowed her to work against wildlife trafficking in South America, and work extensively in inter-situ Andean Condor conservation efforts between North American and Ecuadorean institutions.  

In January and February, Dr. Becich has been in Ecuador working with Bioparque Amaru Zoo to train veterinarians in avian medicine basics. Her time in Ecuador also helps the National Aviary better communicate with the organizations working in Ecuadorean Andean Condor conservation. The hope is that in the future, Amaru will be a leading in-situ site for Andean Condor breeding programs, and with support of the National Aviary gain accreditation with the Associacion Latinoamericana de Parques, Zoologicos, y Acuarios (ALPZA, The Latin America Zoo, Park, and Aquarium Association). The National Aviary and Amaru support the Fundacion Condor Andino and the Neotropical Peregrine Fund, who are leading Andean Condor research in the field.  She hopes to continue conservation work with wildlife centers and zoos for all her career, and appreciates the opportunities and connections offered by working with the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

New Research Committee Chair

Dr. Ashley Zehnder, DVM, PhD, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Ashley Zehnder graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City in 2006 and a 3-year residency in Companion Avian and Pet Exotic Medicine at the University of California-Davis, becoming boarded in Avian Medicine in 2009. She completed her Cancer Biology PhD in the Khavari Lab at Stanford in 2016, working on novel therapeutic strategies to target altered signaling pathways in epithelial cancers. Since beginning her research training at Stanford, she pursued interests in cancer biology as well as comparative medicine by maintaining active research interests in both fields. She spearheaded the Zoobiquity Research Symposia in 2014, 2016 and 2018 which brought together veterinarians and human medical researchers to discuss research efforts in infectious diseases, cancer as well as novel animal models of disease. 

Dr. Anthony Pilny (joining current Co-chair Dr. Anneliese Strunk)

Dr. Anthony Pilny is a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an internal medicine and surgery internship at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, Florida and a residency in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at The Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners certified in Avian Practice since 2005, and currently serves as vice-chair for the maintenance of certification committee. Dr. Pilny has lectured nationally and internationally about avian and exotic pet medicine and has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on birds and other exotic species.

Dr. Pilny is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians, and the Southern California and American Veterinary Medical Associations. He currently serves as the National Medical Director of the House Rabbit Society and serves on the advisory boards of The Avian Welfare Coalition and One Earth Conservation. Dr. Pilny is currently an associate veterinarian in the Department of Avian and Exotic Pets at ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospitals in Los Angeles, California.

New Student Committee/Veterinary School Liaison Co-chairs

Dr. Claire Grosset and Dr. Olivia Petritz

Dr. Claire Grosset graduated from Alfort School of Veterinary Medicine in France in 2008. She completed a specialized internship in Zoological Medicine at the Université de Montréal and a residency in Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine at the University of California, Davis. She became an ACZM Diplomate in 2014. She has a passion for research in exotic animals including companion avian species and birds of prey, and currently works as a clinical instructor at the Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire of the Université de Montréal, Canada.

Dr. Olivia Petritz completed her undergraduate and veterinary degree at Purdue University in Indiana. Following graduation, she completed a small animal medicine and surgery residency at a specialty hospital in San Diego, CA, followed by an exotic animal internship at Gulf Coast Avian and Exotics in Houston, TX. Dr. Petritz returned to California to complete an ACZM residency at the University of California, Davis in companion exotics and zoo medicine, and achieved board certification in November of 2013. She then started an exotics service at a specialty hospital in Los Angeles and worked there for three years prior to joining the faculty at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor of avian and exotic animal medicine.

AAV Member Since: 

2016

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I worked in Bird Hospital of Veterinary College of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In this place I conducted research on the Prevalence of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster in budgerigars, canaries and finches.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

In April 2018, I worked with Dr. Jaime Samour and other members of AAV in a video about celioscopy and endoscopy in falcons. 

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I love parrots, especially lilac-crowned parrots. My first parrot pet was a lilac-crowned parrot, It was very ill and was abandoned at the Bird Hospital of Veterinary College. He is so smart, lovely and friendly.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I have seen a chick parrot with pentadactilism (5 toes in each foot). It will be necessary to perform a phalangectomy, because these extra toes are deforming the feet.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

All the information to which we have access, because some avian veterinarians in Mexico don't have much money to do internships or clinical residency in others parts of world. AAV and the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery provide important information to help us in some avian medical cases.

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

AAV member since:

1984

What was the first bird job you ever had?

I worked on a loon mortality research project with Dr. Mark Pokras at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic. Loons from all over northern New England were brought to Tufts to determine why they died. I helped to perform necropsies, compile data, and write up the results. The study found that lead poisoning from swallowing fishing sinkers was the major cause of death of otherwise healthy loons.

Most memorable AAV experience or contribution

I presented two case report posters at AAV conferences, one on lockjaw caused by Bordetella avium in a cockatiel, and the other on a Candida keratitis in a lovebird. The process of writing up these cases and creating the posters was a great experience.

What is your favorite avian species and why?

I have had many favorite birds over the past 20 years of working as an avian veterinarian. Lately I am really enjoying working with pet chickens. I have chickens of my own, and they are wonderful and comical birds. Seeing them as patients is an interesting combination of individual and flock health.

What was the last interesting avian medical or surgical issue you dealt with in your work?

I have seen a number of otherwise healthy hens present with acute stroke-like symptoms. While the cause of the neurologic injuries were never determined, we were able to rehabilitate them back to being happy hens. I have one of them as a pet, and her quirkiness makes me smile every day.

Best benefits of AAV membership?

The Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the annual conferences are both great educational resources. Years back I was a reviewer for JAMS and I enjoyed that quite a bit. Last year I joined the AAV's Education Committee and am helping them create informative handouts for clients. Offering bird owners an alternative to all the misinformation the internet has to offer is a very worthwhile endeavor!

If you had not chosen your present career, what would you be doing?

I was pre-med in college and intended to go into human medicine. I suppose that would have been my alternate career, but being a veterinarian is way more fun!

What was your favorite class or activity in vet school/vet tech school/college?

I went into veterinary school wanting to specialize in birds. While there I took every avian class my school had to offer, but there weren't many of them in 1994. My real avian medicine education has come from mentors, colleagues, journals, conferences, and VIN.

Describe an anecdote that would be of interest to your colleagues

A few months into my first veterinary job I received a phone call from one of the practice's most lucrative dog and cat clients. She wanted to know why her chicken had died. When I asked her to bring the chicken in so I could do a necropsy she said oh no she had buried it 3 days ago. When I asked what symptoms it was displaying prior to death she said that it had not been moving around much. She was truly annoyed with me when I couldn't give her a satisfactory answer. A fitting introduction to life as a bird vet! :-)

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical avian practice that you can share with AAV members?

Find veterinary technicians interested in exotic practice, train them well, and treat them like gold. They are the best assets you will ever have!

AAV Members: We invite you to submit your member spotlight to be featured in this section of our AAV NewsLink. Don't be shy! Submit your spotlight questionnaire today!

To view additional member spotlights from past years, click here.