Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Jeff Godwin was born in Virginia but lived all over the Southeast growing up, mostly in Florida. He graduated from high school in Lake City, FL and attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate studies as well as for his veterinary degree I had every kind of pet you could think of growing up: fish, snakes, iguanas, dogs, rabbits, gerbils, etc. My parents owned a pet store for a few years and that may have really sold me on the idea of being a veterinarian. I just loved animals and taking care of them. When I got older, I combined that passion with the desire for a career that was interesting and challenging. I dont think I could have found a more perfect career. I worked for a DVM in Lake City all through high school and college. He mentored me and taught me a great deal. I also learned a lot from Dr. Charles Joiner, who hired me to join AMC in 1981. When I first graduated I practiced on all species. I did large animal and equine work around the area for several years. I even worked on llamas and a camel one time. But it is hard to be really good with every species, so I began to narrow my focus. Currently I see dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and rodents. My favorite thing is orthopedic surgery. I have pretty much limited my surgical practice to orthopedic cases at this point. I have been a member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society since 1994, and served as treasurer of the group from 2007-2013. I have Animal Medical Clinic in Palm Bay. Photo by Chris Kridler, ChrisKridler.comalso served as president of the Brevard County VMA and the Florida VMA, and was selected Florida Veterinarian of the Year in 2002. I have been married to Jo since 1975. We have three children who are grown and married, and currently we have five wonderful grandchildren.Right now we have two dogs at home: a Yorkshire Terrier named Tebow, and a Maltese mix named Rowdy. Tebow is very calm and cuddly, and Rowdy more than lives up to his name, never sitting still for more than 5 seconds! In the community, Dr. Godwin has served as president of the Melbourne Rotary Club, Chairman of the Board of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce, and has been very active in Boy Scouts and his church
