Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Deborah Besch grew up in northern New Jersey where she enjoyed winter sports, horseback riding and dog training. At an early age she developed a lifelong interest in wildlife and environmental protection. It was while she was an undergraduate at Duke University that she realized a career in veterinary medicine would allow her to combine her love of animals with her interest in science. She moved to Texas after graduating from Duke and worked in a research laboratory and the Texas A&M Swine Center while completing her prerequisites for veterinary school. The day after vet school graduation Dr. Besch and her husband got married and the next day they moved to Austin. She worked as an associate for 5 years and then did relief work for 5 years, working in at least 50 vet clinics in the Austin area. In 1992 she acquired Austin Veterinary Hospital from the estate of Dr. Charles Allison, the founder of the practice along what was then known as East Ave. (today its I-35). She was the leader of AVH until 2009 when Dr. Palvino assumed that role. Dr. Besch is a member of the AVMA, TVMA, AAFP and is a past president of the TAVP. She loves continuing education and travel and often combines the two. In her spare time she gardens, quilts and makes pottery. SheÍs very involved with the Austin Empty Bowl Project and recently has been using her quilting fabrics to make Little Dresses for Africa.
