Our Medical Team

Rex A Sentell, D.V.M., Founder and Medical Director   

“My goal as a doctor to animals remains the same as it was when I began practicing veterinary medicine 31 years ago: for each animal we see to have the best care so they can enjoy the longest, healthiest, happiest life possible. With a wonderful staff and the dedication and loyalty of the pet owners we see every day, we build a team of support and caring around these special family members. They trust us to take good care of them, and we do our best to treat the animals we care for as if they were our own.”

Rex A. Sentell, D.V.M.is the Medical Director and founder of Palm City Animal Clinic, which he opened for Dr. Charles Hooks in 1981 with the option of buying it out, which he did in 1986. Along with his five veterinarian colleagues and a support staff of 30, he has been dedicated to the care of animals and to involvement in his community of Palm City for over 30 years. A native of Tennessee, Dr. Sentell was born and raised in Knoxville, where he attended the University of Tennessee, earning dual degrees and graduating with high honors with a B.A. of Zoology and Psychology. He remained at UT, attending the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1980, graduating in the top 10% of his class. He practiced initially in the Knoxville area before relocating to Palm City, Florida to open the Palm City Animal Clinic.

In 2009, Dr. Sentell returned to the University of Tennessee’s College of veterinary medicine to complete advanced training in the physical therapy and rehabilitation of aging and injured animals. A worldwide academic training and teaching center of excellence in the area of physical rehabilitation of small animals, UT pioneered this fairly new discipline in veterinary medicine in the 1990’s.  Dr. Sentell brought these innovative physical therapy and rehab methods and treatments back to Palm City Animal Clinic, and continues to expand this aspect of services offered to facilitate the quality of life of animals.

Valuing the important role that businesses play in their communities, Dr. Sentell has been highly involved in community-related organizations and events throughout his career. He’s been an active member (and past-President) of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce since 1985, where he has assumed a variety of leadership roles. He currently serves on the Palm City Neighborhood Advisory Committee and continues to be active in Rotary International, where he has participated in numerous capacities, including serving as president in 1996-1997. The organization recently honored him as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution to the Paul Harris Foundation, one of the largest in the world. He considers it an honor to present the Amy P. Sentell Character Account Award scholarship every year to the Palm City Schools through the Palm City Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Sentell is a former Board member of the American Cancer Society and is a member of the Florida Oceanographic Society. He belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Association, the Central Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the Treasure Coast Veterinary Association, and the Martin County Veterinary Association. 

Though he likes to spend a good deal of his limited spare time researching new trends, procedures, and equipment in the veterinary field, Dr. Sentell is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife, Susan, his two daughters, Amber and Brittany, and his stepson, Darin. When he is not caring for his own menagerie of pets - which currently includes four cats, two exotic birds, and a colorful collection of tropical fish - he can be found flying, scuba diving, reading, fishing, kayaking or pursuing his passion for photography. Dr. Sentell and Susan reside in Palm City.

Mike Wiegand, D.V.M.

“The most rewarding aspect of working with animals is the “strong bond of love, trust, and compassion that develops with both the pet and the family.”

Dr. Mike Wiegand has been an Associate Veterinarian at Palm City Animal Medical Center since 1998, with special interest in emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and veterinary dentistry. He was born in Rochester, New York and spent the majority of his childhood in Joliet, Illinois. College brought Dr. Wiegand to the South, where he attended Auburn University on a swimming scholarship. While he was a full-time student and athlete, he began working in the parasitology lab and equine surgery department. During this time, he was awarded the Stanley Louis Sugar Memorial scholar award for excellence in athletics and academics.

While in the midst of his medical training, at the College of veterinary medicine program at Auburn, Dr. Wiegand had the opportunity to assist a veterinary specialist at the Birmingham Zoo for two years.  After graduation, he practiced as an emergency clinician in downtown Atlanta before joining the Palm City Animal Medical Center medical team, where he continues to “learn, love and excel” in veterinary medicine. Dr. Wiegand believes that the most rewarding aspect of working with animals is the “strong bond of love, trust and compassion that develops with both the pet and the family.”

Dr. Wiegand is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Central Florida Veterinary Medical Association, Treasure Coast and Martin County Veterinary Medical Associations, and the American Veterinary Dental Society.

