Your Neighbor: Bill Francisco

Veterinary Bill Francisco first turned to acupuncture to treat his patients in 2010 after he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. Francisco was no longer able to treat larger animals, such as cattle, and wanted to find another less physically demanding way to help animals.

Francisco uses low-level laser light therapy and acupuncture with electric stimulation to treat problems such as arthritis, dermatitis and internal issues with muscles and organs.

Francisco says acupuncture is no different for animals than for humans; it even involves the same type of needle.

“It’s very rewarding,” says Francisco of treating animals.

After working as a private veterinarian in Barto, Penn., for 40 years, Francisco began studying veterinary acupuncture at Colorado State University’s veterinary school in 2009. At the time, the program was the only one of its kind in the country.

When Francisco began practicing veterinary acupuncture in 2010, his friends and clients in Barto had a hard time taking his new approach seriously. But, when Francisco’s patients showed results almost immediately, they became more accepting.

Francisco moved in 2012 to Sarasota after vacationing on Siesta Key in 2009. He says he and his wife, Jeanne, chose Siesta Key because of its beauty.

Francisco used to work long hours when he practiced traditional veterinary medicine. Now, he sees two patients a day for two hours each.

The nature of his practice and ability to created his own schedule makes him feel almost retired, Francisco says.

“I’m not in as much of a hurry,” he says.

Francisco says his job now is more personal and allows him to work more closely with the animals.

“I try to think more like they do,” he says. “It’s so enjoyable to go back and have the pet feeling better. They are part of the family.”

Neighborhood: Siesta Key
Your neighbor since: 2012

IN HIS OWN WORDS: “Everyone is friendly and has a dog. It’s a very dog-oriented neighborhood.” — Bill Francisco

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]