Dr. Michelle Newkirk was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University for both her undergraduate and veterinary medicine degrees. Dr. Newkirk graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Magna Cum Laude in 2006 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Newkirk stayed a few years in Ohio, working in both general practice and emergency medicine. She then grew tired of living in the "snow belt" of northeast Ohio and wanted to find some sunny weather, which led her to move to St. Petersburg in 2012. She continues to practice for both general practice and urgent care medicine, along with working for non-profit organizations. She joined Care Animal Hospital of Seminole in 2022 and loves working so close to the beach Dr. Newkirk loves educating clients on preventive care and keeping pets healthy for life She enjoys the beach and bicycling around St. Petersburg in her free time. She travels as much as possible. Her favorite activity is in the fall, watching her Ohio State Buckeyes win football games. O-H-I-O