Dr. Vargas received her degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1994. In 1996, she established Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. Her vision for a veterinary practice was and remains to this day: "To create a 'one-stop' pet health care center that provides comfort to our patients and convenience to our clients."
Since then she has deepened her roots in the local community through her involvement in various organizations such as the Ridge Veterinary Medical Society (2008-2009 president), Junior League of Greater Winter Haven Board, Girls Inc., Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Humane Society of Polk County board and founder of the non-for-profit organization K-9 For Life, Inc.
Dr. Vargas has been the recipient of prestigious awards including Alice Thompson Award from Girl's Inc., Medical Hero of the Year by Bay News 9, Gold Star award by the FVMA, Special Service Contribution Award by The Humane society of Polk Co. and the National Pet Care Award by Nestle Purina in 2009.
Her commitment to educating the public has manifested into many published newspaper articles including the Polk Voice "Vet Talk" weekly column and blog. She has been recruited by the American Veterinary Medical Association as the radio voice for The National Hispanic Pet Owner Education Campaign touching on subjects from rabies awareness, spay & neuter, dog bite prevention and vaccinations. She is also an active member of the Veterinary News Network.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, gardening and relaxing at home with her family which includes three cats, two dogs, three guinea pigs,two rats,two hamsters,a bunny, a mouse, a bearded dragon, a flying squirrel and numerous koi and goldfish!
