Dr. Donna always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. As a high school student, she volunteered at several veterinary hospitals, and now offers that same courtesy to interested local students from Veterinary Science Academies, located at area high schools. 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 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, where she practiced until they moved to Lakeland to purchase My Pet’s Animal Hospital. Dr. Donna also co-owns Sarasota Animal Hospital, a 2-doctor AAHA-certified practice, with her colleague, Dr. Mark Downing, who serves as the Medical Director.
Since moving to Lakeland, Dr. Donna has been involved in various community groups and activities such as the Chamber of Commerce (former Board member), NAWBO, ABWA, BNI, Emerge, Leadership Lakeland (Class XXVII), Leadership Polk (Class VII), The Lakeland Rotary Club (former Board member), and currently serves The Lakeland Police Foundation as a Board member.
Dr. Donna is a member and past President of the Ridge Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (and a 2-time Gold Star Recipient), the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She is certified in Canine Rehabilitation (physical therapy for dogs) and in Veterinary Acupuncture. She practices Integrative Veterinary Medicine, which combines Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, or TCVM, Acupuncture, Physical Rehab, Medical Massage, Herbal Therapy, Food Therapy, with traditional (Western) Veterinary Medicine.
When not practicing medicine, she enjoys lots of activities (walking, boating, traveling) with her husband, Kevin, daughter, Shae, their Pyr/Lab mix, Barley, and their Ragdoll cats, Hops and Rye.
Donna McWilliams, DVM, CCRT, CVA
Platinum Veterinary Services
My Pet’s Animal Hospital, Lakeland, FL, www.floridavet.com
Sarasota Animal Hospital, Sarasota, FL, www.sarasotaah.com
