Tom Boyer, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian) is the 2024 recipient of ARAV’s Fredric L. Frye Lifetime Achieivement Award. Without Dr. Tom Boyer’s contributions to the field of herpetological medicine, we very likely wouldn’t be here today. In 1990, he co-founded the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) and served as the first president. He established the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, and served as chief editor until 2008, setting a high standard for herpetological research and practice. He is one of the founding diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) specialty in Reptile and Amphibian Practice achieving certification in 2010. He has since been instrumental in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals by offering one of only two ABVP-approved residencies in his field at his clinic, the Pet Hospital of Penasquitos.
Dr. Boyer earned his DVM from Colorado State University in 1989 and has been a practicing veterinarian since. His deep-rooted passion for herpetology, cultivated from a young age through his private collection of herpetofauna, has enhanced his practical knowledge of husbandry and clinical expertise. During his undergraduate years at the University of Colorado Boulder, he had the good fortune of working in Dr. David Chiszar’s lab where he cared for a variety of venomous snake species used in behavioral research.
Dr. Boyer’s contributions to the field are further demonstrated through his extensive scholarly output, including over 50 articles in scientific journals and proceedings, as well as his participation in numerous conferences, symposiums, and continuing education events. He is also the author of Essentials of Reptiles: A Guide for Practitioners and has written chapters for various textbooks.
Dr. Boyer’s career is marked by his dedication to excellence in reptile and amphibian practice, his contributions to veterinary education, and his unwavering commitment to advancing the field through research, mentorship, and leadership. His lifetime of achievements makes him deserving of this prestigious award numerous times over and we are honored to celebrate the legacy he has created.