Animal Medical Hospital’s Experienced Veterinarians

Dr. Susan Coe’s youthful interest in science and math, coupled with her innate love of animals, led to her decision to become a veterinarian. She finds all animal medicine exciting and challenging. Her special interests include dermatology, ultrasound, cardiology, internal medicine/endocrinology, and ophthalmology.

Dr. Susan Coe graduated from Western Kentucky University with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and animal science. She then attended Auburn University Veterinary School, where she received her degree in veterinary medicine, graduating with honors.

Dr. Susan Coe is married to Dr. Richard Coe, and together they have two human children, Trey and Katie, and three furry ones, Dutchess, a Shetland sheepdog, and Nelson and Jack, two orange cats. Dr. Susan Coe is an active member of many organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Midweek Business Connections, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the board of Philip’s Academy, and the congregation of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. In her free time, Dr. Susan Coe enjoys traveling, reading historical biographies, and exercising, but her favorite leisure activity is golf.

Dr. Richard Coe began his college career at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with an eye toward earning a degree in business. While there, he adopted a German shepherd and became interested in animal health and wellness, but continued with his plans to enter the business world. After working for the American Oil Company for a few years, Dr. Coe entered Auburn University to study the pre-veterinary curriculum. At Auburn, he earned a degree in animal science, and then continued on to graduate school to earn his DVM.

Along with his wife, Dr. Richard Coe opened Animal Medical Hospital in 1983. After practicing veterinary medicine for many years, Dr. Richard Coe began to focus on the management aspect of running a hospital. Under Dr. Coe’s leadership, Animal Medical Hospital has become one of the largest general veterinary practices in the southeast. Dr. Richard Coe has felt over the years that it is important for Animal Medical Hospital to be innovative and, through that mindset, AMH became one of the first veterinary hospitals to use electronic medical records, to offer an internship program outside of the university setting, has been a leader in continuing education, and is the only 24-hour general veterinary practice in the area.

When not overseeing the day-to-day operations of Animal Medical Hospital, Dr. Coe can be found exercising or watching sports, especially professional and Southeastern Conference football. He enjoys traveling throughout the United States to attend veterinarian meetings and is a member of the Veterinary Management Group I, which shares best practice ideas.

Dr. Lorraine Pennea grew up riding horses and after high school worked professionally with both show and race horses. While working with race horses, Dr. Pennea decided to enter the University of Florida to become a race horse veterinarian. She has since branched out into other interests, including soft tissue surgery, emergency and critical care, turtle and tortoise medical care, and pediatrics.

Dr. Pennea is a valuable member of the Animal Medical Hospital team as she serves as the Medical Director. Additionally, Dr. Pennea is the Internship Program Director for AMH. In her role as the Internship Program Director, Dr. Pennea has trained over 20 interns in areas such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, dentistry, and surgery.

Dr. Pennea’s life is full of companion animals. She shares her house with Maxine and Freckles, both Blue and Gold Macaws; Ella May Lindy, a Presa Canario; Julia, an Australian shepherd; and Yemaya, a Sulcata Tortoise. When not working or taking care of her best friends, Dr. Pennea hikes, plays tennis, and engages in cardio kick boxing.

Dr. Kerri Sheehan has known that she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 3 years old. She loves the challenges posed by veterinary medicine and truly enjoys resolving the physical maladies that befall our companion animals. Her special interests include nutrition, behavior, neurology, and oncology.

Dr. Sheehan attended South Florida for her undergraduate studies in microbiology and the University of Florida for veterinary school. Throughout school, Dr. Sheehan participated in Operation Cat Nip and was the Florida representative for the NC State Annual Diversity Conference.

Dr. Sheehan is actively participating in research regarding giardia to better treat and diagnose this infection. She is a member of the Sterile Feral team at Animal Medical Hospital — a program dedicated to spaying feral cats in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently seeking certification through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and is a leading member of our oncology and nutrition teams.

Several animals share Dr. Sheehan’s life, including three dogs, Chevy, Mia, and Metsuke; one cat, Pouncival; and several avian friends. When not working, Dr. Sheehan enjoys painting and pursuing artistic activities. She can also be found hiking, white water rafting, and mountain biking when not practicing yoga.

Dr. James Doyle was always fascinated with the field of medicine and animals, but sealed the deal to become a veterinarian when he worked at an animal hospital during college. He graduated from Purdue University, earning his DVM, and his special interests include surgery, wound care, and dermatology. Through his internship at Animal Medical Hospital, Dr. Doyle had the opportunity to become an associate — an opportunity he happily accepted.

