Dr. Barbara Royal was raised in the Chicago, Illinois area. She got her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois in 1995. She made an effort during her veterinary education to get exposure to a wide range of different facets of veterinary medicine, including work with aquatic, zoo, and wildlife species. After graduation, she practiced in a variety of different environments, while discovering an interest in holistic medicine and nutrition. She did IVAS acupuncture training, studied Western and Chinese herbal medicine at Tufts University, and Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. She is the founder of the Royal Veterinary Treatment Center in Chicago, has published magazine articles and a book, and is an international speaker. She has also served as President of the AHVMA. Dr. Royal and her business partner Dr. Natasha Lilly founded the Royal Animal Health University, which is dedicated to teaching holistic care to pet parents, industry professionals, and veterinarians, with an emphasis not only on animal health, but on the health of our environment and planet as well. Please enjoy this discussion with Dr. Barbara Royal as we discuss her education, her variety of experience in veterinary medicine, her interest in nutrition and environmental health, and the recent merger of Royal Animal Health University with CIVT.