Congratulations to Dr. J.B. Minter, Senior Veterinarian at the NC Zoo and Dr. Emily Christiansen, Veterinarian for the NC Aquariums for successfully completing the grueling two days of examinations which are the final step in becoming certified as a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. Established in 1983, the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is an international specialty organization recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for certification of veterinarians with special expertise in zoological medicine. The American College of Zoological Medicine is dedicated to excellence in furthering the health and well being of captive and free-ranging wild animals.
The Environmental Medicine Consortium has one of the longest standing training programs for young veterinarians pursuing careers in zoological medicine and an enviable record in successful completion of the examinations by its alumni. Dr. Minter received his DVM from NCSU CVM and after an internship returned to NCSU and the EMC for his residency trainiing in general zoo medicine.
Dr. Christiansen received her DVM from Tufts University and after internship training entered the EMC’s zoological medicine residency focused on aquatic health. The success of Drs. Minter and Christiansen in becoming the latests additions to the distinquished group of veterinarians that makes up the American College of Zoological Medicine greatly strengthens the Environmental Medicine Consortium’s residency training programs in addition to the programs at their home institutions, the NC Zoo and the NC Aquariums.
Two additional former EMC residents made important strides in their quest to become diplomates of the ACZM. Dr. Tres Clarke, Associate Veterinarian at the Audubon Nature Institute, and former aquatics focused resident at NCSU successfully competed the first day of examinations and will have the opportunity to tackle the formidable second day examination next fall. Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema, the most recent resident to complete her program in general zoo medicine at NCSU, and a clinical faculty member at UC. Davis, successfully completed 3 of the 5 first day examinations and will be looking to complete day one and day two examinations next fall as well.
Everyone in the EMC recognizes the immense challenge posed by the ACZM board examinations and are proud of the efforts of everyone from the NCSU program taking board examinations this year.
