Jenna Balk

Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, I have always felt a deep connection to animals. That passion inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and dedicate myself to advancing animal health and welfare. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal and Avian Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park, and went on to attain my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. While I have particular interests in ophthalmology, aquatic and zoological medicine, and conservation, my experiences throughout veterinary medicine have shown me just how much I enjoy all aspects of the profession.

I recently completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, where I grew tremendously as both a veterinarian and an individual. It was during this time that my passion for ophthalmology truly solidified. Ophthalmology has long been my favorite discipline within veterinary medicine. Beyond the unique opportunity to preserve and restore vision, I am fascinated by the medical and surgical management of ophthalmic disease and the profound impact it can have on the lives of patients and their families. I feel incredibly fortunate to pursue a career centered on protecting and improving the vision of animals every day.

Outside of work, I enjoy music, yoga, traveling, and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens. I love exploring new places, embarking on cross-country road trips, hiking, line dancing, and spending time with my beagle, Goose, as well as with family and friends. A fun fact about me is that I appeared as a classmate on Season 3 of the TV show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. I am excited to call New Jersey home, join the team at Animal Eye Center of New Jersey, and provide exceptional care and support to pets and the people who love them.

Education:

• University of Maryland, College Park, B.S. Animal and Avian Sciences

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, DVM

Friendship Hospital for Animals, Small Animal Rotating Internship 

Publications and Research:

Balk JD, Mitchell ND, Hughes J, Soto Nauto P, Rossi J, Ramirez-Barrios R. Multiple anthelmintic drug resistant Ancylostoma caninum in foxhounds. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 2023 Aug;22:102-106. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.07.001. Epub 2023 Jul 20.PMID: 37481894; PMCID: PMC10391654

Mitchell ND, Balk JD, Hughes J, Soto Nauto P,  Rossi J, Sobotyk C, Valeris-Chacin R, Ramirez-Barrios R. Eucoleus boehmi in dogs: Anthelmintic treatment challenges and impact on olfactory capacity. Veterinary Parasitology. Volume 338, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110534.