Reptile expert honored by AAZV
Dr. Elliott Jacobson a professor of zoological medicine at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has received the 2011 Emil Dolensek Award from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.
The AAZV named Jacobson as the recipient of the award, which consists of $1,000 and a plaque, during the group’s annual meeting, held in Kansas City Oct. 22-28.
Recipients must be a past or present member of the AAZV and the award is made in appreciation for exceptional contributions to the conservation, care and understanding of zoo and free-ranging wildlife, reflecting Emil Solensek’s commitment to these purposes.
“Emil was in the prime of his life and his career, and this award recognizes similar individuals that have advanced the profession and served to link the related disciplines of zoo and wildlife medicine,” according to award criteria listed on the AAZV website.
Jacobson, an early member of the UF veterinary college’s faculty, received his Ph.D. and D.V.M. degrees from the University of Missouri in 1975. He became board-certified in zoological medicine in 1985.
His research interests include zoological medicine, reptile medicine, reptile infectious diseases and antimicrobial pharmacokinetics. Among the awards he has amassed in his career are the Fredric L. Frye Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians in 2004; the Golden Tortoise Award from the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee in 2002; the UF Research Foundation Professorship award in 1997 and the Conservation Award from the Desert Tortoise Council, which he received both in 1995 and 1996.