Dr. Donna McWilliams
Dr. Donna always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian doctor. As a high school student, she volunteered at local vet hospitals near her home, and now offers that same courtesy to interested local students. Dr. Donna did her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, where she became fascinated with both human and animal behavior. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Psychology, focusing on Neurological Research, before pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.
After graduating with her DVM in 2002 from Virginia Tech, Dr. Donna married her best friend, Kevin. A year later they relocated to Florida, where she joined a four-doctor, AAHA-certified companion animal practice in Tarpon Springs. It was here that both she and Dr. Mark Downing gained valuable experience while practicing together for several years. Dr. Donna, Kevin and their four-legged children later moved to Lakeland in May 2007 to purchase My Pet’s Animal Hospital. In 2009, Dr. Downing and Dr. Donna purchased Sarasota Animal Hospital.
Since moving to Lakeland, Dr. Donna has become involved in various community groups and activities such as the Chamber of Commerce, NAWBO, BNI, Emerge, and is a member of Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII. Donna & Kevin welcomed their daughter, Shae, into the world in June of 2009. Prior to the birth of their daughter, she was also a member of the Lakeland Landsharks (triathlon club), and hopes to pursue this interest again in the future.
Dr. Donna is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the Ridge Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and is also certified in Canine Rehabilitation, a specialty that focuses on post-operative rehabilitation, rehabilitation following neurologic injury, and a multi-modal, holistic approach to conditions such as arthritis and obesity. She is also in the process of studying Acupuncture, and will be certified in December 2012.
Dr. Erin Rothrock
Dr. Rothrock has always had an interest in the unusual animals. She gained experience working with reptiles, birds, and aquatic animals while working at the Columbus Zoo during undergraduate school. This experience spurred her decision to study exotic animals. Her love of the exotic pets is not restricted to medicine. She currently cares for 13 exotic pets of her own and has experience caring for a wide range of species. This experience is vital as a lot of problems that exotic pets experience are related to inappropriate care.
She studied Biology at The Ohio State University where she received her Bachelor of Science with Honors and continued her studies at the University of Illinois where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. While at the University of Illinois, she volunteered in the Wildlife Medical Clinic caring for sick and injured wildlife. This experience allowed her to work with native wild animals and gain more experience in the treatment of birds and small mammals as well as educate the public on these amazing animals.
Her furred, scaled, and feathered companions include 2 dogs, 2 cats, a blue and gold macaw, Timneh grey parrot, 4 snakes, 5 geckos, and 2 tortoises. When she’s not working or at home caring for her animals she can usually be found on her bike, in the pool, or running around the lake. She enjoys competing in triathlons and hopes to make it to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii one day.
She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Ridge Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, and Association of Avian Veterinarians.
Dr. Mark Downing
Dr. Mark was born in Guatemala City and lived there until he was 10 yrs. old. He is the youngest of four children. His parents decided to move to the United States in 1982 and bought a small hardware store in LaBelle, FL. He attended the University of Florida where he received dual degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Agriculture. He was invited to join the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 and graduated four years later. Dr. Downing has been practicing small animal medicine in the Tampa Bay area since he graduated in 2002.
Dr. Mark joined the My Pet’s team in February of 2008. His patients are comforted by his gentle nature and hands-on approach to their overall health and wellness. His special interests include dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery. He believes in offering high quality medicine and enjoys spending time talking with clients to address their concerns.
Dr. Mark has a Dalmatian named Taylor and a cat named Cleo. Personal interests include golf and movies. He is very close to his family and enjoys spending time with his parents, sisters, nieces and nephews.