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, Humane Society of Polk Co Board, Women's Resource Center and Girls 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.
Dr Vargas is the host of the interactive webcast and show Pet Connection at Polk Government Television. Her commitment to educating the public has manifested into many published newspaper articles and her blog at www.centralfloridaonline.com. 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 and a certified member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists.
Dr. Vargas has embraced the eastern wisdom of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and acupuncture and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Veterinary Food Therapist. She is also trained in Energy Healing and is a certified Reconnective Healer Practitioner. Her interest in healing animals resulted in the integration of acupuncture and holistic medicine with western knowledge and 17 years of practical experience.
In her spare time, she enjoys practicing Tae Kwon Do, where she has achieved the rank of First Degree Black Belt. She also likes reading, traveling, gardening and relaxing at home with her family which includes two cats (Fabio & Tom), two dogs (Daisy & Hans), two guinea pigs (Cream & DC), three bunnies (Buttercup, Shamrock & Clover), Fuzzy the mouse, Sparkles the flying squirrel and numerous finches and goldfish!