Outside of work, Dr. Doyle spends time with his wife (who is also a veterinarian!), as well as Rascal the dog, and his equine pal, Leanna. Dr. Doyle’s hobbies include playing guitar, running, tennis, and watching movies.

Dr. Bridget Andersen graduated from Vanderbilt University and continued her academic pursuit of veterinary medicine at Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Andersen completed an emergency internship at Animal Medical Hospital, and at the end of that internship was asked to stay as an associate veterinarian working with our overnight emergency cases. She lists emergency medicine as one of her special interests as a veterinarian.

During her free time, Dr. Andersen enjoys painting, working in pottery, and sewing for her pets, Crimson, an orange tabby cat; Chuckles, a small mixed breed dog; and two Red Eared Sliders, Chip and Dip.

Dr. Angela Abendroth graduated from Iowa State and is especially interested in emergency care and ultrasound. She completed her internship at Animal Medical Hospital and, because she enjoyed working here so much, she stayed on as an associate.

Dr. Abendroth owns two dogs, Trotter, a mixed breed, and Madison, a German shepherd. Her favorite pastimes include golfing, basketball, and all activities that take her outside.

Dr. Veronica Higgs came to Animal Medical Hospital from Auburn University. Originally from Kentucky, Dr. Higgs feels she has wanted to be a Veterinarian ever since she can remember. She strives to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and their humans.

Her interests lie in Emergency/Critical Care patients, as well in Surgery. She also has an interest in ‘pocket pets’ (hamsters, gerbils).

Dr. Higgs has one dog, “Koby” a Miniature Dachshund mix. In her spare time she likes to crochet and play the guitar.

Dr. Michelle Malament comes to Animal Medical hospital from Purdue University. Originally from Indiana, Dr. Malament knew she wanted to work with animals very early on, when at age 2 she stuck her head in a Saint Bernard’s mouth!

Her interests include, but are not limited to, wound management and zoological studies. Dr. Malament shares her life with her cat, Belle. When not at work, Dr. Malament enjoys hiking, camping, swimming and enjoying the great outdoors.

Dr. Tammy Evans, a native of Titusville, Florida, began her veterinary “career” at the age of eleven when she began volunteering at a small animal hospital. She then worked at a horse trail riding and boarding stable for four years. Following high school, Dr. Evans worked as a veterinary assistant while she studied at Brevard Community College in Florida. Dr. Evans completed her undergraduate studies at Auburn University with a BS in Animal Sciences and then attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

After working in the field for so many years, Dr. Evans realized she loved the human animal bond. It was a special kitty, named Tootie that truly confirmed her decision to enter the veterinary field. Tootie was eight weeks old when she came into Dr. Evans life with had a broken back and a prognosis of a few years, at most. Dr. Evans was able to nurse her back to health and helped her live a full life to 15 years of age. Tootie taught Dr. Evans so much and helped her every step of the way through vet school.

Dr. Evans’ veterinary areas of interest are internal medicine, ultrasound, nutrition and emergency medicine. She also has a special interest in feline medicine and is exploring alternative medicine in hopes of practicing in a more holistic way.

When she is not providing medical care at AMH, Dr. Evans spends most of her free time with her family – her husband, children, a 2-year old Golden Retriever named Buddy, 10-year old Devon Rex named Zeke, and Tiger (War Eagle!), an 8-month old tabby. She loves taking her two young boys on outdoor adventures. She loves to travel and visit new places as well as hiking and running as time permits.

Dr. Kimberly Fanning grew up in a small town in Ohio. Like many veterinarians she always knew this field was her calling. For a few moments in high school, she considered pediatrics but soon realized her preference and real love was for animals. She has not regretted her decision for a single day.

Dr. Fanning completed her education at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and did an internship at a small animal hospital in Florida. Following her internship year, she continued working for that hospital prior to joining the AMH team.

Her medical interests include both internal medicine and laser surgery. Dr. Fanning’s special interest is in integrative medicine, a combination of mainstream medicine and complementary/alternative medicine which includes the practice of acupuncture, nutritional therapy and traditional Chinese medicine.

Outside of AMH, Dr. Fanning enjoys Ohio State Football (go Buckeyes!), Crossfit, running and competing in marathons (7 accomplished to date!). She also enjoys hanging out with her family and her four furry friends: Necie, a Golden Retrieve mix; Cassiopeia, a stuck up cat; Puma, the best pit bull in the world; and Leborn, a dog that she is still trying to figure out!