Outside of his passion for animals, Dr. Wiegand likes to spend time swimming, scuba diving, surfing, and practicing underwater photography. He can also be found volunteering with the Florida Oceanographic Society or training with Masters Swimming.  He lives with his wife, Susanne and they enjoy the company of five pets, which include three cats - Meka, Lilly and Superman, and their dog, Mojo.  

Paul Wolff, D.V.M.

“I don’t consider the animals we treat to be simply animals: most animal lovers consider their pets to be beloved pets, as well. What makes our work rewarding is having daily opportunities to help these family members who are unable to explain what is wrong in words, and who are the most helpless. We figure out what they need to be well and strong and do everything we can to give them a better quality of life.”

Dr. Paul Wolff, D.V.M. joined the medical team at Palm City Medical Center in 1999 after practicing as an Associate Veterinarian and Primary Emergency Clinician in Palm Coast, FL, and then as an Associate Veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL. Born in New York City, he grew up living in many parts of the country, thanks to his father’s career as a dentist for the United States Navy.

While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis Dr. Wolff worked in the Vet School’s Department of Radiology. He went on to attend the College of veterinary medicine at Mississippi State University, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. During his training years, he participated in 5 preceptorship programs and was recognized as the recipient of the Senior Veterinary Research Award upon graduation. While training in these specialized settings - which included the Atlanta Humane Society and Clinic and the Reid Park Zoo - he gained valuable knowledge in Small Animal Medicine, expanding his surgical knowledge and expertise well beyond the standard veterinary curriculum. 

Dr. Wolff is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the Treasure Coast Veterinary Medical Association.

When not working at the Clinic, Dr. Wolff enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Tina, his two cats, Tucker and Biscuit - both domestic short hairs – his dogs Ziggy (a Shih-Tzu), and Marley (a mixed breed), and his bird Baboo, a blue-headed pionus. He says that because he doesn’t have any cildren without “fur or feathers,” he doesn’t see his pets as animals, but as family members. For him, that’s what makes his work rewarding, too. “We help the family members who are unable to explain what is wrong and who are the most helpless.”

Dr. Wolff’s love of the natural world and its creatures carries over to his free time interests, and he is an avid outdoorsman. A member of the Martin County Sportsman’s Association and Friends of the NRA, he can regularly be found pursuing his interests. These include mountain biking, motorcycle riding, weight training, boating, fishing, surfing, and skydiving. Over the years, his surfing adventures have led him to extensive explorations of Baja, Mexico and remote surf spots in Central America, and his skydiving prowess is a byproduct of over 700 jumps in nine states and three different countries.

Matthew Schmidt, D.V.M., DABVP

“The most gratifying aspect of working with -and healing - animals is the intrinsic reward that comes from serving people by helping their animals, who cannot help themselves.”

Dr. Matthew J. Schmidt, D.V.M.. DABVP  has been on the medical team of Palm City Medical Center since 2004. His clinical specializations - in exotic animal medicine - including reptiles, birds, and small mammals - and expertise in clinical pathology, soft tissue surgery, and oncology, are put to good use at the Clinic on a daily basis. Born in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Schmidt has called Florida, Illinois, and Texas home over the years. It was in Texas that he began his studies at Texas A&M University and decided upon a career in veterinary medicine. As his training progressed, he worked in the veterinary anatomy department as a teaching assistant. He is certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners specializing in Canine and Feline Practice.

During his senior year of veterinary school, Dr. Schmidt was awarded the Hill’s Buddy Award for excellence in small animal medicine and clinical nutrition, as well as the F.P. Jaggi Public Health Award for interest and proficiency in veterinary public health. After graduating with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, he moved back to Florida to work at a small animal hospital in the Orlando area, where he gained valuable experience in surgery and emergency medicine before joining the medical team at Palm City Animal Medical Center.

Dr. Schmidt is heavily involved in the local community and can often be found at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Refuge Center or at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, where he recently participated in a bottlenose dolphin research project in the Indian River Lagoon. Dr. Schmidt also volunteers his time with Girl Scout troops in Martin and Saint Lucie County and with local 4H groups. He is a Science Fair Coordinator for Parents ETC - a local home school support group - and serves as a Deacon at the Church of Christ on Savona Blvd.

Dr. Schmidt holds memberships in a number of national and local veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and the Treasure Coast Veterinary Medical Association.

