CHICAGO, 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kathryn Gamble, DVM, Lincoln Park Zoo’s Dr. Lester E Fisher director of veterinary medicine recently became the first American – and first woman – to be awarded Diplomate status within the Zoo Health Management subspecialty by the European College of Zoological Medicine, an elite certification recognizing exceptional expertise in this specialty.
Gamble, or “Doctor Kathryn,” already held the distinct honor of being board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), a certification only approximately 160 veterinarians throughout the world can boast. The process of certification is arduous, requiring years of disciplined study, two day-long examinations, robust original research published in peer review journals and five first author publications.
From aardvarks to zebras and every mammal, bird, fish and insect in the alphabet in between, the diverse array of patients a zoo veterinarian medically treats and cares for on a daily basis is extraordinary. Gamble has risen to top recognition in her profession in both the US and Europe.
Under her veterinary leadership, Lincoln Park Zoo has become one of only 20 accredited zoos and aquariums certified by ACZM as a teaching institution. Gamble mentors veterinary residents, and this year will teach her 50th senior veterinary student.
“Every veterinary resident who finishes his or her residency here is to become ACZM board eligible, which in itself is a prestigious recognition in the veterinary field. They can then take the examinations to become fully certified as a specialist,” explained Gamble.
With Gamble now recognized as a specialist by the European college, the goal of the zoo’s veterinary residency program is to have residents eligible for board certification from both the American and European Colleges of Zoological Medicine.
“This type of cross continental mentorship is extremely valuable and speaks to the global nature of zoo medicine,” said Gamble. “For example, we spearheaded great ape bloodtyping research here in Chicago and this work was then used to save a chimpanzee’s life in Africa. Sharing and cross fostering across continents is critical for the future success of animal care and saving species from extinction.”
Gamble holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science in Veterinary Physiology/Pharmacology from Texas A&M University.
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About Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org
Media Contacts: Sharon Dewar Tiffany Ruddle
(312) 742-2246 (312) 742-5791
SDewar@lpzoo.org TRuddle@lpzoo.org