Dr. Rebecca Slivka: Voices Discovered

Dr. Rebecca Slivka stands proudly for a photo outside of Northwood Animal Hospital

Ever since Dr. Rebecca Slivka was a little girl, she knew she loved animals. And becoming a veterinarian was the only job she knew of that would mean she got to spend time with animals every day. As she got older, she began to realize how fascinating she found science and medicine, and the idea of becoming a veterinarian wasn’t just a dream – it was her goal.

Throughout high school, Dr. Slivka was able to gain experience with animals, and eventually went to Virginia Tech to study animal science. After graduating from school and starting at a smaller animal hospital, Dr. Slivka was hired at Northwood Animal Hospital right here in High Point. When the then owner, Dr. Mellinger, was unable to keep the practice, Dr. Slivka decided to purchase it in 2013.

“At that time, I hadn’t planned on purchasing a clinic anytime soon,” Dr. Slivka explains. “However, I enjoyed working at Northwood Animal Hospital and loved the High Point community so much that I couldn’t imagine myself working anywhere else.”

Read below to learn more about Dr. Slivka’s journey to becoming one of High Point’s furry pals’ most important friends.

Dr. Slivka helps a patient with a puppy.

A quote by Dr. Rebecca Slivka that reads " You can't be truly successful by yourself, you need to have a great team that you can trust to help achieve your goals"

About You and Your Company

Q. What is on the horizon for you?

A. We recently added two new associates to our practice, Dr. Traxler and Dr. Foster. These two veterinarians are bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the practice, along with great zest for their profession. I envision that this new, improved medical team will allow Northwood to even further improve the medical care we deliver to our patients.

Q. What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?

A. I love music and played the cello in middle and high school. In an alternate universe, I would have loved to have been a professional cello player. Being part of an orchestra that made music for movie soundtracks would have been amazing.

Q. What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?

A. I wish I was more open-minded. When I first started, I was not as eager to leave my comfort zone when it came to doing new procedures or trying alternative treatments or medications. Knowing that there can be multiple ways to approach a case, and taking more time to research different options would have been beneficial.

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka prepares for a procedure with a vet tech.

Dr. Rebecca ‘Reba’ Slivka grew up in Danville, Virginia. She earned her DVM degree from Virginia Tech in May 2009.

A dalmatian poses for a photo outside of Northwood Animal Hospital

Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A. That one of my running partners is my dog, Raina, a 16 lb. Chiweenie (dachshund chihuahua mix.)

Q. What motivates you? / What inspires you?

A. I’m motivated by having the ability to educate people so that they learn what is needed for their pets to be healthy and that they feel empowered when it comes to caring for the pets. I’m inspired by my team members. Seeing them learn, grow and enjoy their careers inspires me to improve myself and my company as well.

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka interacts with a vet tech in an operating room.

Q. What gives you the biggest satisfaction in life?

A. What truly brings me satisfaction is when my clients are pleased and grateful for the services that we provide for their pets. Veterinary medicine is a taxing field, and the answers are not always straightforward. But when a client expresses how much they appreciate what you did for their pet, you know you did something right.

A vet tech kisses one of the dogs.

Q. Best career advice you have ever received?

A. Take care of your staff, and they will take care of the rest.

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka stands next to teh Northwood Animal Hospital sign.

Q. Favorite book (business or pleasure)?

A. Anything by Nicholas Sparks

Q. What is your proudest achievement to date?

A. When we were able to complete the renovation and expansion of the clinic, making it a beautiful facility designed to enhance patient care.

The exterior of Northwood Animal Hospital

Northwood Animal Hospital is located at 507 Eastchester Dr. High Point, NC 27262

Q. Best vacation you have taken?

A. The best vacation I have taken was when my husband and I went to Miami to watch grand prix horse jumping on the beach.

Q. Where will we find you on a Sunday afternoon?

A. After a busy morning of running and riding my horse in the morning, on Sunday afternoon you will probably find me at home on my couch, snuggling with my dogs, drinking a latte, and catching up on shows on my DVR (which often consists of reality veterinary shows).

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka wears a Virginia Tech vet inspired shirt as she stands with a dog.

Reba loves cheering for the Virginia Tech Hokies, look for her in our Virginia Tech themed exam room!

Q. Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail?)

A. Half-sprite and half-lemonade.

Q. What makes you truly happy?

A. Being surrounded by those that I love – my husband, my family and my pets.

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka looks into her husbands Johnathan's eyes.

Dr. Rebecca 'Reba' Slivka stands next to her husband Johnathan at the entrance of Northwood Animal Hospital.

Jonathan, Reba’s husband, brings several years in customer service, marketing and business management to Northwood Animal Hospital.

Q. As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams – what three pieces of advice would you give them?

A.

  1. You have to take advantage of the opportunities that you are given, even if the timing is not as planned.
  2. You can’t be truly successful by yourself, you need to have a great team that you can trust to help you achieve your goals.
  3. You will make mistakes; what counts is if you are able to learn and grow from your mistakes

High Point Favorites

Q. What do you love about life in High Point?

A. The scenery, the people, the weather, the amazing variety of things to do.

Q. What are some of your favorite activities in High Point?

A. The local running races like the Carolina Brewfest, Jingle Jog, GO FAR, and the High Point Rockers’ games.

Q. Restaurant you can’t get enough of?

A. Sweet Old Bill’s

Q. Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?

A. DeBeen Espresso

Q. Local shop you think is doing everything right?

A. Fleet Feet High Point  

Q. Where do you go to unplug?

A. Piedmont Environmental Center

Q. Favorite place to grab a drink?

A. Liberty Brewery & Grill or Brown Truck Brewery

Q. Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?

A. High Point CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) to learn all about High Point and to meet the wonderful people that work there.

Q. Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?

A. Old Dominion

We’re so thankful our beloved pets have amazing veterinarians like Dr. Slivka to keep them safe and healthy. Life isn’t so “ruff” when we know our pets are in good hands!

Voices Discovered is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their view. Consider it a peek into the heart and soul of our local businesses. We hope you will be inspired to investigate more. Past guests have included Uncle Cheesecake and Brittany Hall.

Discover our High Points,

The HP Discovered Team

Photography by Maria West Photography

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