A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Valued Readers
It was twenty-three years ago when I received a call from a stranger named Phil Samuelson. He was working on a new magazine about reptiles and asked if I would be interested in writing articles about reptile health and a monthly veterinary question-and-answer column. Without hesitation, I accepted the opportunity to be part of this exciting new venture.
dr. douglas mader
Where did the time go? Pictured on the left is dr. Mader with Bux, his first pet Burmese python, and 30 years later, not much has changed.
At that time, I had been practicing as an exotic animal veterinarian for only seven years but my practice was already almost exclusively focused on reptiles. I owe much of my experience to the Southern California Herpetological Society and the California Turtle and Tortoise Club for their trust in me and their continuous support throughout the years.
In those early days of my “Veterinarian Q&A” column in REPTILES, letters were still sent via snail mail which meant it could take up to eight weeks for me to receive them after they were written by readers. Despite this delay, I made sure to respond to every letter with thorough research and up-to-date medical information.
I have since answered over 350 questions in more than 250 columns for REPTILES and have also contributed numerous articles and features for Reptiles USA. I am grateful to my colleagues, Steve Barten and Rich funk, for their exceptional photographs that have been featured in my work.
throughout the years, I have received hundreds of letters from readers. Some were straightforward inquiries about reptile health while others simply wanted to share photos of their beloved herp pets.There were also some not-so-nice letters about other veterinarians or even myself,but I always made sure to respond with professionalism.
I take pride in providing accurate information backed by scientific literature in all of my columns. However, as a veterinarian, it is vital for me to draw the line between giving advice and making a medical diagnosis without physically examining the animal. This is why I always end my responses with a reminder for readers to consult their local herp vet.
In all thes years, my photo has only appeared a few times in the magazine which allowed me to attend herp shows anonymously and hear what people really thought about me without them knowing who I was. It has been an honor working with Russ case and his team at REPTILES, as well as developing friendships with them over time.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind readers that if they need a good reptile veterinarian, they should look for one who is a member of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). The “Need a Herp Vet” box on this page can help you find one near you.
this may be goodbye from REPTILES, but it’s not goodbye from me! I will still be active in the herpetology world so don’t be surprised if you see me at conferences or shows – although you probably won’t recognize me.
Thank you,REPTILES readers,for a fantastic ride.
Sincerely,
Doug
Douglas R. MADER, MS, DVM, DABVP (C/F, R/A), DECZM (HERPETOLOGY), is a graduate of the university of California, Davis. He owns the Marathon Veterinary Hospital in the Conch Republic and is a world-renowned lecturer,author and editor. He sits on the review boards of several scientific and veterinary journals.
A Look Back at 23 Years with REPTILES Magazine
I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our loyal readers who have been with us for the past 23 years. It has been an incredible journey filled with challenges and rewards.
dr. douglas mader
The Beginning of My Column in REPTILES Magazine
I still remember when I received a call from Phil Samuelson, the editor of REPTILES Magazine, asking if I would be interested in writing a monthly veterinary question-and-answer column for their new magazine.I was thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture and have been grateful for the opportunity ever since.
The Evolution of Letters to Emails
When my column first started, letters were sent via snail mail which meant it could take up to eight weeks for me to receive them after they were written by readers. As technology evolved, so did our dialog with readers. From faxes to emails with multiple image attachments, I have always enjoyed the challenge that came with each inquiry.
A Personal Goal: Providing accurate information
I have always made it my personal goal to provide accurate information backed by scientific literature in all of my columns. Though, as a veterinarian, it is indeed critically important for me to draw the line between giving advice and making a medical diagnosis without physically examining the animal. This is why I always end my responses with a reminder for readers to consult their local herp vet.
My Photo in REPTILES Magazine
In all these years, my photo has only appeared a few times in the magazine which allowed me to attend herp shows anonymously and hear what people really thought about me without them knowing who I was. It has been an honor working with Russ Case and his team at REPTILES Magazine and also developing friendships with them over time.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I want to thank all our loyal readers who have been following my work over these past 23 years.yoru support and trust mean everything to me and I am grateful for every letter or email that you have sent throughout this journey.
dr. douglas mader
A special Thank You to the Southern California Herpetological Society and the California Turtle and Tortoise Club
I owe much of my experience to these two organizations for their trust in me and their continuous support throughout the years. Not only have they referred thousands of patients to me, but I have also been actively involved in their clubs, frequently lecturing and participating in their events.
Looking Ahead
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Thank you for all your support and interest in our reptile-focused articles! Dr. Mader will be greatly missed.