Intern Class 2008–2009

Azalia Boyd, DVM

Growing up in New York City, my exposure to the animal kingdom was minimal. I was constantly begging my parents for a turtle, or a puppy, or a hamster, or a bunny, and even a tiger! Every creature on animal planet, I wanted! Needless to say, that did not happen. I literally was stuck with “Goldie”, my half-a-inch goldfish.

My family relocated to the sweet south of Georgia. I was mesmerized by the farm animals: horses, cows, goats, etc. I knew that whatever I decided to do with my life, had to be fulfilling, rewarding, and had to include my furry friends.

A friend introduced me to Tuskegee University, the only historically Black College that houses a veterinary school, in Alabama. I graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal and Poultry Science in 2004, after which I completed veterinary school from TUSVM (Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine) in 2008. Having the opportunity to complete this internship at Friendship has been such an opportunity. Each day, I have the chance to expand my knowledge and save lives.

Kristine Covert, DVM

I grew up in Maryland, just north of Washington, DC. I was a veterinary technician for several years in Maryland, and then I moved to Georgia where I continued my career as a vet tech. I finally completed my undergraduate degree, at the age of 30, at Kennessaw State University. I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. I finished my clinical year at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I completed a six-month internship in Equine Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, prior to heading back home to the DC area to start my internship here at Friendship.

I like to spend with my husband, Joe, and our four legged children: Ripken and Ruby, the two dogs, and the kitties - Muffet, Stonie and Cammie (Cammie came back from the island with me). I love being in the outdoors and enjoy riding horses, camping and softball.

Melissa Ehrlich, DVM

I grew up in a small suburb outside of Reading, PA. I would often care for the neighborhood animals and when I was old enough, I started volunteering at a local veterinary practice.

I attended Emory University. I majored in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and graduated in December of 2002. The summer after my freshman year I had a great opportunity to work at Zoo Atlanta. I worked closely with the orangutans and gorillas. My most memorable experiences at Zoo Atlanta included bottle feeding baby Jasiri, a gorilla abandoned by his mother, and communicating by sign language with Chantak, an orangutan who often asked for his favorite meal: hamburgers and fries from McDonalds.

I graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2008. I am very excited my internship year at Friendship Hospital for Animals. My interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

My fiancé, Matt, and I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, biking, and running. Much of our time is also spent planning for our upcoming wedding in September of 2009. We have a Weimaraner named Ella and two cats, Oliver and Gracie.

Christina Heathcock, DVM

I am originally from Ohio where my family still resides with my two cats, Clarence and Camouflage. Becoming a veterinarian was always a dream of mine, and I made a journey across the United States to Southern California to make it come true at Western University of Health Sciences.

After graduation, I arrived in Washington, D.C. to be a part of the Friendship family. I have a strong interest in general practice but love all aspects that veterinary medicine has to offer. Friendship allows me to live up to the reasons I wanted to become a veterinarian; to be a voice for animals, provide the best possible care, build lasting relationships with owners and help maintain the human-animal bond - to name a few.

When I’m not at Friendship, I am exploring D.C. and the surrounding areas, usually looking for a good place to eat or shop. I enjoy outdoor activities, especially mountain biking. I also love to travel and I have a newly found love for the beach. I hope to be able to experience many tropical destinations in my lifetime, and maybe even have my very own little bungalow on a tropical island someday.

Hannah Minch, DVM

I grew up in Wilmington DE, the second of three girls. During my childhood I spent summers and vacations on the family sailboat that my father built.

I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Biological Sciences and began working as a research scientist in the field of molecular genetics after graduation. After some soul searching, I realized that I wanted to switch professions and become a veterinarian. I have always enjoyed caring for animals and realized it is what makes me the happiest. I attended veterinary school at the University of Georgia and enjoyed my time there exploring the field of veterinary medicine. My special interests in veterinary medicine include behavior, animal welfare and general practice.

I am lucky to share my apartment in Washington, DC with my partners in crime, Raven – a rescued Saint Bernard and Fudge - black lab mix who adopted me during veterinary school. My personal interests include cooking, traveling, watching movies, spending time with my family and friends and anything that my dogs and I can do together!