Dr. Melissa Bourgeois graduated from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 with a DVM, and in 2010 with a PhD in veterinary medicine, focusing on gene expression in the equine host following West Nile virus infection. From 2010–2012, she served as an associate service fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducting research into methods to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza. She became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM) in virology (2011) and immunology (2013).

As a Professional Service Veterinarian at Merck Animal Health, Dr. Bourgeois leverages her vast veterinary knowledge, corporate expertise, communication and leadership skills, and a genuine passion for animals to build a better overall animal health community.

In her current role as Associate Director, Dr. Bourgeois oversees the direction of her fellow Professional Services Veterinarian team members, provides project management for data collection and analysis, offers support for corporate clients and universities, develops and presents CE lectures at various conferences, writes journal and research publications, and many other vital responsibilities. She first joined the Merck Animal Health team in 2012 as a technical services manager covering the Deep South region.

In addition to her research and industry work, Dr. Bourgeois has worked at local practices as an associate veterinarian and relief veterinarian.

Dr. Bourgeois calls the Atlanta area home, where you’ll likely find her spending time with her family, two cats, and a horse. Riding dressage, backpacking, and mountain hiking help keep her centered, providing further proof that there’s no hill Dr. Bourgeois can’t climb, whether it’s in the office, in the field, or at one with nature.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Florida
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine
• PhD, Infectious Disease, University of Florida

Areas of Interest

• Immunology (DACVM)
• Microbiology
• Virology (DACVM)
• Zoology

Publications

M. Patel, K. Carritt, J. Lane, H. Jayappa, M. Stahl, M. Bourgeois. Comparative efficacy of feline leukemia virus inactivated whole virus vaccine and canarypox virus-vectored vaccine during virulent FeLV challenge and immunosuppression. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology. 2015, 22(7).

Prevention of infectious disease module in the infectious disease handbook (https://www.dogflu.com/professionals/education-from-the-experts)