Photo: Jump Media perspective
veterinary
Text: Lindsay Brock
Photo: Jump Media perspective
Dr. Scott Swerdlin
Photo: Erin Gilmore
Dr. Scott Swerdlin sits at the helm of one of the world’ s most renowned equine veterinary clinics. President of Palm Beach Equine Clinic( PBEC), based in Wellington, FL, Swerdlin is a Florida native who has traveled the world to experience all facets of horse sport.
His observations and drive to excel have turned PBEC into one of the leading diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and therapeutic veterinary clinics in North America and the world. But, that title does not have Dr. Swerdlin sitting complacent. Coming off a year-long renovation and improvement project at PBEC, the facility continues to seek out the best talent, technologies, and treatments in veterinary science.
We caught up with Dr. Swerdlin to find out how PBEC is shaping the future of veterinary medicine in Florida, North America, and beyond.
How did your involvement with horses begin?
I grew up in South Florida with horses and a father who played polo. From about the time I was eight years old I knew I wanted to be an equine veterinarian. After completing undergraduate studies from the University of Miami, I went to veterinary school at Auburn University. I also spent six years in the United States Air Force and was fortunate enough to take care of horses at the last cavalry that the U. S. had at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Philippines. Clark was the largest facility that the U. S. had overseas and its perimeter was patrolled by horses. I always knew I wanted to come right back here to Florida and take care of horses one day. That being said, I had no idea that my dream would grow to the extent that it grew.
How was PBEC started?
PBEC’ s founder, Dr. Paul Wollenman, came to Florida in 1979 to principally take care of the horses and provide veterinarian services at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee. He founded PBEC in 1981 and I joined him in 1983. From the two of us, it grew to be over 40 veterinarians today with six boarded specialists and over 80 technicians and staff members, making it one of the largest sport horse practices in the world.
What are some of the specialty services you offer at PBEC?
We have three boarded surgeons – Dr. Robert Brusie, Dr.
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