Trevor J. Gerlach DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Cardiology
DVM
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship
University of Pennsylvania Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital
Residency
University of Georgia Veterinary Medical Center
Certification
Board Certified in Cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Dr. Trevor Gerlach attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate & veterinary studies. During pursuit of his veterinary degree, he completed International & Aquatic Animal Health certificate programs.
Following a rotating small animal medicine & surgery internship at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Gerlach returned to UF to complete a 2-year aquatic animal fellowship. During those years, he was involved with marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. As a fellow, he developed the technique for echocardiography in manatees and published several studies pertaining to dogs, apes, fish, and manatees. He also established reference parameters for echocardiography and tests of coagulation, including thromboelastography, in manatees.
Prior to joining VSC and shifting his focus to dogs/cats in 2019, Dr. Gerlach was the associate veterinarian at Zoo Tampa during which time he became involved with the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP). After several years in the zoo/aquatic field, he elected to pursue a cardiology residency with a research focus on ape heart disease and a clinical focus on dogs/cats at the University of Georgia.
In addition to providing medical and surgical cardiac care to pets in the greater Chicago area, he is the lead cardiac advisor for the GAHP. He has also continued his work within the zoo/aquatic field through research, publication, and lectures. Additionally, he provides on-site and virtual cardiac consultations for various zoos and aquaria both domestically and abroad.
Get to Know the Expertise, Skill, and Heart Behind VSC
Why did you decide to become a veterinarian?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with animals, biology, and ecology. I grew up in a household that recognized my interest early on, and my parents heavily fostered this interest with exposure to several pets growing up, including birds, reptiles, cats, and dogs.
I was watching a documentary on the Discovery channel my senior year of high school when I learned that veterinarians played an impactful role in wildlife conservation. I enrolled at the University of Florida where my major and minor studies in Animal Sciences & Wildlife Ecology & Conservation furthered my interest in veterinary medicine.
How did you become interested in your specialty?
My interest in cardiology developed early on in my veterinary studies when I was personally diagnosed with heart disease. I had the privilege of working with the University of Florida cardiologists who encouraged me to pursue my combined love of wildlife/zoological medicine & cardiology. We completed cardiac research studies in maned wolves and manatees during my time as a veterinary student, intern, and during my aquatic fellowship, which paved my current path in cardiology.
What is your philosophy of patient care?
Like all veterinarians, I think all patients warrant treatment and bedside manner as if they were my own. Appointments and hospitalization are often preceded by a lot uncertainty and angst on the part of pet owners, and inevitably cause some degree of stress to the pet. For this reason, I strive to provide owners with reassurance and clarity on what to expect with their pet, & I treat each patient as if it were my own personal pet. I also expect that my colleagues and support staff share the same sentiments, which factored into my decision to join VSC.
What are some of your biggest challenges in your area of expertise?
Cardiology is a relatively new field within veterinary medicine. While that can be exciting at times, it also means that we still have a lot to learn. We are often forced to extrapolate diagnostics and therapies used in human medicine that may or may not ultimately pan out to be the ideal option for dogs and cats.
Is there a particular case that inspires or motivates you?
I’m motivated by the change I see in an owner’s face when I’m able to provide a diagnosis and appropriate therapy for their pet to afford them a better quality of life for whatever time they may have. I find surgical correction of cardiac diseases (patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, arrhythmias requiring pacemaker therapy) especially rewarding.
What do you like to do outside of work (pets, family and other fun stuff)?
Outside of work, Dr. Gerlach is involved with a number of research projects involving zoo and aquatic species. He is also the lead cardiac advisor for the Great Ape Heart Project. He enjoys international eco-travel, soccer, and has a soft spot for yellow labradors, chihuahuas, and horses. His immediate family, including his 3 nieces and nephew, resides in Florida where he travels several times each year.