Dr. Daniela Y.

Dr. Yuschenkoff's journey in veterinary medicine began in her childhood home just blocks from the San Francisco Zoo, where weekly family "safaris" and high school volunteer work sparked her enduring passion for animal care. This early interest led her to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned an undergraduate degree in biology. During her undergraduate summers, Dr. Yuschenkoff expanded her experience by volunteering at the Oakland Zoo, the Boston Science Museum, and a wildlife rehabilitation center. She also researched the reproductive patterns of Golden Spiny mice in Israel.

Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Yuschenkoff returned to California to attend UC Davis for veterinary school,  graduating with a DVM. During her time at UC Davis, she distinguished herself as a campus leader, participating in the Professional Concentration and Leadership Class, serving as a veterinary school tour guide, and mentoring first-year students during orientation. Her dedication to excellence earned her multiple scholarships and awards, including the Clark Client Communication Award, the Christine Parker Marino Memorial Wildlife Health Scholarship, Dr. Robert H. Baker Endowed Scholarship, the Wackie Arnold Scholarship, and the Dr. Viki Krade Memorial Feline Medicine Award.

Dr. Yuschenkoff's postgraduate training began with a small animal rotating internship at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, followed by a specialized internship in zoological medicine at the Phoenix Zoo. She then completed a prestigious residency in zoological medicine at the Oklahoma City Zoo, culminating in her board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (DACZM), the highest certification available for zoo veterinarians. Throughout her training, Dr. Yuschenkoff also gained valuable experience as a contract veterinarian at San Francisco Zoo and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and as an associate veterinarian at Groveway Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Yuschenkoff maintains an active presence in the scientific community through her Research Gate profile and continues to contribute to the field of zoological medicine.

Currently serving as an associate veterinarian at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Dr. Yuschenkoff has built an impressive research portfolio, conducting studies on copper hepatopathy in sugar gliders, tramadol pharmacokinetics in Galapagos tortoises, mortality causes in Kirk's dik-diks, and blood gas values in ferrets. Her accomplishments have been recognized through features in the UC Davis alumni spotlight and an article in Visit OKC, highlighting her achievement as a board-certified zoo veterinarian.

With extensive experience, Dr. Yuschenkoff brings a comprehensive understanding of opportunities available to aspiring veterinarians. She has a demonstrated passion for education and mentorship and has coached students who have gained acceptance to veterinary programs, including the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine and Ross School of Veterinary Medicine. She is committed to helping others launch rewarding careers in veterinary medicine through end-to-end application support, interview preparation, waitlist strategy, and early candidacy development for undergraduate students at all levels.