Community Highlights: Meet Lina Vaca of UpLift Veterinary Rehabilitation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Vaca.

Hi Lina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a strong bond with animals, so becoming a veterinarian felt very natural to me from an early age. I grew up in Colombia, South America, and completed veterinary school in Bogotá in 2009, where I built a solid clinical foundation. During vet school, I developed a strong interest in integrative and alternative medicine and intentionally sought out electives that allowed me to explore those areas further.

That interest led me to pursue an internship in the United States, in Georgia. I came for the internship and ultimately stayed, supported by family here. As I continued learning, I became certified in acupuncture in 2010, and through that work I saw how closely it connects with rehabilitation, herbal medicine, spinal manipulative therapy, and nutrition. I went on to pursue additional certifications in each of those areas.

Over time, these experiences shaped my current approach, which focuses on treating the whole patient and improving quality of life through integrative medicine and rehabilitation. That passion ultimately led me to open Uplift Veterinary Rehabilitation in Atlanta in 2025, with the support of my business partner, Avery.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road. Moving to another country and navigating a new culture and language brought challenges both personally and professionally. Validating my veterinary license, learning the U.S veterinary medicine system, and building my career required persistence and adaptability.

Pursuing multiple certifications while working full-time was already demanding. In addition, focusing on integrative medicine and rehabilitation, a young and evolving field, meant building and learning together with colleagues and clients.

Those experiences have made me more resilient, adaptable, and confident, and I’m grateful for the mentors and supporters who helped me along the way, ultimately preparing me to open my own practice.

We’ve been impressed with UpLift Veterinary Rehabilitation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Uplift Veterinary Rehabilitation is a locally-owned, women-led practice and the first standalone veterinary rehabilitation clinic in Atlanta. We are dedicated to veterinary physical rehabilitation and integrative medicine, helping pets regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life through integrative therapies. Our services include hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, food therapy, and individualized wellness programs, all tailored to each patient’s clinical needs.

What sets us apart is our evidence-based, combined expertise and integrative approach, along with our commitment to personalized, compassionate care. I’m proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients, and of creating a space where pets and their families feel fully supported. At Uplift, we’re not just treating injuries, we’re enhancing functional recovery, mobility, long-term health, and overall quality of life, helping pets live fuller, healthier, and happier lives.

What makes you happy?
What truly makes me happy is seeing a patient regain comfort, mobility, and confidence. Especially when a pet that struggled to move or was in pain starts enjoying daily activities again or does things they haven’t been able to do in years. Knowing that my work directly improves both a pet’s quality of life and the bond they share with their family is incredibly fulfilling. I also love learning, collaborating, and building something meaningful with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.upliftvet.com
• Instagram: upliftvetrehab
• Facebook: UpLift Veterinary Rehabilitation
• LinkedIn: UpLift Veterinary Rehabilitation