Dr. Tom Hellebuyck has been fascinated by reptiles and amphibians since childhood. He graduated as a veterinarian from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Ghent University (Belgium) in 2006. Following his PhD that focused on Devriesea agamarum infections in lizards, he continued to perform clinical research on health problems of a variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine (Herp) and lead of the ECZM Herpetology specialty examination committee. Following his PhD, he became head of clinic at the Division for Exotic Companion Animals and Wildlife at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Ghent University. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences. In addition, he acts as an advisor to national authorities with regard to reptile medicine and welfare. He is also the current representative member of his country in the ARAV International Committee.