Veterinary Healthcare Associates

Veterinary Healthcare Associates High-quality medicine and compassionate care: General practice, Specialty Referral, 24/7 ER.

We're taking a trip down memory lane with a picture of the two visionaries who shaped VHA into what it is today, support...
06/16/2024

We're taking a trip down memory lane with a picture of the two visionaries who shaped VHA into what it is today, supported by countless helping hands. Dr. John Maxwell was a father figure and mentor to Dr. Nations. He believed in him, guided him through school, and invested in his future. Dr. Nations continues to build on the foundation Dr. Maxwell laid back in 1974.

Dr. Nations, our CEO, is the ultimate figure for so many, even if he doesn't realize it. He shows everyone what's possible, helping them transform and grow in the profession by speaking life into every soul. He genuinely seeks out the best in every person and loves our pets and planet just as much as he loves people. He pours into those around him, never seeking anything in return. He gives from the goodness of his heart and sets the example for so many.

Today, we celebrate these two father figures who have inspired so many. Happy Father's Day to them and to all our two-legged and four-legged parents. We extend special gratitude to the fathers on our team working today, ensuring we remain dedicated to our pet community around the clock.

Happy Father's Day!🐾

At VHA, our veterinary scribes play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care we provide, making a world's differe...
06/12/2024

At VHA, our veterinary scribes play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care we provide, making a world's difference in how we deliver exceptional care!

1️⃣ By meticulously documenting medical records, our scribes free up our doctors to focus on what they do best—providing exceptional care to pets. This ensures that our veterinarians can dedicate more time to patient interactions and complex cases without being bogged down by administrative tasks.

2️⃣ Our scribes ensure that every critical element of a pet's medical history is accurately recorded. This precision helps in maintaining thorough and detailed medical records, which is essential for delivering consistent and high-quality care.

3️⃣ With scribes handling the documentation, our veterinary team can operate more efficiently and effectively. This leads to shorter wait times, more comprehensive consultations, and ultimately, better outcomes for our patients and their owners.

Our scribes are an integral part of our team, enabling us to continue serving our community with the highest standards of veterinary care!

We are honored, grateful, and incredibly excited to celebrate our superheroes marking anniversaries in June! Without the...
06/11/2024

We are honored, grateful, and incredibly excited to celebrate our superheroes marking anniversaries in June! Without their hard work and dedication, none of what we do would be possible. We are so proud of all these milestones and the incredible team members who make them happen. Join us by wishing them a happy anniversary in the comments below! ⬇️

Kim, 11 years; Barbara, 8 years; John H., 8 years; Dr. Langer, 7 years; Yuri, 6 years.
3 years: Jade, Chrissy, Bella
2 years: Bella, Sophia T., Kristin.
1 year: Lyanne, Shannon, Lily, Oyshie, & Dr. Anacleto.

Our owner, Dr. Loren Nations, DABVP, and Chief Scientific Officer, Shannon Kesl, Ph.D., are at ACVIM and eager to connec...
06/07/2024

Our owner, Dr. Loren Nations, DABVP, and Chief Scientific Officer, Shannon Kesl, Ph.D., are at ACVIM and eager to connect with you! Beyond building relationships with others and learning, they're spreading the message of what we have to offer in the US's fastest-growing county.

Our incredible facility is equipped with all the tools you need, and we seek those who want to do more than just show up to work but build a LEGACY within the veterinary industry. With the first-ever veterinary research laboratory coming soon and our recent expansion completed in 2023, we're ready to find our tribe.

Interested in touring our hospital to see for yourself? Click here: https://vhaway.com/job-openings/

Cuteness of the Day: Our ICU nurse cradling this adorable orphaned kitten! The bond we share with our animals is somethi...
06/05/2024

Cuteness of the Day: Our ICU nurse cradling this adorable orphaned kitten! The bond we share with our animals is something our team deeply understands and cherishes.🐱🐶

Do you have a story or a special case where our team has served your family?🩺 Share it in the comments below for a chance to be featured! Don’t forget to include a photo or tag us in one!

Mental Health Awareness Month was truly exceptional! Each week, we provided our team with valuable tools to support them...
05/31/2024

Mental Health Awareness Month was truly exceptional! Each week, we provided our team with valuable tools to support them, not just this month but in the future as well. Additionally, we offer numerous benefits, including access to our fitness center, a meditation pod, VHAFit events, a nutritious on-site café, and an upcoming Mental Health First Aid presentation, returning for the second time to VHA!

