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ACZM Diplomate Spotlight: Michelle Davis, DVM, Dipl ACZM, Dipl ECZM

Dr Michelle Davis practices aquatic animal medicine as a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine (TM) at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA, USA.

What made you chose to become an ACZM Diplomate?

"I wanted to learn as much as I could about zoological medicine and push myself to study topics outside of my general knowledge base."

What was your pathway to becoming an ACZM Diplomate?

"I was lucky enough to train in several world-class facilities. I attended Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and trained in small animal medicine & surgery at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. Then I spent a year as an aquatic veterinary intern at Mystic Aquarium, followed by 3 years in Chicago completing the Chicago Zoo and Aquatic Animal Residency Program. There I was fortunate enough to rotate between Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Brookfield Zoo. I have had many amazing mentors, including (but not limited to) Drs. Tonya Clauss, Leigh Clayton, Jennifer D’Agostino, Larry Dunn, Kathryn Gamble, Scott Gearhart, Karen Kearns, Claude Lacasse, Jennifer Langan, Tom Meehan, Natalie Mylniczenko, Beth Nolan, Caryn Poll, Todd Robeck, Judy St. Leger, Bill Van Bonn, and Mike Walsh."

What is an accomplishment in your career that you are most proud of?

"Becoming an ACZM Diplomate!"

A team effort! Dr Michelle Davis performs diagnostic ultrasound on a manta ray with the team at Georgia Aquarium.

What is something that you haven’t yet accomplished in your career but are still striving to accomplish?

"I’m constantly learning and hope to continue to do so throughout my career. I have some interest in serving as an editor or co-editor in a penguin medicine and conservation book.."

Can you describe your daily activities in your current role at Georgia Aquarium?

"Quite variable but consists of practicing clinical medicine, mentoring residents, participating in ACZM journal club, going to meetings, working on publications, and paperwork, so much paperwork!."

Dr Michelle Davis bottle feeding a young walrus, just another day on the job!

What is your favorite part of being a Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine (TM)?

"Variety. I particularly enjoy working with penguins, belugas, raptors, rays, felids, sea lions, and sea turtles. I keep adding more to the list. That’s what I like most about this field, so many amazing animals and wonderful opportunities to care for them and learn about them. I’ve always loved koalas as well but have had limited experience with them.."

What are current research projects (if any) that you are working on??

"I’m finishing up authoring a case series on the use of neupogen in cetaceans, I’m also working on evaluation of beluga pregnancies in AZA facilities over the last 20 years with multiple collaborators, and I have an interest in pursuing several penguin publications."

Its not all animals that live in the water, when you are a zoo veterinarian there is no limit to the number of species you will see in a day. Here Dr Michelle Davis examines a sandhill crane that has a stockinette placed over the eyes to reduce stress.

Do you train residents or interns? What is your favorite part about training residents and interns?

"Yes. I love working with residents and interns. I probably learn as much from them as they learn from me."

You are a busy ACZM Diplomate, but what do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m also a mom and a wife. Spare time is limited! But I like to travel, exercise, spend time outside (hiking, cycling, playing tennis, playing with my kids), try new cuisines and restaurants, and go to the theater.

Dr Michelle Davis and team are drawing blood from a baby manatee to ensure systemic health.

If a veterinary student wanted to “grow up to be just like you” what career advice would you give them?

"Be persistent, learn as much as you can, get to know as many people in this field as you can."

ACZM has too many amazing diplomates to brag about, you can read about a few of them in our last few editions of ACZM Diplomate in Focus

ACZM Diplomates like Dr Davis treat and maintain health in managed aquatic animal populations, such as this dolphin.

Credits:

Created with images by David Clode - "Poised tree frog" • Claudia14 - "dolphin marine mammals water"

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