NAVC Welcomes A Ragin' Cajun as President

GAINESVILLE, FL – As a boy growing up in Thibodaux, LA, Don J. Harris, DVM loved animals, but never envisioned they would lead him to own a veterinary practice in Miami, FL, speaking engagements around the world and a term as president of the NAVC (North American Veterinary Conference).

An hour southwest of New Orleans, Thibodaux, LA, located on Bayou Lafourche, keeps locals and visitors busy with swamp tours, hunting, fishing and plenty of good zydeco music and Cajun food.  It is the perfect breeding ground for a future avian and exotic animal veterinarian.

“The three loves of my life are my son Adam, music and fishing, the latter two I attribute to my hometown,” said Harris.  “As a child I loved going into the swamps and seeing alligators, raccoons, deer and countless other wild animals thriving in their natural habitat.  My first job was catching water moccasins to sell to the local laboratory when I was 12.”

After graduating from E. D. White Catholic High School, Harris’ passion for animals drove him to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated in 1980.  Following graduation, he took a job in a Miami mixed animal practice and after several years decided to focus primarily on avian medicine.  During this time, Harris was actively involved with the Association of Avian Veterinarians, serving as a laboratory coordinator, 1991 Conference Chairman and recipient of the Outstanding Service Award.  He was also president of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association.  In 1996, he opened the Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center, an exotics-only veterinary hospital, the first in Miami.

“I recently pinned a badly broken leg on a 1 ounce lovebird,” said Harris, “and the 5-year-old little girl who owned the bird, walked over, hugged me tightly and said ‘Thank You for fixing Peachie.’  It gives me chills and reminds me that this is all worthwhile,” remarked Harris.

As a highly-sought lecturer, Harris shares his clinical work and exotic animal expertise with veterinary professionals around the world.  He never knew his role in a little conference up the road, a.k.a. the annual NAVC Conference held every January in Orlando, FL and the largest veterinary meeting in the world, would be one of the most rewarding professionally.

“I began working with the NAVC Conference in 1989 and since then it has grown in the number of program tracks, speakers and laboratories, without sacrificing quality,” Harris said.  “NAVC has given great attention to developing the avian and exotic medicine programs and the “Meeting Within a Meeting,” concept of holding all those lectures at the Marriott World Center creates a family-like environment, encouraging interaction among exotic practitioners,” said Harris. “There is a familiarity and bond that forms among us non-traditional companion animal professionals.”

Over the past 19 years, Harris has served as a NAVC Conference avian lab coordinator and instructor, an avian session chair, the avian and exotic animal program chair and winner of the 1997 Exotic Animal Speaker of the Year.  Elected to the NAVC Board of Directors in 2000, Harris is the first exotic animal practitioner to head the NAVC association.

“Don has given so much of his time and energy to elevating avian and exotic medicine,” said NAVC Executive Director Colin F. Burrows, BVetMed, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM, “he is a dedicated practitioner and an excellent example of doing what you love.”

The love of music gives Harris another creative outlet and he is a member of an all-veterinarian band, “Projectile,” that he founded in 2003.  Performing on guitar and vocals, Harris and his band have played several veterinary conferences and opened for NAVC Conference entertainers, Chicago, Clint Black and REO Speedwagon.  Music has also created a bond with Harris’ 14 year old son Adam, a budding drummer.

“Watching Adam grow and pursue his hobbies is the greatest gift,” said Harris.  “I absolutely love being a father and the time we spend listening to music or fishing together is irreplaceable.  The real question now is will Adam let me play in his band someday,” laughs Harris. 

The one-on-one time shared with Adam is very different from his childhood, surrounded by seven siblings.  Harris’ father Don, owner of Don Harris Buick/GMC (formally AutoHome Buick) and mother Carol Ann (deceased) had three additional sons: David, Del and Douglas (deceased) and four daughters: Ann, Cathy, Connie and Kitty. 

“Adam and I try to visit my Dad and stepmother Bridgett as often as possible,” said Harris.  “They keep me grounded and there is nothing more valuable than family.”

“Personally and professionally, the NAVC family has shaped my life,” said Harris, “my friends and colleagues have inspired me to be a better practitioner and been the best support system during difficult times.  They are quick to laugh and tell me a Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke and their love and concern for my friends and family following Hurricane Katrina, will never be forgotten.  I am proud to serve as NAVC president and be in the company of those who cherish this profession.”