Dr. Torkelson grew up in Michigan but decided to move away from the snow as soon as possible. At the University of Hawaii, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology before attending the University of Miami and completing a Master’s of Professional Science degree in marine affairs and policy with a concentration in marine conservation. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Her special interests include internal medicine, oncology, and emergency medicine.

Dr. Torkelson loves the water and has a soft spot for dogs who are the same! She has 3 dogs, a Chocolate Lab named “Honu” (which is the Hawaiian word for the Green Sea Turtle), a Red Bone Coonhound named “Poppy” and a Labrador Retriever named “Maple”. When not at the clinic, Dr. Torkelson enjoys hiking with her dogs, reading, traveling, and SCUBA diving.