Meet Dr. Rubendall

Veterinarian
Medicine, Surgery, Acupuncture, Herbs, Spinal Manipulation

Special Interests: Preventative Medicine, Spinal Manipulation, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Nutrition

Education: BS from Iowa State University in 1998, DVM from Iowa State University in 2002

Hometown: Newell, Iowa and graduated from Sac City, Iowa

Pets: Hula ( Boston Terrier), Rudy (Pomapoo) and 2 ‘rocker’ cats: Angus (Young) and Joanie (Jett)

My dream was always to become a veterinarian. My family would say I really wanted to be a maid when I was a little girl as I liked to clean their houses. Ha! But, for as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be around animals. I am from small-town Iowa and always had coonhounds to play with. As I got older, we had a variety of small breed dogs, and my college roommate brought home our first cat, and I was addicted. I really can’t get through my day without a wet nose close by!

After veterinary school, my husband, Eric, and I moved to the Chicago suburbs. I became a partner at a clinic in Wheaton, IL, and lived in the area for about 10 years. I really enjoyed soft tissue surgery and discussing preventative medicine with my clients. I had suffered from a herniated disc in my neck and found wonderful care from a local chiropractor who also used nutritional supplements for general health. It was then that alternative medicine became an interest of mine. I initially started with Chinese Herbal Medicine through IVAS, and it has snowballed since then. It was through these courses that I became educated about using food as medicine.

My other big dream in life was to live by the ocean. In 2012, we moved here to Wilmington, NC. I still am in awe of how many blue sky days we have here compared to the Midwest. I received my certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation from the Healing Oasis in Wisconsin just before our move and started a mobile business providing holistic care while also working part-time for a traditional clinic. It wasn’t too long before I studied Chinese Acupuncture at Chi University. These modalities have made me a better veterinarian. I LOVE learning new ways to help my patients live their best life. It has brought me to Whole Pet Veterinary Hospital, where I am able to bring alternative knowledge to more clients/patients.

When I’m not working, I love SCUBA diving, taking photographs above and underwater, paddleboarding, kayaking, and playing with my pets. I miss my rock concerts in Chicago, but the beach life makes up for it!