Maria Eduarda Abrahão Penna Machado, DVM

Veterinarian

Eduarda (or just Duda) is a veterinarian from Brasília, Brazil, where she earned her veterinary degree from the Universidade de Brasília (UnB). She later completed a postgraduate specialization in wild, exotic, and non-conventional animal medicine and surgery through Faculdade Método de São Paulo (FAMESP). She currently works in a 24-hour veterinary hospital with a focus on emergency and critical care for dogs and cats, including ICU care, anesthesia monitoring, and emergency medicine. Alongside hospital work, she also collaborates with the Brasília Zoo, where she is involved in wildlife rehabilitation for release as well as the care and welfare of animals living under human care. Duda is especially passionate about the connection between clinical medicine, wildlife, conservation, and teaching. She enjoys helping students feel comfortable around animals, develop practical veterinary skills, and build confidence through hands-on learning and clinical reasoning. Outside of veterinary medicine, Duda loves spending time with her parents, fiancé, and friends, going to concerts, and listening to music – especially rock. She’s also a big fan of movies and TV series, and the lighter, funnier, or more romantic, the better. She loves going out for coffee or good food, being close to nature (despite her fear of butterflies), and any chance to spend time by the beach. She has a soft spot for many species, but rays, giraffes, tapirs, and giant anteaters are among her favorites. Friends usually describe her as outgoing, funny, energetic, and someone who genuinely enjoys teaching, learning, and taking care of others. Also, if there are fries involved, Duda is probably already interested!