Christina Herejk, DVM
Dr. Christina Herejk & Ann-chovy
Like many of us in the veterinary profession, my love for animals and medicine started at a young age. Growing up in South Florida, there wasn’t a day that went by without me tangled in the hedges, climbing trees, or tromping through the garden chasing local wildlife. I kept my parents busy checking my overall pockets—and sometimes my bedroom—for any critters I had captured during the day’s adventures.
By middle school, I was affectionately known by my classmates as the “Lizard Queen” and even set up a makeshift ‘hospital’ on our patio for injured anoles. Animals in nature fascinated me. As the daughter of a nurse and an agricultural major, my parents’ professions fueled my curiosity and exposed me to both medicine and the natural world.
My first encounter with veterinary medicine came in eighth grade when our first dog, Crystal, joined the family. We spent a lot of time at the veterinarian’s office during the first two months she was with us. I remember feeling anxious for her every time we arrived at the clinic, followed by relief when she returned home healthy thanks to our vet and his team. Those visits ignited my journey into the veterinary world.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and spent the next eight years working at several local South Florida small animal hospitals as both an associate and relief veterinarian. My passion for helping, educating, and traveling led me to volunteer in veterinary campaigns in several countries, allowing me to use my skills to positively impact the lives of animals and people in those communities—an experience that was deeply fulfilling on many levels.
In 2013, I acquired Royal Palm Animal Hospital from Dr. Richard Ringler with the intent to continue his life’s work. Since incorporating acupuncture and integrative medicine in 2017, my goal has been to continually improve and provide exceptional care and services for my patients and their families, while also fostering a positive, supportive work environment for my veterinary team.
Outside the office, if I’m not hunting for a secluded island beach or practicing landscaping and interior design at home, you can find me on my yoga mat, chasing lizards in the garden, or snuggling on the sofa with my husband and our four “kids”—Gilly, Finn, Ann-chovy and Minneau.