If you’re interested in pursuing your vetmed calling in a place that truly exemplifies what it means to take care of their team, we’re the place to call home.🐾

Find out more information about us➡️ https://vhaway.com or email [email protected]

05/29/2024

Our amazing ER, ICU, VA, and Scribe teams have split into three groups for a fun and creative e-collar contest to wrap up our Art Therapy Week! Now, we need YOUR help to choose the winning design.

Which e-collar is your favorite?

1️⃣ Team 1: Fruit Loop

2️⃣ Team 2: Up

3️⃣ Team 3: Cinema

Vote now in the comments below and let us know which design you love the most! Your vote will help us decide the winning team and celebrate their creativity and teamwork. 🏆

This sweet girl is still celebrating Memorial Day in his red, white, and blue! 🇺🇸 We're also celebrating we're welcoming...
05/28/2024

This sweet girl is still celebrating Memorial Day in his red, white, and blue! 🇺🇸 We're also celebrating we're welcoming new patients to our family. 🐾 We know how important it is to find a veterinarian who cares as much as you do. At VHA, we believe in helping our pets live their longest, healthiest, and happiest lives. We treat each pet as our own and offer comprehensive care all on one campus, with specialists just a walk away and emergency services covered. Trust us to give your pet their healthiest and best life!

Looking for a family veterinarian? 📞(863)324-3340 or https://vhavets.com/appointment-request/

📸: Sophia

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸 W...
05/27/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

We’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated team members on shift today keeping us available for our pet community 24/7.

As you celebrate, please remember to keep food and alcohol out of paws’ reach and create a safe, comfortable space for your furry friends. Enjoy the day with family and friends, and stay safe!

05/23/2024

Our schedule through the end of the year has been updated. Please hit that like/follow button so you never miss an update!! Feel free to share with your friends!!

From a childhood in Ivory Coast and Belgium to exploring the fields of pathology and microbiology at the University of M...
05/21/2024

From a childhood in Ivory Coast and Belgium to exploring the fields of pathology and microbiology at the University of Montreal, Dr. Boa's path to veterinary medicine has been nothing short of serendipitous! Swipe left to learn more about one of our General Practitioners. 🥳Exciting news—she is currently accepting new patients and families!

Initially drawn to environmental conservation, her path took a turn when recommended a dual program in veterinary medicine. Today, she combines her deep love for animals with her extensive medical expertise to impact the lives of pets and their owners at VHA.

Off-duty, Dr. Boa is a seasoned tennis player, an avid pianist, a world traveler, and a passionate cook.

Which interesting response caught your attention most?!⬇️

Go see our friends over at The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc. and adopt your new best friend who’s in need of a lov...
05/16/2024

Go see our friends over at The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc. and adopt your new best friend who’s in need of a loving home!🐾

We are honored and excited to present 🧠"Fur and Fortitude," a special mental health workshop designed specifically for v...
05/16/2024

We are honored and excited to present 🧠"Fur and Fortitude," a special mental health workshop designed specifically for veterinary professionals! This event is part of our commitment to supporting the well-being of our team and colleagues in the veterinary community, where a live session (and virtual option) is being presented to our team for .

As we continue to navigate the challenges and demands of our profession, taking time to focus on mental health is more important than ever. We invite all veterinary professionals who feel they could benefit from this session to join us online.

Today, May 16th 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST

Join Us Via Video Call: https://meet.google.com/kct-hmiw-yni

Please feel free to extend this invitation to other vet med professionals in your network who might find value in this!

Sam, a very handsome boy, came through our emergency room with a limp that caught his family's concern. After a thorough...
05/15/2024

Sam, a very handsome boy, came through our emergency room with a limp that caught his family's concern. After a thorough examination and X-rays, we discovered the need for specialized care! Sam is now scheduled for a femoral head autograft surgery with our specialty surgery team.

