Meet Our Team at Healing Arts Veterinary Center
Meet the compassionate veterinary professionals behind the care at Healing Arts Veterinary Center. We’re proud to serve West Palm Beach pets and families.
Our Veterinarians in West Palm Beach
Healing Arts Veterinary Center was established in 2006 by Dr. Bill Sharpe and Dr. Daniela Gorgevska, a husband-and-wife team. Both doctors have been practicing since 1990 and moved to Palm Beach County in 1994 after working in large veterinary hospitals in the Chicago area. When not at the clinic, they enjoy spending time with their children.
Our Doctors
Dr. Bill Sharpe, Medical Director
Veterinarian
Background & Education:
- Canine Rehabilitation Training – University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Small Animal Surgical Internship – Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (1991)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine (1990)
- Small Animal Clinical Training – Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Netherlands (1989)
- Small and Large Animal Clinical Training – Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (1989)
- Bachelor of Science – University of Florida
- Bachelor of Arts – Oglethorpe University
Dr. Elena Bettale
Dr. Bettale earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University and has experience in large and small animal medicine. Dr. Bettale trained with leading specialists and received the Dechra Excellence in Equine Sports Medicine Award during her rotations. Her clinical background includes general practice medicine, emergency care, and anesthesia. A lifelong learner, Dr. Bettale’s passion for veterinary medicine was sparked by her bond with her first horse, Mr. Jones. This connection inspired her to advocate for animals’ health while empowering pet parents through education. Her diverse experiences working with wildlife in Africa, tending to horses in Ireland, and caring for pets in San Diego, have given her a broad, well-rounded perspective on animal care.
Outside of work, Dr. Bettale enjoys outdoor activities like beach volleyball, hiking, kayaking, and exploring Florida’s coastline. She enjoys spotting the incredible wildlife that call this state home!
Dr. Robert Burgess
Veterinarian
Dr. Burgess is a Florida native, growing up in Plantation, FL. He has enjoyed practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years. “My father is a retired medical doctor, so I got my love of medicine from him,” Dr. Burgess says of what inspired him to become a veterinarian. “My love for animals has allowed me to work in my called profession which is truly a blessing.”
Dr. Burgess earned his bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy sciences from Auburn University, where he graduated cum laude in 1987. He was honored to be a member of the Outstanding College Students of America. He continued his studies at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and chairman of the Veterinary College Honors Committee. He also was a member of Alpha Psi veterinary fraternity. Dr. Burgess graduated magna cum laude with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. He then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, FL in 1992. Dr. Burgess worked as an associate veterinarian for Monterey Animal Clinic in Stuart, FL for 5 years prior to opening his own clinic in 1998. He owned and operated God’s Creatures Animal Clinic in Stuart, FL for 14 years. For the last 16 years, Dr. Burgess has enjoyed working as a relief veterinarian for several practices in Palm Beach, Martin and Saint Lucie counties. These include Native Palm Animal Hospital, Village Veterinary Clinic, All Creatures Animal Clinic, Stuart Sound Animal Clinic, Jensen Beach Animal Hospital, Surfside Animal Clinic and Northport Saint Lucie Animal Hospital.
Dr. Burgess strives to make a positive impact in the life of a family pet via diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and comforting people by providing compassionate care for their four-legged family members.
He finds great satisfaction in his chosen profession because of the ability to make a positive difference assisting them during difficult situations.
Dr. Burgess is a member of the Treasure Coast Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include internal medicine, dermatology, and dentistry.
He has been married to his wonderful wife Gloria for 38 years. They have two awesome beautiful daughters, Caroline and Alexandra as well as two incredible stepsons, Brandon and Cesar. Our four-legged child is Denali, a loving English Cream Golden Retriever. Dr. Burgess is very active in his church and enjoys spending time with his dog, fishing, traveling, hiking, and reading.