Dr. David Burgess graduated from the University of Arizona in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. In 1987, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. He has been practicing emergency and critical medicine since 1988 with a special interest in soft tissue surgery, endoscopy, and emergency surgery. Dr. Burgess resides in Poulsbo with his wife Jackie, and their boxer.

Dr. Burgess enjoys hiking, biking, martial arts, painting, fishing, kayaking, woodworking/carving and guitar.

Dr. Burgess founded the Animal Emergency and Trauma Center in 1993 along with Dr. Carollynn Zimmers. AETC was originally a 24 hour animal emergency hospital in Poulsbo serving areas as far East as Bainbridge Island, North to Kingston, South to Gig Harbor and across the Hood Canal Bridge to Port Townsed and Port Angeles. Before starting the emergency animal hospital in Poulsbo, he worked as relief doctor for many veterinary hospitals in Kitsap County.