We're all rooting for you, Sam! Stay tuned for updates on his journey to recovery.
📸: Amber

We are thrilled and honored to introduce our community to Shannon L. Kesl, Ph.D., our new Chief Scientific Officer.🥳 Dr....
05/13/2024

We are thrilled and honored to introduce our community to Shannon L. Kesl, Ph.D., our new Chief Scientific Officer.🥳 Dr. Kesl is spearheading the development of the first-ever privately owned research laboratory, located right here in Winter Haven. Exciting, isn't it? Stay tuned for more announcements coming your way very soon. In the meantime, please take a moment to read her biography below and join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Shannon Lynn Kesl's journey to becoming the Chief Scientific Officer at Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) began with a passion ignited during her time studying under Dr. Dom D'Agostino at the University of South Florida. There, she explored the potential of the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones in wound healing. After earning her Ph.D., an unexpected move to Texas, due to her husband Jason's Army posting, serendipitously placed her near the KetoPet Sanctuary. This proximity allowed Shannon to transition her scientific acumen from academia to practical applications in veterinary medicine, primarily focusing on canine health.

Shannon recounts, "I fell in love with using science to help dogs. It wasn’t just a job; it was a calling. Every step since then, especially my move to VHA, felt like it was meant to be." Joining VHA was a culmination of years of collaboration on various projects with Dr. Nations and the team, where Shannon's expertise in research found a new home and purpose. “Dr. Nations and I have had this dream to have a canine cancer research center, and a little serendipity showed us it was time for it to happen.” Shannon shared she is thrilled beyond words, feeling deeply fulfilled by utilizing collective knowledge to help more pets and their families in this exciting new venture.

The warm welcome and enthusiasm from everyone at VHA have made Shannon feel right at home, fueling her belief that this is precisely where she's meant to be. "The support and teamwork here at VHA aren’t just words; they're actions. Everyone's excitement about our projects makes my days here fulfilling," she shares.

At home, Shannon's life is enriched by the company of her three dogs: Isa, a wise 11-year-old Husky mix; Angus, a spirited 2-year-old Pittie mix; and Cadbury, a 3-month-old English Bulldog with a tough start in life, now thriving under her care.

When not immersed in research, Shannon channels her creativity into art—drawing, painting, and crafting—which also seeps into her professional life, adding a splash of color to items such as data spreadsheets. Navigating the emotional demands of veterinary science, Shannon emphasizes the importance of self-care and work-life balance. "It’s about recognizing when you need a break, whether it's just a few minutes to walk around or a full day to recharge. VHA supports us in maintaining this balance, which is crucial for our mental and emotional health," she explains. Her recent trip to the Galapagos Islands highlighted the seamless blend of nature and science, a reminder of the global impact of her work at VHA.

05/13/2024
05/13/2024

Congratulations to the City of Winter Haven, FL on hosting the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the sidewalk cafes in downtown🥳 This project adds another layer of "cool" to our downtown. We love seeing people utilizing these spaces! Congrats to everyone involved in completing this project!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there! Whether you’re a dog mom, cat mom, animal mom, or human mom, we ce...
05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there! Whether you’re a dog mom, cat mom, animal mom, or human mom, we celebrate your love and dedication. ❤️🐾

A heartfelt shoutout to our VHA moms who are working today to ensure our doors remain open for any fur-babies in need. Your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

🧠 This May, we've kicked off our mental health awareness campaign by laying the foundation of gratitude. In week one, we...
05/11/2024

🧠 This May, we've kicked off our mental health awareness campaign by laying the foundation of gratitude. In week one, we explored the many benefits of gratitude, what it truly means, what it doesn't, and how to incorporate it into our daily lives. We even set up a gratitude wall for our team to share their thoughts and appreciations!

We've planned a full lineup of activities and resources throughout the month for our team and want to extend these valuable tools to our broader community as well. If you're in the veterinary industry, we encourage you to share this message or pass it along to a friend.💌 Stay tuned for more content as we continue to support each other in strengthening our mental resilience and well-being!

We're dedicated to serving the Winter Haven pet community 24/7, 365 days a year. Our vision is to provide a top-tier fac...
05/09/2024

We're dedicated to serving the Winter Haven pet community 24/7, 365 days a year. Our vision is to provide a top-tier facility equipped with the latest technology to handle any situation. Whether it's a critical emergency in our Intensive Care Unit, to post-operative recovery from procedures like mass removals in our Intermediate Care Unit, and specialized care in our Kitty Ward, we are prepared for every scenario and every care level.

