Introducing our newest house officers at the Wildlife Clinic: Dr. Erica Bender and Dr. David Minich! We look forward to seeing you around the clinic!
We asked them some questions to get to know each of them a little better.
Dr. David Minich, DVM, MAS, CertAqV
Where are you from? What vet school did you go to (and graduation year)?
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University and graduated in 2021.
Why did you decide to pursue your residency here at the WMC?
The Illinois Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency provides extensive exposure and training in the medical care of zoo-housed wild animals, native wildlife, and companion zoological species. These opportunities will allow me to develop my skills as a veterinarian and provide the highest level of care in my future career.
What are you most excited about working here at the WMC?
I am very excited to work alongside students on a wide variety of cases and patients, with the ultimate goal of providing the best care possible to native wildlife while supporting the education of veterinary students.
What is your favorite wildlife animal to work with?
I am particularly fond of both owls and bears, but I truly enjoy everything – it’s the diversity of species that drew me to this field!
What are your future career aspirations?
After completing my residency, I aspire to become board-certified in zoological and aquatic animal medicine and pursue a career in clinical medicine at a traditional zoo/aquarium, while also conducting research to further the knowledge and medical care of zoo-housed and free-ranging wild animals.
Anything else you would like to share?
I recently traveled to Laos and volunteered at a major wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center. I hope to incorporate field-work such as this into my future career to help support in-situ conservation initiatives.
Dr. Erica Bender DVM
Where are you from? What vet school did you go to (and graduation year)?
I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. I attended vet school here, at The University of Illinois, and graduated in 2022!
Why did you decide to pursue your residency here at the WMC?
I am doing my specialty internship here, rotating between the WMC, our Zoo Medicine service, and our Zoo Ambulatory service. When I was a vet student, I volunteered and was one of the managers of the WMC and it has such a large part of my heart. I am super excited to be back working with all of our amazing faculty doctors and students, while getting to learn more about treating all the non-traditional species we see.
What are you most excited about working here at the WMC?
I am most excited about working with students and getting to be there as they develop their clinical skills and knowledge then apply them to treat our native wildlife species. Seeing their passion and the effort they put into treating our patients is always inspiring. And raptors, I’m very excited to work with raptors again!
What is your favorite wildlife animal to work with?
I spent a lot of time volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA, so I’m a bit partial to working with California Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals. However, of our native Illinois species, my favorite species to work with are the red-tailed hawks.
What are your future career aspirations?
I want to be a zoo doctor when I grow up! I love the diversity of cases and the teamwork involved in treating animals in a traditional zoo setting.
Interviews conducted by Aimee, Class of 2025
