President's Letter
Jennifer Langan, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (Zoo Health Management)
This year, despite extraordinary challenges, ACZM Diplomates have worked harder and more closely together than ever. Making good use of our growing comfort and expertise with online platforms, the Executive Officers and Committees worked diligently to accomplish their goals and to move our organization forward. From constructing the exam, to defining our strategic plan, launching a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility ad hoc Committee, to expanding the depth of our honorary members to aid in the development of wildlife population and ecosystem health training programs – it’s been a busy and rewarding time. The success and growth of the ACZM is reliant on our diplomates sharing their time and talents to support and strengthen our specialty college. Due to their passion and dedication spanning over 38 years, the ACZM has become a global leader in the training, education, and certification of specialists in zoological medicine. To those Diplomates that are already contributing your time to the college, a very heartfelt thank you! To those of you that haven’t yet had a chance to get involved remember these activities can help you meet MOC requirements and give you the opportunity to get to know and work with fellow diplomates. If you are interested getting involved in the ACZM or would like to learn more, I encourage you to contact info@aczm.org.
Hoping you find this edition of the ACZM newsletter informative and inspiring. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer!
Jennifer Langan, DVM, Dipl ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (Zoo Health Management)
President, American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM)
2021 ACZM Exam Prep Course
ACZM Demographics
In this edition you will be introduced to some of our newest members, learn more about an ACZM Diplomate that practices Zoological Companion Animal medicine in Australia and read about some of the conservation projects lead by ACZM Diplomates. Our ranks are growing each year, but we are still a small College with less than 300 Diplomates. Learn more about how the ACZM has grown since it’s inception, where and in what kind of jobs Diplomates are employed by clicking here.
New 2020 ACZM Diplomates
The ACZM added 23 new #outstandingACZMDips in 2020, and we could not be more proud. Take some time to meet our newest members.
Conservation in Focus
ACZM Diplomates work at zoos and aquaria, provide care for zoological companion animals, and manage populations of wildlife within their ecosystems. Our #amazingACZMDips lead a variety of conservation projects globally, providing support for at risk populations and ecosystems.
Sea Star Conservation in the Gulf of California
Claire Grosset, Dr. med vet, IPSAV, CES, Dipl ACZM
Claire Grosset, Assistant Professor in Zoological Medicine at the Université de Montréal, recently lead a project about sea star conservation in the Northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico in collaboration with a veterinary student club about marine ecosystem health. Take some time to learn more about this underwater conservation project.
Scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction in Chad
Julie Swenson, DVM, Dipl ACZM
Julie Swenson, Associate Veterinarian at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, has been participating in the reintroduction of Scimitar-horned oryx and addax to their native range in Chad. This conservation project has many working parts and aspects that Dr. Swenson has been able to to use her unique skill set to provide care for these animals and without this effort, this species would be extinct. Read more about this conservation effort here.
Diplomate in Focus: Izidora Sladakovic BVSc (Hons I), MVS, DACZM
The ACZM has so many great Diplomates to talk about, its hard to choose just one for each Newsletter. This edition, we have taken some time to virtually catch up with the very busy, Dr. Izidora Sladakovic who owns and runs an exclusively avian and exotic practice in Australia. In her honor, maybe you have noticed the Australian theme to the animals presented in this Newsletter!
Credits:
Created with images by DenisDoukhan - "major mitchell's cockatoo parrot ara" • csharker - "fish coral great barrier reef" • LoneWombatMedia - "kangaroo joey wallaby" • Kapa65 - "snake inland taipan australia" • SeaReeds - "horned bird cassowary blue" • Hans - "bearded dragon farbbartagame schuppenkriechtier" • BeckyTregear - "koala australia wildlife"