UC Davis appoints new chair in companion exotic animal medicine

UC Davis announced, in a recent university release,¹ the new appointment of David Guzman, LV, MS, DECZM (Avian, Small Mammal), DACZM, as its Messmer Family Presidential Chair in the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service. Guzman succeeds Joanne Paul-Murphy, DVM, DACZM, DACAW, the inaugural holder of the position. Paul-Murphy has since retired after her many years of dedication to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) and the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).

According to the release, Guzman will serve in this role for the duration of his administrative appointment as Service Chief. Guzman is a professor of clinical zoological companion animal medicine and surgery, as well as, practicing in clinics and providing outstanding and innovative patient care. UC Davis praises him for “high quality resident and professional student clinical training, clinical case material for creative scholarship, and advancing clinical knowledge in exotic animal pets and birds.”¹ His research interests in improved methods of pain control in birds have resulted in dramatic improvements in patient care. He’s also active in service, including editorial board service and committees for his specialty colleges, as well as internal SVM and VMTH committees.

The companion exotic animal medicine and surgery service provides wellness care, specialized diagnostic testing, medical treatments, surgical options and emergency care for exotic companion animals.² Animals seen by the service include:

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Rodents (guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, hamsters)
• Hedgehogs
• Ferrets
• Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises)
• Fish
• Amphibians (frogs/toads, salamanders)
• Some wildlife

References

1. UC Davis appoints new Messmer Family presidential chair in companion exotic animal medicine and surgery service. News release. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. February 17, 2023.
2. Companion Exotic Animal Medicine & Surgery Service. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed February 17, 2023. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/small-animal/cape