Exotic Animal Medicine -
Doctors and Staff
Laurel A. Degernes, DVM, MPH, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)
Current Position
Associate Professor of Avian Medicine
Education and Professional Training
- MPH in Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 2005
- Residency in Exotic & Wild Bird Medicine, NCSU, Raleigh, NC, 1990-92
- Internship in Raptor Medicine & Surgery, The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 1985-86
- DVM, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 1981
- BS (Veterinary Science), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 1979
- BA (Biology major, Chemistry minor; graduated with highest distinction), University of Minnesota, Morris, MN, 1976
Board Certification
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Avian Practice Originally certified in 1993 in the first group of diplomats and recertified in 2002 and 2011 (through 2023)
Professional Experiences
- On faculty at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, involved with teaching companion and wild avian medicine, as Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, 1992- present
- Staff Veterinarian in Raptor Medicine and Surgery, at The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 1986-90
- Small Animal and Mixed Animal (large and small animals) private practices in Minnesota, 1981-85
Professional Interests
My veterinary interests include diverse areas of avian medicine and surgery, including parrot, raptor and waterfowl medicine and orthopedic surgery. I have focused my career exclusively on birds since 1985, and every bird that I work with is a potential “teachable moment” for veterinary students and house officers. I have authored numerous manuscripts, case reports, and book chapters, and have given multiple conference presentations at local, state, national and international conferences on avian veterinary topics.
Other Interests
I grew up in a military family, but think of Minnesota as my “home state”, having lived there for more than 20 years before moving to North Carolina in 1990 (I call NC my home now). Outside of work, I enjoy backpacking in Alaska with my twin sister (who lives in AK), hiking, bird watching, swimming and canoeing with my partner and our rescue golden retriever.
Vanessa L. Grunkemeyer, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)
Current Position
Clinical Assistant Professor of Exotic Animal Medicine
Education and Professional Training
- Residency in Avian and Zoological Medicine, University of Tennessee CVM, Knoxville, TN, 2008-11
- Rotating Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Tennessee CVM, Knoxville, TN 2007-08
- DVM with Distinction, Cornell University CVM, Ithaca, NY, 2007
- BS (Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine major, Natural Resource Management minor, graduated as salutatorian), Rutgers University Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ, 2003
Board Certification
American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Avian Practice certified in 2010
Professional Experience & Honors
- Avian Research Associate, Dept. of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University CVM, 2011-2012
- Association of Avian Veterinarians Nominee for the American Veterinary Medical Association Future Leaders Program, 2012
- Chair of the Association of Avian Veterinarians’ Student Membership and Veterinary School Liaison Committees- 2011-present
- Association of Avian Veterinarians Resident Manuscript Competition Award, 2010
Professional Interests
Although I am board certified in Avian Practice, my advanced veterinary training and professional interests span the medicine and surgery of all exotic pet species. My clinical interests are in wound management techniques, rabbit and rodent dentistry, backyard poultry medicine, and in offering proper nutrition in a behaviorally enriching manner. Having authored multiple publications and lectured both locally and nationally on topics relating to exotic pets, I believe that one of the best parts of my job is continually learning and advancing the veterinary care that can be provided to my patients.
Other interests
As part of an Army family, I was born in Germany and moved throughout the United States growing up. I tend to speak a little fast as I spent many years living in New Jersey and New York, and I am still getting used to Southern hospitality even after living here for the last 5 years. I enjoy gardening, photography, and exploring the Triangle region with my 18lb beagle/Boston terrier mix named Bird.
Gregory A. Lewbart, MS, VMD, Diplomate ACZM
Current Position
Professor of Aquatic Animal Medicine
Education and Professional Training
- VMD, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 1988
- MS (Biology), Northeastern University, Boston MA, 1985
- BA (Biology), Gettysburg College, Gettysburg PA, 1981
Board Certification
Diplomate, American College of Zoological Medicine, 2000
Professional Experience
- On faculty at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, involved with teaching aquatic animal and reptile medicine, as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor, 1993- present.
- Corporate veterinarian for O’Beirne Tropical Fish and Greenway Farms Inc., Naples FL, 1988-1992.
Professional Interests
My teaching, clinical, and research interests focus on invertebrates, fishes, amphibians and reptiles. I speak locally, nationally and internationally on these subjects and have authored over 100 popular and scientific articles. I’ve also authored or co-authored over 20 book chapters related to veterinary medicine of the above-mentioned taxonomic groups and edited or co-edited three veterinary textbooks. I was named 2007 Exotic DVM of the Year by Exotic DVM Magazine and in 2012 received the William Medway Award for Excellence in Teaching by the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine. I am especially proud of my role as faculty mentor and supervisor for the NCSU-CVM Turtle Rescue Team.
Other Interests
I was born in Minnesota and grew up in New Jersey the oldest of four closely spaced boys. My entire family still lives within a 30-mile radius of Philadelphia. I enjoy creative writing and have two published novels, Ivory Hunters (1996) and Pavilion Key (2000), Krieger Publishing, Malabar, Florida. Both stories are scientific mysteries that raise important issues about wildlife conservation and man’s exploitation of the environment. My veterinarian wife (Dr. Diane Deresienski) and I live in downtown Raleigh with our assorted pets. We enjoy running, biking, hiking, boating, and an occasional round of golf.
Kate S. Pritchett
Current Position
Exotic Animal Medicine Clinical Technician
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, 2002
- Senior Thesis: “The effects of Scopolamine on learning and memory in Anolis sagrei, the Cuban anole”.
Professional and Volunteer Experience
- Taught high school Biology at Southern Vance High School, Henderson, NC, 2008 – 2012
- Volunteered at the Museum of Life and Sciences, Durham, NC, in the Animal Care Department, 2011 – 2012
- Veterinary Technician (2004-08) and Veterinary Assistant (2002-04) at Bowman Animal Hospital, Raleigh, NC
- Volunteered at NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, in the Living Conservatory, 2007 - 2008
- Veterinary Assistant at Bayside Animal Hospital, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 1998 - 2001
Professional Interests
I enjoy working with all of our exotic patients, but am especially interested in rabbits, ferrets, and reptiles. I enjoy the challenge of working with patients that are smaller and put together differently than dogs and cats.
Other Interests
I live in Raleigh with 3 rescued cats: Otis, Isis, and Mooch. I spend my free time reading, jogging, crocheting, and enjoying all the local produce this area has to offer as well as sampling the many local restaurants in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.
Lynsey Rosen, DVM
Current Position
Clinical Veterinarian in Exotic Animal Medicine
Education and Professional Training
- Internship in Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery: Oklahoma State University 2012
- Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery: University of Tennessee 2011
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: St. Matthew’s University and North Carolina State University 2010
- Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology: University of California, Santa Cruz 2004
Professional Experiences
- Relief Veterinarian, Tulsa Zoological Park
- Visiting Veterinarian, UC Davis Exotic Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Service
- Marvet Aquatic Animal Medicine Course
- Rehab Coordinator, Cayman Islands Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
- Scientific Aide, Cayman Islands Department of Environment
- Volunteer, Boatswain’s Beach Turtle Farm and Aviary
Professional Interests
My professional interests span a wide range of exotic pet and zoological medicine. I enjoy working with all of our small mammal, reptile, and avian patients! Particular interests include dentistry, endoscopy, nutrition, ferret medicine and surgery, avian infectious diseases, amphibian health, and bat biology.
Other Interests
I am originally from California, but have lived all over the US, as well as internationally, before landing in Raleigh. I enjoy hiking, camping, cooking, cinema, and spending time with my perfect and incredibly handsome dog, Shiloh.