When he’s not at Palm City Medical Center or pursuing his regular volunteer activities, he spends most of his free time with his wife and four children. They share their home with two dogs, Brighton and Piggy, a cat named Smudge, and two large sulcata tortoises, Angus & Sandy. He also enjoys outdoor activities, including golf, fishing and bird watching.

Elizabeth Jolin, D.V.M.

“The bond we have with our pets is truly remarkable.  Our pets provide us with countless moments of happiness, and I appreciate having the privilege to provide them with care and compassion.” 

Dr. Elizabeth Jolin is the newest member of the medical team at Palm City Animal Medical Center, joining in 2013.  Born and raised in Oklahoma, she completed her undergraduate work at Oklahoma State University, where she received an Honors Degree in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science.   Dr. Jolin moved to Florida to attend the University Of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2006. 

Dr. Jolin has practiced as a Small Animal Associate Veterinarian and Relief Emergency Veterinarian in Gainesville, Florida and as a Small Animal Associate Veterinarian in Palm City.  Her special interests include acupuncture, dermatology and behavioral medicine. She recently completed the Small Animal Acupuncture Program at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida where she learned the fundamental techniques for acupuncture including dry needling, aqua-acupuncture and electro-acupuncture.   Dr. Jolin has enjoyed incorporating acupuncture into general practice, allowing patients to benefit from modern medicine and traditional Chinese Veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Jolin is a member of the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the Treasure Treasure Coast Veterinary Medical Association. 

Along with her husband, she raises her daughter and several rescue cats and dogs, including Sea Bass, pictured. In her spare time she enjoys baking and gardening.  

 

Matthew Krecic, D.V.M., M.S., D.A.C.V.I.M.

 “I’ve spent much of my career staying connected to new technologies and medical advancements in the industry by simultaneously working in the educational field,” he said. “It’s important to me to continue my learning to benefit patients. Dr. Sentell and his staff share these same core values, so the partnership came about very naturally.” 

 

Dr. Matthew Krecic, an internal medicine specialist with an interest in cardiology, joined the staff of Palm City Animal Medical Center in Palm City in April, 2012.

Dr. Krecic is well known in his field and serves as an ambassador for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. With multiple medical degrees, including a doctorate of veterinary medicine and master’s of veterinary medical science, Krecic has also graduated with his master’s of business administration. During his tenure, Dr. Krecic has received licensure in Florida, Ohio and Alabama.

      With his specialty in internal medicine and business management, Krecic has consulted with many Florida animal hospitals and will balance his time as a specialist and consultant between Palm City Animal Medical Center and two other animal clinics throughout Florida, in Key West and Orlando.

Dr. Krecic has served as a clinical lecturer of small animal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and is currently an adjunct professor of small animal medicine at Mississippi State University.

Since 2009, Krecic has worked with Pfizer Animal Health, the world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal vaccines, medicines and veterinary diagnostic products. 

  

OUR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN TEAM

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND ASSISTANTS

Our veterinary technicians directly handle inpatient and outpatient care, working hand-in-hand with our doctors. The technicians assist in exam rooms by taking patients’ history, vital signs and weight; preparing vaccines; collecting samples and running diagnostic tests; providing client education; and assisting with animal restraint. Technicians also perform suture removal, nail trims, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, long-term medication monitoring testing, surgery admission and discharge, and boarding check-in exams. Technicians directly impact our doctors’ productivity, client service, and patient care. They play a key role in communicating with clients who bring their animals into Palm City Animal Medical Hospital. We are fortunate to have a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians.

Our veterinary technician assistant is the primary support person to our veterinary technicians. Tech Assistants aid in restraining pets and do set-ups for tests that take place during the examination procedures. They also aid the technicians in achieving greater efficiency by handling a set of routine tasks that help the flow of the clinic run smoothly.

ADMINISTRATIVE / SUPPORT STAFF

Operations Manager Tom Battles oversees the team, conducting staff meetings, supporting and nurturing staff growth and development, and handling the many management initiatives that go along with the operation of a large and busy practice.

Bookkeeper Our bookkeeper handles payroll, banking, and a myriad of tasks that help the clinic to run smoothly and make sure that our staff, vendors and other service people are paid promptly.

Personal Assistant to Dr. Sentell Susan Herd handles details for Dr. Sentell, taking care of many tasks that enable him to oversee the hospital and take on the many aspects of his work that engage him during long, productive days.

