Dr. James W. Carpenter named "Exotic DVM of the Year"

By the time he was 10 years old, James W. Carpenter, MS, DVM, Dipl ACZM wanted to be a veterinarian for wildlife (this term included all "exotics" at that time).

On May 13, 2000, he received yet another honor for his commitment to this field. He was acknowledged as the Exotic DVM of the Year at the 2000 International Conference on Exotics held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Presented by EXOTIC DVM Veterinary Magazine, Carpenter is only the second recipient of this tribute. The award is given to an outstanding veterinarian who not only has personal expertise with a wide range of exotic companion animal species but is also committed to increasing the competence and confidence of other clinicians in this field and to raising the standards of care for these species.

Dr. Carpenter is well known in the wildlife, zoo and exotic animal community, where he has dedicated his entire professional life. Prior to his current position as Professor of Exotic Animal, Wildlife and Zoo Animal Medicine at KSU, he was a leader and research veterinarian for the Endangered Species Propagation Program at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland.

Many of his contributions to the veterinary community have been through writing. He has authored over 130 scientific papers and has been active in several editorial capacities including editor of the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. .He is currently the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the author of Exotic Animal Formulary, now being published by W.B. Saunders Co..

Dr. Carpenter initiated and hosts the annual Midwestern Exotic Animal Medicine Conference at KSU. He is also a speaker at other national and international veterinary conferences, including an upcoming program in Japan.