From alligators to Antarctica: meet the exotic and wildlife animal expert alum

From alligators and sea turtles in the Florida Keys to penguins in Antarctica, UC Davis veterinary medicine alum Dr. Doug Mader ’79, M.S. ’82, DVM ’86, Residency ’88 has spent nearly four decades caring for exotic animals and wildlife around the world. A triple-board-certified veterinarian, author and mentor, he has built a career focused on animal health, conservation and the human-animal bond.

His path to veterinary medicine, however, took an unexpected turn after a serious car accident during graduate school left him with injuries that could have ended his career. Watch the video below to learn about his story and how resilience, mentorship and a commitment to caring for animals helped shape the life and career he has today.