Dr. Cathy Johnson-Delaney, who received
the award in 2003, presents the 2004 Exotic
DVM of the Year award to Dr. Peter G. Fisher.

Peter G. Fisher, DVM, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was honored as the EXOTIC DVM of the Year at the opening session of the 2004 International Conference on Exotics in Naples, Florida. He was selected from a slate of exotic animal clinicians who were nominated by readers of EXOTIC DVM Veterinary Magazine.

Dr. Fisher's fascination with exotic animals started early in life. As a youngster, he had a variety of animal companions besides dogs and cats, including rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, homing pigeons,a turtle and a pet pig.

He received a BS in Animal Science and a DVM degree from Purdue University, where he graduated in the top 10% of his veterinary class. After graduation, he moved to Virginia, and in 1984 he opened Pet Care Veterinary Hospital with one assistant and one receptionist. Pet Care is now a 5-doctor, 15-employee facility that was recognized as the "2000 Practice of Excellence" by Veterinary Economics magazine.

Dr. Fisher is skilled in medicine and surgery of all species and is a willing teacher and steward of exotic pets. He was instrumental in the organization of the
Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV).During his recent tenure as president of this organization, he helped create the Exotic Mammal Medicine and Surgery newsletter as the first step toward a serious journal for small exotic mammal species.