Dr. Christine Heinz has been chosen as the 2010 Nestle Purina PetCare Award! Broad Ripple Animal Clinic is proud of Dr. Heinz's accomplishment, as it is a well-deserved recognition for her hard work as a veterinarian.

One American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) member veterinarian is chosen each year in recognition for their outstanding efforts to positively influence the lives of animals and people. This year, Dr. Heinz was nominated by one of her clients. This nomination was supported by two more client essays, telling the stories of their relationships with Dr. Heinz over the past few years.

Dr. Christine Heinz received her DVM degree from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Before becoming an Illini, Dr. Heinz was a proud Spartan, earning a B.S. in Animal Science and graduating with honors in 2002 from Michigan State University- Go Green!

Christine is a native of suburban Chicago, where her immediate family and most of her extended family still reside. While she greatly misses deep-dish pizza, Christine is very happy to call Indianapolis her home. She lives in the Broad Ripple area, not too far from BRAC, with her husband, Aaron, and their two dogs, Kodie and Staley. Kodie was a blood donor dog at the teaching hospital at Michigan State before Christine was lucky enough to be able to take him home. Staley came from the Indianapolis Humane Society and became a wonderful addition to the family and is a great "brother" to Kodie. Christine loves to be outdoors with Aaron and their dogs, will jump on the chance to do a little downhill skiing, and enjoys cooking and trying different ethnic cuisines.

Dr. Heinz's philosophy of veterinary care: "I love talking to people about their pets! I want people to understand what is going on with the health of their pet, so that they can feel secure in the decisions they make regarding their little ones. I think that everyone has a different and unique bond with their pets and it's my job to treat not only their pets, but also their owners with the care, commitment, and compassion that they deserve."

Dr. Heinz will be recognized at the AAHA Long Beach 2010 Conference in March 2010. She would like to thank everyone who supports her, and entrusts their pets' care to her as a veterinarian.