About M. Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl ABVP

Scott is a veterinarian living and practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife Layle (also a veterinarian). His diverse interests including bird medicine and surgery, art, making educational movies, playing guitar, outdoor activities, nutrition and building sustainable positive benefit business. His awards include the 2005 Ted Lafeber International Avian Practitioner of the Year, the 2007 Texas Non-Traditional Species Veterinarian of the Year, and he has had two original watercolor paintings (‘Two Collared Aracaris’ and ‘Archaeopteryx’) appear on the cover of the international Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. Scott is an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, a past President for the Association for Avian Veterinarians, frequent lecturer at multiple universities and conferences in the US and abroad, author, filmographer and co-founder of Great Blue Heron Entrepreneurs.

Scott formed his love for art, music, animals and medicine when very young. It was not until later in life that he actually developed these interests. At the age of 19, Scott entered veterinary school at Texas A&M as the youngest in his class. After completing undergraduate and veterinary school studies, both with honors, Scott entered into a residency program at the Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, California. During his residency, he began painting watercolor scenes of various animals and also started his lecturing career.

Upon returning to Texas in 2000, Scott became the Director of Avian Medical and Surgical Services at Westgate Pet and Bird Hospital. It was at this time that he added film to his efforts. His film work has been centered on providing teaching videos to other veterinarians and bird owners. His focus on teaching foraging techniques to improve the lives of captive birds along with his short movie ‘Captive Foraging’ has gained him international attention.

Most recently, Scott and his mentor Brian Speer have developed a consultation and surgery business that provides veterinary bird care services throughout North America.

Between family, special interests and work, Scott keeps very busy. Please take a look through the website. Thank you for your time!