Our Veterinarians

Dr. Strand attended the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated in 1975 and has been practicing medicine at Scenic Hills Veterinary Hospital since 1980. His veterinary interests and specialties lean toward heartworm treatment and surgery, especially orthopedic surgery. Dr. Strand lives with his wife and their Chihuahua, Erin. He enjoys flying and boating in his spare time.

Dr. Beitler attended Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Science. She earned her DVM from Ross University in St. Kitts, West Indies. She’s been practicing medicine since 1989. The call to be a veterinarian came when Lisa was 15 and her horse died. From then, she decided to be a veterinarian and help sick animals. Dr. Beitler enjoys spending time with her family and pets, including dogs, cats and fish.

Dr. Ernest completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. She has been practicing medicine since 1990 when she graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys working with people and animals as a partnership, exploring the links between the two. In her off time, she most enjoys spending time with her family.

Dr. Royer graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. He has been practicing veterinary medicine since then. Currently, his special interests and areas of specialization are orthopedic medicine and surgery. Dr. Royer is married and has three children. He enjoys outdoor activities like boating, fishing and lawn care. At home, Dr. Royer has cats, dogs and fish.

Dr. Durr received his Bachelor of Science from LSU in 2013. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Dr. Durr was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and knew from an early age that he was interested in medicine and wanted to be a doctor. Dr Durr choose veterinary medicine because he felt it presented more challenges and because he loved animals. He has special interests in radiology, surgery and dentistry. Since he is from New Orleans of course he loves the Saints and spending time with his wife, children and two dogs.

Dr. Bartels earned a BS in Microbiology from Louisiana State University. She later earned her DVM from the LSU College of Veterinary Medicine. She’s been practicing medicine since 2000. The human-animal bond is what drew Dr. Bartels to veterinary medicine. She enjoys the arts, cooking, crafting and working on projects around her home.

Dr. Belk completed a double major in Animal & General Sciences at Middle Tennessee State and earned his DVM at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Dr. Belk grew up in Jasper, TN a small town just west of Chattanooga. He has always loved the outdoors and sports. Dr. Belk wanted to be a veterinarian to help educate owners how to better care for their pets and to give animals that can’t speak for themselves a voice. He has a trio of dogs who moved to Florida with him. Dr Belk is living near the water enjoying the beach, being out on his boat and all that this area has to offer.

Dr. Kurtz completed an undergraduate degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University where he also obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. An early interest in science led to his desire to become a veterinarian. Dr. Kurtz has a special interest in internal medicine and dermatology. Dr. Kurtz grew up in Vicksburg, MS with seven brothers and sisters. He moved to Florida in May of 2021 and is enjoying the beach with his two dogs. Dr. Kurtz has been enjoying meeting all of the clients and patients at Scenic Hills Veterinary Hospital and learning about the area.