Rebecca, a grateful pet owner, shares her experience: "Dr. Anceleto saved our dogs life on Christmas Day. We are forever thankful for her and the staff who sacrificed time with their family and saved our boy. Best Christmas miracle. He’s still thriving💙"

Go join our friends over at Polk County Bully Project and support a great cause!🐾⛳️
05/08/2024

Go join our friends over at Polk County Bully Project and support a great cause!🐾⛳️

⛳⛳ This Saturday is our FIRST EVER Putts Fore Mutts Golf Tournament!!! ⛳⛳
We are beyond excited for this event and hope you are too. We wish we could say that we keep every penny of what is raised, but there are some costs that go into putting an event of this magnitude on. Our sponsors help cover these costs so that more of the money raised goes straight to the dogs. So with that, it's our Putts Fore Mutts Sponsor Shout-Out time!! Please help us thank these businesses and individuals for donating their money and services to help us continue in our mission.

First up Saddlebrook Resort! Golf pros Logan and Kyle have been instrumental in helping us get this running. From helping us with things we've forgotten to explaining what a mulligan is 🙃😂, they're the ones helping us get this thing off the ground.

Second up, our beer sponsor 1st Class Roofing! Golfers, you'll appreciate them Saturday!

And then, all of the Hole Sponsors!
Surfsong Travel LLC, Pam's Paper Playhouse, Pamela Stoner, Rocky & Tiana - The Brat Pack, Benson's Canine Cookies, West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, Roger Marolda, Il Forno Italian Restaurant, Roscoe and Teri Schlachter, Irwin Outdoors, Brenda Joyce and Stan Shrom, Whatever Tees, Lakeland Funeral Home and Craft Canine Treats!!

We cannot thank you all enough for the support.

There's still time to join us for the fun! Golf, have lunch or bid in our online auction. All the details are below.

Join us for our Inaugural Putts Fore 🏌️‍♀️Mutts Golf tournament at Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel this weekend!! There is still time!!

All golf levels welcome! Don't golf but still want to support?? Visit our sponsorship options or our online auction. Nearly all items in the auction can be shipped to anywhere in the US.

This tournament will be a 4-person team scramble with a 9am shotgun start. Registration starts at 7:30am. Ticket includes golf, cart, lunch and a small swag bag.

We have an online auction that will conclude at the event as well as several in-person raffles.

Tickets are $110/person or $400/team. Saddlebrook will be providing a bounceback for all registered golfers offering discounted play on your next visit.

Get your tickets or bid in the auction using the attached link. All donations are tax-deductible. For any questions, please email [email protected]

Tickets 🐾 https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/30222-putts-fore-mutts

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This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate the anniversaries of 19 team members!🤩🐾🥳 We're consistently amazed by their prof...
05/08/2024

This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate the anniversaries of 19 team members!🤩🐾🥳 We're consistently amazed by their profound passion, love, and dedication to our pets. It's an honor to recognize so many milestones, including a 13-year, two 6-year, a 5-year, 4-year, and numerous 3-year, 2-year, and 1-year anniversaries. Please join us in the comments to wish them all a very happy anniversary and to express our gratitude for their incredible contributions!

Patricia, 13 years; Drew, 6 years; Carrie-Ann, 5 years; Daniel, 5 years; Logan, 4 years.
3 years: Jordan, Katelyn, Tristyn, Natasha, Stephanie R.
2 years: Brendali, Francesca, Nicole.
1 year: Shelby, Yidi, Julie, John P., Janette, Kaylyn.

We are thrilled and truly honored to announce our COO, who, though only with us for a few months, has already made a pro...
05/06/2024

We are thrilled and truly honored to announce our COO, who, though only with us for a few months, has already made a profound impact. She dove in headfirst, bringing with her an infectious passion, boundless enthusiasm, and a genuine dedication to service. Her commitment to nurturing and developing those around her has been inspiring. We are incredibly grateful to have such a remarkable person as part of our team. Read her bio below and give her a warm welcome in the comments!⬇️

Debbie Cort brings over three decades of expertise in human healthcare to her role at Veterinary Healthcare Associates. Transitioning from a seasoned background in nursing leadership, where she ascended from charge nurse to Chief Nursing Officer, Debbie chose to join VHA driven by its mission and vision. Her vast experience in healthcare administration is now pivotal in enhancing the field of veterinary medicine, fostering an environment where her team can flourish and find their passions.

At VHA, Debbie finds her greatest fulfillment in empowering her colleagues, providing them with resources, and removing obstacles to pave the way for their success. She was drawn to VHA by the commitment of Dr. Nations and the entire team to live out the organization's mission, prompting her shift from human to veterinary medicine—a decision she describes as incredibly rewarding.

