affordability. reliability. quality care.
DOCTOR
DR. TOMMY L. WALKER, D.V.M., M.S.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, L.A, S.A.
Dr. Tommy L. Walker graduated from Texas A&M University summa cum laude in 1974. After completing his neurology residency at Auburn University, he then went on to complete his surgery residency at the University of Tennessee where he remained on as Associate Professor of Surgery until 1987. An esteemed educator, Dr. Walker has lectured at numerous American and European universities as well as national and international meetings including a formal address to the World Congress of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Walker served as Head of the College's Examination Committee and was Chairman and an educator at the Forum of the Orthopedic and Neurology sections of the College of Surgeons for ten years. Cambridge University in Cambridge, England welcomed Dr. Walker for a teaching sabbatical from 1987 to 1988. His contributions to education include a wide array of pulications in scientific journals, papers and proceedings, as well as chapters in textbooks on veterinary orthopedics and neurology, and have also garnered teaching awards at every level.
Armed with keen sensibilities for vetetinary diagnostic and surgical advancement, Dr. Walker worked with Dr. Barclay Slocum in the developement of the TPLO procedure for cruciate repair. He continues as one of the foremost surgeons to progressively incorporate minimally invasive techniques, stem cell technologies and Class IV laser therapies.
STAFF
Susan Shirley
Office Manager
Susan Shirley joined the D.C. Vets team in the Spring of 2015 as our Office Manager. She brings over 10 years of management experience from previous positions as Assistant Reception Manager at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates and a Finance Manager for a Casino several years prior to that. Susan found her way into the veterinary field when she began missing the passion for animal care. Growing up, Susan's family owned/operated a licensed Wildlife Farm that concentrated mainly on raising white tail & piebald deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, peacocks and exotic pheasants through the late 90’s.
Brie-Anna Walker
Practice Assistant
Brie graduated from UVA at Wise in 2004 with a degree in environmental biology and officially began working with D.C. Vets in 2016. However, she has been groomed with animal care her entire life growing up on a farm. Brie currently has her own photography company, Walker's Mark, and pursues her passion for photography in her spare time. While working in a laboratory during most of her college years, she thoroughly enjoys working hands on with all of our patients at D.C. Vets.
Dawn M. Drake
Bookkeeper
Dawn Drake came on board with D.C. Vets in 2013 as our bookkeeper. Dawn found her knowledgeable accounting skills a calling for bookkeeping 7 years ago. She strongly supports the compassionate care and rescue of less fortunate animals and enjoys writing short stories in her spare time. Dawn recently self published a collection of short stories as her first book and is currently working on a sequel!