Our Veterinarians

Jennifer DiTrapani-Gimbal grew up in Connecticut, where she adored hiking through the woods with her family to the edge of the horse farm that bordered their property. Learning to ride horses in New Zealand is another fond animal-related memory of hers. These events showed a young Dr. DiTrapani-Gimba the true power of the bond between humans and animals, and her interest in veterinary medicine was ignited. It hasn’t let up since!

Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science from the University of Florida and began studying at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She attended Virginia Tech for her clinical studies, then started working in Rochester, NY before moving to Port St. Lucie. In 2009, along with her husband Dr. Nathan Gimbal, she purchased Animal Planet and Morningside Animal Hospital which were then merged into one practice. The couple purchased Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital in 2013, and two years later in 2015 they purchased Hobe Sound Veterinary Clinic.

Medically, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal has a special passion for treating geriatric patients—she firmly believes that age is not a disease and older patients shouldn’t be written off without hope. Advocating for pets who might not otherwise have anyone to speak for them, such as feral and homeless cats, is another area of her work that she loves. Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal also enjoys treating small mammal pets such as rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

When she’s not at the office, Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal enjoys reading, running, spinning, practicing yoga, and organic/natural living.

Dr. Gimbal was born on a U.S. Army post in Vicenza, Italy, and was raised just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he had a passion for animals and was always interested in science and how things worked. He is now a full-time Veterinarian, Business Manager, and the Owner of Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital!

Dr. Gimbal worked at a vet’s office during his undergraduate studies, where he learned to care for the clients as much as the animal patients. He then went to American University in the Caribbean to receive his DVM, and finished his clinical requirements at the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Jensen Beach with his wife to be closer to her family.

As a veterinarian, Dr. Gimbal enjoys dermatology because of its complexity, and dentistry because it helps pets live a good long life. He also loves helping pets stay healthy and getting clients through the tough times.

At home, Dr. Gimbal lives with his wife—also a veterinarian and owner of a neighboring animal hospital—and their three daughters. They have two dogs and three cats. When time permits between his work and family life, Dr. Gimbal likes golfing, jogging, and going to the gym. He’s slowly learning Spanish and also finds economics and coin collecting quite interesting.

Debbie grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where her desire to become a veterinarian surfaced when she was only 7 years old. At that point, she began a focused journey of preparing for vet school by studying hard in school and volunteering at local animal shelters, veterinary practices, and nature centers.

Dr. Buckner received her B.A. in Biology from Allegheny College (Meadville, PA) in 1993, and her D.V.M . from Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) in 1997. Since then, she has worked very hard to love and serve her patients with excellence in Indiana, Ohio,...and now in Jensen Beach, Florida!

Debbie and her husband Steve (who also is her high school sweetheart) first vacationed in Jensen Beach (Hutchinson Island) years ago to check out the beach and see the Mets play during spring training. They loved it! After vacationing several times since, they began to ask themselves, "why don't we live here?" After running out of reasons to not make the move, they finally took the plunge!

Medically, Dr. Buckner is passionate about the human-animal bond. She is a dog lover in the truest sense of the term. (Don't worry cat lovers! She loves your babies too!). She also enjoys dermatology, nutrition and geriatric medicine.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, beachcombing, writing, and traveling with her husband to new places. She also hopes to witness sea turtle hatchlings as many times as possible.

Dr. Buckner is thrilled to be working alongside Dr. DiTrapani-Gimbal, Dr. Gimbal, and the entire staff at Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital; and she is grateful for the opportunity to care for the clients and pets in Jensen Beach and surrounding areas.