Dr. Paul Kritzinger was born in Namibia in southern Africa and spent his youth growing up in the African wilderness. A family of outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts, they spend every opportunity they had exploring the continent and visiting game reserves and wildlife refuges. This resulted in an initial desire to follow a career in wildlife veterinary services which was shortly curtailed up too many close encounters with wild animals. He was once seen sprinting across the veld wearing only his shoes, with an enraged bull elephant hot on his heels.

He attended high school at the prestigious Diocesan College in Cape Town South Africa. Afterwards Dr. Kritzinger attended the University of Pretoria in South Africa where he received his veterinary degree in 1993. On completion of his studies he traveled to England and began practicing in the quaint town of Ashford in the English countryside. Dr. Kritzinger spent six years in England honing his surgical & medical skills. While living in London he was privileged at times to treat some of the Queen’s horses and the musician Sting’s dogs. He has traveled extensively in Europe as well as the Himalayas, and on returning from one of these adventures, he met Sandy whom he later married in South Africa. After meeting Dr. Schaaf through his longtime friend Dr. James, they immigrated to North Carolina in 1999 and Dr. Kritzinger began working at NMAH. Dr. Kritzinger and Sandy now live in Cornelius on Lake Norman with their son Felix, daughter Jordan, and dachshund mix Molly. Their passion for outdoor activities takes up their recreational time and they can often be found camping in the North Carolina Mountains, in the rain, or fly fishing in various parts of the country. Former competitive triathletes they also enjoy a lot of trail running, road cycling and mountain biking.

Dr. Kritzinger is a keen surgeon and has a passion for excellence in client care. For all your troubles great or small – you just talk to Dr. Paul.