Client Liaison

Tom is there to make sure our clients get the high level of service and support we want them to have. Escorting clients to exam rooms, overseeing the flow of the clinic, and helping clients with their paperwork, he is dedicated to serving as a client advocate. He is known for his intelligence, warmth, and patience – not to mention escorting clients to their cars while holding an umbrella over them on rainy days.

Reception/Client Care Specialists

We are fortunate to have a wonderful team of Client Care Specialists who handle our reception area. They are often the first staff members you meet when you come to Palm City Animal Medical Center. The perception that “receptionists” just say hello and hand clients their bill couldn’t be more inaccurate. They are first-rate multi taskers, providing service, responding to telephones and face-to-face questions and requests, handling computers, payments, and financial matters, and supporting our doctors, technicians, veterinary assistants, groomers, and kennel/boarding staff members. They communicate with our clients in person, by phone, and by e-mail. While they’re taking and delivering messages to staff, checking and updating medical and computer records for our clientele, and scheduling appointments and surgeries according to the hospital’s scheduling guidelines, they’re also preparing consent forms, selling pet food, and keeping the reception area tidy and stocked with brochures and reading materials. What would we do without them? We don’t even want to think about it!

Lyn			(Not pictured: Shannon, Lisa, Joni, Crystal and Wendy)

 

 

OUR SNIPS & SNOOZES TEAM

Snips & Snoozes Grooming and Boarding Center

Grooming

There’s no doubt that our clients enjoy dropping off a dog in need of a haircut, nail trim, and general tidying up and picking up a sweet-smelling, well groomed, tail wagging creature who looks fantastic!  Many of our clients have been bringing their pets to Snips & Snoozes for years, and our doctors consider grooming care to be an important aspect of the overall health care of the animals we serve. You know that our groomers shampoo, bathe, blow dry, and trim the nails of your pet…but they also perform a range of other tasks that add up to what we define as proper grooming. They clean ears, express external anal glands (so your pet won’t “scoot” across your clean floors and rugs!), and make sure that fur/hair are trimmed away from your pet’s eyes to prevent irritation and excessive tearing.

They also check for the presence (and, hopefully, absence) of fleas and ticks, and pay close attention to your pet’s skin in case they see what may be an ear infection, skin condition, or suspicious lump. They promptly notify the technicians and doctors when a pet may need medical attention and stay in touch with their clients in person and by phone. When they’re not keeping careful documentation of your pet’s visits and making sure your pet is receiving care that’s customized to his/her needs, they’re keeping their work area clean and well stocked with products that are healthy and right for animals. Aren’t you glad they’re here? We sure are!

Ani

Patti (Team Leader)

Britney

Veronica

Boarding – Standard and Luxury

We have been boarding your pets for many years, giving them the best possible care while you are away. The Palm City Animal Medical Center is pleased to announce that our Luxury Boarding Facility opened in January 2012. Your pets will have a very special environment in which to stay while they’re here with us. The Boarding center has large spaces, play areas (indoors and outdoors), special toys, excellent bedding, a fountain (did you know that the sound of running water soothes pets?), and a designated prep area where your pets meals will be made to their specifications. Each of the 12 luxury suites has a theme – Key West, Charleston, San Francisco, Santa Fe, and so forth – with large, colorful images to make the spaces bright and cheerful. Special web cams will enable you to go online to see for yourself how your pet is faring. Bathing, grooming, rehab services, and a host of other services are available, as well.

Kennel Attendants

Kennel attendants are integral members of the PCAMC team, offering daily care and feeding for your pets, and the exercise needs of boarding and hospitalized pets. They provide compassionate care, continually check on the animals throughout their stay, and report anything unusual to the doctors and technicians. They keep records of your pet’s eating, drinking and elimination schedule and make sure that they have food and water. They also clean and disinfect cages, litter boxes, food and water bowls, and ensure that kennel bedding and hospital laundry are clean and fresh. They give your pets TLC and escort them to the treatment area for scheduled or needed medical services and record your pet’s status throughout their stay with us. Our kennel attendants work behind the scenes, but we all know how important their contribution is to the animal hospital and the grooming & boarding center.

(Not pictured, Kelly, Gale, Ashley, Brandi and Erica).