Debbie shares her home with a perfect Huskey Rhodesian Ridgeback mix rescue named Dakota and a German Shepherd granddog, also a rescue, who is quite the goofball and a cherished family member. Beyond her professional life, Debbie is passionate about activities that spark her creativity, such as painting, crocheting, and rehabbing furniture. She's an avid cook always eager to explore new recipes and looks forward to traveling more with her family.

Balancing the emotional demands of veterinary medicine, Debbie remains spiritually grounded through prayer and church, maintaining her well-being with regular exercise and healthy eating. She makes it a point to step outside and breathe fresh air during work to reset her perspective and prepare for new challenges.

Debbie lives by the biblical verse, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) and reminds us that "Life is a series of a thousand tiny miracles. NOTICE THEM."

We believe in transforming veterinary medicine in multiple ways! Check out our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Katie Barry,...
05/03/2024

We believe in transforming veterinary medicine in multiple ways! Check out our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Katie Barry, delivering a presentation on wound management to the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society (RVMS). We're grateful for the evening's sponsor, Vetoquinol, for making it possible!

RVMS, a central Florida veterinary medical society with a rich history, also held a vote during this meeting to allocate funds to the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), where our very own Dr. Stephanie Bowes serves as the District 3 representative.

Making an impact in so many ways with even more exciting news to come!

"Mom thought she was being sneaky, tricking me into my annual vet visit—but joke’s on her! I absolutely love it here at ...
04/30/2024

"Mom thought she was being sneaky, tricking me into my annual vet visit—but joke’s on her! I absolutely love it here at Veterinary Healthcare Associates. Just look at this smile on my face!" - Otis

We’re always eager to welcome new clients and patients! With all your needs catered to on one campus, from general wellness and specialty care to 24/7 emergency and boarding, it’s clear why we’re the vet center of choice in Central Florida. 📞 Call today at (863) 324-3340 or https://vhavets.com/appointment-request/

📸: A Day in the Life of Otis

Dr. Anacleto and her family embraced a big change, moving from Canada 🇨🇦 to Florida, leaving behind a beloved home and d...
04/29/2024

Dr. Anacleto and her family embraced a big change, moving from Canada 🇨🇦 to Florida, leaving behind a beloved home and dear friends. However, their experience at VHA has confirmed that it was the right decision. 'Florida and VHA have shown my family and I how right we were to start this new journey less than a year ago. VHA is the best place that I have worked in my life. Even though things aren't perfect, being a part of this family is truly a source of pride and happiness for me,' shares Dr. Anacleto.

Although World Veterinary Day was just celebrated, we can't miss an opportunity to continue highlighting our incredible veterinary team, who make every day better for both pets and their owners.

Dr. Anacleto is an emergency veterinarian here at VHA and we couldn't be any more grateful for her love and expertise that has made its way to the place we all call home!

Tomorrow we celebrate World Veterinary Day, and this year’s theme couldn't be more fitting: “Veterinarians are essential...
04/26/2024

Tomorrow we celebrate World Veterinary Day, and this year’s theme couldn't be more fitting: “Veterinarians are essential health workers.” Thanks to the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and Health for Animals, we recognize the indispensable contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals, people, and our environment.🐾🥳

Every day, our veterinarians demonstrate that their skills are crucial to overall health, enriching not only the lives of our animals but also enhancing human well-being in physical, mental, and social aspects. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of our vets, including our regularly contracted and relief veterinarians, whose dedication and service are vital to our community.

📣Join us in celebrating these incredible heroes! Share your stories or leave a message in the comments to express your gratitude for a veterinarian who has made a difference in your life or the lives of your pets.

Today, we're shining the spotlight a little brighter on the incredible individuals who make up our client service team—o...
04/25/2024

Today, we're shining the spotlight a little brighter on the incredible individuals who make up our client service team—our veterinary receptionists! Each day, they juggle phone calls, manage appointments, and ensure all our clients and their pets feel welcomed and cared for. 📞🐶🐱

Their hard work often happens behind the scenes, but it’s what keeps VHA running smoothly. We're so grateful for their dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to both pet and pet parents.

Swipe to see the faces of our fantastic team and join us in saying a huge THANK YOU for all that they do! Feel free to leave a message of thanks in the comments below or share a memorable moment when one of our team made your day! 💬❤️

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3025 Dundee Road
Winter Haven, FL
33884

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