Dr. Elise Birkner grew up in Texas, where she attended Texas A&M University, majoring in Zoology and Wildlife Fisheries. After graduating, she interned and volunteered at two zoos in Texas, where she participated in research, zookeeping duties, and veterinary care. Inspired to become a veterinarian and pursue specialization in surgery, she then returned to Texas A&M for a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

She completed a rotating internship at the University of Missouri before joining LIVS as a surgical intern in 2020. She has since completed three years of residency training at LIVS and has remained at LIVS as a staff surgeon.

Dr. Birkner enjoys the hands-on nature of surgery, and seeing pets heal and improve. She loves the pets she cares for as her own and has been known to give extra snacks, belly rubs, and pep talks.

In her free time, Dr. Birkner enjoys relaxing at home, often watching Texas A&M softball. She has a black lab mix named Rey, who she adopted in veterinary school. When possible, she and her wife like to travel, seeking out nature, zoos, museums, and good food. Living on Long Island for several years, she has enjoyed the opportunity to check several NYC tourist spots off her bucket list.