Dr. Jim Wellehan

Jim Wellehan, D.V.M., Ph.D., a professor in the college’s department of comparative, diagnostic and population medicine, received the 2023 Reptile and Amphibian Veterinary Excellence, or RAVE, Award from the Reptile and Amphibian Association.

The award is presented annually to one veterinarian in recognition of his or her outstanding contributions in advancing the care of reptile and amphibian medicine and conservation.

A specialist in both zoological medicine and microbiology, Wellehan is associated with the zoological medicine service and serves as the veterinarian of record for the Lubee Bat Conservancy and Santa Fe Teaching Zoo. He also co-directs the Zoological Medicine Laboratory at UF and developed molecular diagnostic testing there in 2002. His research interests focus on evolution and ecology of pathogens of non-domestic animals, with an emphasis on molecular diagnostics and pathogen discovery.

The association focuses on improving the health and welfare of reptiles and amphibians by cultivating an engaged and educated global veterinary community.