Dr. Joseph Bourke was born and raised in Washington, DC.
He graduated from Bishop McNamara High School and earned a B.A. in biology at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. It was at Lincoln University where his advisor helped to cultivate his interest in veterinary medicine. After college, he volunteered at Temple Hill Animal Hospital and worked under Dr. Johnnie Cameron. Dr. Cameron recommended him to Tuskegee Institute and Dr. Bourke graduated with his DVM in 1990. Following an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington DC, Dr. Bourke was asked to join Dominion Animal Hospital by Dr. Cockrell in 1991 and has been on staff for over 20 years. Soft tissue surgery still remains his primary interest and he has taken a special interest in laser surgery as of late.
Dr. Bourke lives in Maryland with his wife and son and his wife's dog Leo. He enjoys vegetable gardening, playing tennis, and riding his Harley which he plans to ride across the country one day very soon.
