Companion Avian and Exotic Pets Personnel
Veterinarians
Michelle Hawkins, VMD, DABVP, Chief of Service
Dr. Hawkins received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997. She completed a residency and a fellowship in Companion Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of California, Davis in 2001. After two years in private practice working specifically with avian, reptile and exotic small mammal patients, she joined the faculty of the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and is now the Chief of Service for the Companion Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service. Dr. Hawkins research interests are primarily focused on anesthesia, analgesia and critical patient care for birds, reptiles and companion exotic small mammals. She also has a special interest in inherited disorders in exotic animals.
Marilyn Koski, DVM
Dr. Koski received her veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis in 1992. She has been treating exotic animal species for 15 years in private practice and 10 years with the Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Service at University of California, Davis. She has also worked with exotic animals in parks and aquaria in the U.S., Asia and Australia. Dr. Koski is trained in veterinary acupuncture.
Scott Weber, DVM
Dr. Weber received his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and his MSc in Aquatic Pathobiology/Veterinary Science from The University of Stirling, Scotland in 2000. He was the Head Veterinarian/Director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium from 2001-2007. Dr. Weber has interest and experience with zoological and aquarium collections, companion exotic animals, marine animal rehabilitation, and conservation medicine. He has special interest in the immune response of fish, reptiles, and amphibians to infectious disease.
Theresa Baumgartner, DVM
Dr. Baumgartner received her BS in electrical engineering from UC San Diego in 1992, and designed software for ten years. She received her DVM from UC Davis in 2006, and completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Louisiana State University in 2007. Dr. Baumgartner began her residency in Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at UC Davis in August, 2007.
Elizabeth Mitchell, DVM, MS
Dr. Mitchell received her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Georgia and her master’s degree in zoology from the University of Texas at Austin. She then attended veterinary school at the University of Georgia, where she received her DVM in 2004. Following graduation, Dr. Mitchell completed a one-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Dr. Mitchell entered the residency program in Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at UC Davis in 2005. She has a special interest in internal medicine.
Ashley Zehnder, DVM
Dr Zehnder completed her veterinary degree at the University of Florida. She also completed a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Her future goals include work in a specialty practice working with companion exotics or potentially pursuing a career in academia. Dr. Zehnder entered the residency program in Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery at UC Davis in 2006.
Last Modified: 01/20/07