*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]