MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Veterinary Services Department is to provide a visionary level of veterinary care to our patients, to inspire people  of all backgrounds, and to passionately advance the  professional standards for zoological medicine in a way  that positively impacts the conservation of wildlife and  nature. The department’s current programs focus on three core areas of strength: medical imaging, anesthesia and  analgesia, and veterinary education.


Eric T. Hostnik, DVM, MS, DACVR, DACVR-EDI is a highly skilled radiologist with very strong interests in diagnostic imaging of zoo and aquarium species. He is a founding member and current president Zoo, Exotic, Wildlife Diagnostic Imaging Society within the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dr. Hostnik has been reading cases for the CZS Radiology Consulting Service for several years, supporting the diagnostic imaging needs of our clients around the world.

Dr. Hostnik completed his diagnostic imaging residency and Master’s degree program at the Ohio State University, where he is currently on faculty as an assistant professor. He completed his veterinary education at the University of Florida, followed by additional training as an emergency clinician with companion animals and pocket pets at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital. His research interests focus on the use of CT, including the role of CT in zoo settings.

When not working, Dr. Hostnik enjoys the music and sports of Columbus, Ohio, as well as snowboarding and camping when home in Vermont.

Trisha Oura, DVM, DACVR completed her rotating small animal internship, diagnostic imaging residency, and post-doctoral teaching position at North Carolina State University. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiologists in 2012. Since that time, Dr. Oura has worked in a variety of radiology settings including telemedicine, private practice and was an Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Tufts where she received the Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award. Currently at a specialty hospital in the San Diego area, Dr. Oura collaborates with local zoo and aquarium institutions to provide on-site and remote imaging support and has particular interest in CT and radiography.  Dr. Oura currently serves as secretary for the Zoo, Exotic, Wildlife Diagnostic Imaging Society within the ACVR. A strong believer in providing clinically applicable imaging interpretations, Dr. Oura enjoys mentoring house officers and providing continuing education to general practitioners.