*This is your friend, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald,* begins the message on his
answering machine.  It took us a while to connect, but within five
minutes it was easy to understand why.  Here is a man who has time for
family, friends, colleagues and his work, but still finds time to relax!
He fills every moment with life!
 
Soft-spoken, this kind-hearted man is funny, talented and bright.  Known
around the world for his work on Animal Planets *Emergency Vets,* Dr.
Fitzgerald is the exotics specialist at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital
in Colorado.  Born and raised in the Mile High City, this soft-spoken man
grew up in a tight, Irish family with a brother and lots of cousins!
Most of them still live there.
 
As a boy, Dr. Fitzgerald loved science, animals and people  not to
mention glands!  These tiny, little things that could cause such big
changes captured his thoughts, leading to a masters degree in
endocrinology.  After obtaining a Ph.D.  in the field, Dr. Fitzgerald
became a professor, teaching at both Harvard University and the
University of Hawaii.  His love for animals caused Dr. Fitzgerald to
apply for vet school.  *Lifes not a footrace  you can change gears,*
he said.
 
His Irish heritage found its way to his toes, as Dr. Fitzgerald combines
his tap-dancing talent with his love of comedy.  *Whatever we do, we need
a hobby,* Dr. Fitzgerald states.  He loves movies of every kind.  And
strongly believes that music should be experienced LIVE!  According to
the hospital website, *He thinks none of us laughs enough.* So, it was
not surprising to have him share, *I have good hygiene!* Most small
animal vets are experts in cats and dogs, but know little about exotics.
Dr. Fitzgerald says that his first experiences with exotics came from
the rabbit, reptile or ferrets that came through the door.  Because he
was willing to see them, he soon became the expert.  Asked about his
favorites, Dr. Fitzgerald stated that he loves ferrets and turtles.
*I love (ferrets) because they do have these problems* we have to fix.
 
Dr. Fitzgerald ultimately obtained board certification in canine and
feline medicine, *to gain some credibility in that area,* he said.  He
maintains his credibility at home with his two cats and Chinese crested
dog.
 
Dr. Fitzgeralds research background has led to several research
projects, including the study of mast cell tumors in dogs.  He is
currently working on the development of a new rattlesnake anti-venom.
He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rocky
Mountain Poison and Drug Center.  He will discuss common household
poisons at the Symposium on April 29.  Come experience Dr. Kevin
Fitzgerald on April 29 at the 2005 Ferret Symposium in St. Louis, MO!
 
To use this vet:
Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, 9770 East Alameda
Avenue, Denver, CO 80247
Phone: 303.366.2639 Fax: 303.344.8150
Website: http://www.alamedaeast.com/
 
Meet Me in St. Louis!
April 29 - May 1, 2005
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 4823]