Tara VanBennekom, DO has been board certified in Pediatrics since 1996. She started her career as an officer in the US Navy and enjoyed being stationed in Maryland, Japan and Jacksonville.  After a few years in Virginia, her family and her returned to Florida and has practiced pediatrics in Saint Johns county since 2006.  With a holistic approach, she has enjoyed caring for the children of Saint Johns County and building relationships with their families. She has especially enjoyed mentoring high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.    Recently, she has had the opportunity to work in clinical research and excited to contribute to the development of improved vaccines and treatments for children. She is a tennis lover (working on it!). Her and her husband have a daughter and a son.