Veterinary Hospital in Charleston SC

James D. Baxter, DVM

Status: Married to the Doctor on the right
Education: BS in Biology from Penn State ’82, MS in Veterinary Science from Penn State ‘90
Veterinary Degree: DVM from Michigan State ‘94
Most Memorable Pet: Mr. Cheeks (also went by Cheeky and Cheezy).
Loves: Kids, guitars, motorcycles, beaches, reading, yoga, wood working, and writing poetry
Little known fact: I was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps
Motto: A is A (Aristotle)
Favorite Quotes: “Nothing can harm you until it comes, and it may never come, or if it comes it is something else again. And those who say they will try anything once, often try nothing twice, three times…arriving late at the gate of dreams worth dying for.” –Sandburg

Vedrana I. Gjivoje, DVM

Status: Married to the Doctor on the left
Education: BA from Brown University ‘88
Veterinary Degree: DVM from Michigan State ‘94
Internship: Oradell Animal Hospital ’95 – Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
Most Memorable Pet: My first dog, Lady, very un-ladylike but still awesome.
Accolades/Noteworthy Accomplishments: Phi Zeta Vet Honor Society, Somerset County Distinguished Woman Award, Health and Medicine 2013
Awards: Awarded Leading Women Entrepreneur 2017 in NY/NJ/CT region.
Loves: Her 4 kids, music, hot yoga, backpacking, and the island of St. John
Little known fact: Collects shells, speaks Croatian and French, was born in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, was kissed by Daniel Craig.
Motto: “Never settle” and “The devil is in the details”
Favorite Quotes: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Gandhi
“Do what you like and like what you do.” – Life is Good

Lona

LVT, RVT

Lona

LVT, RVT

Sydney

Medical Team Member

Sydney

Medical Team Member

Kameri

Medical Team Member

Kameri

Medical Team Member

Megan

Medical Team Member

Megan

Medical Team Member

Jack Darryl Rutledge

Treatment Room Supervisor

Jack Darryl Rutledge

Treatment Room Supervisor

Lona
LVT, RVT
Learn More
Kameri
Medical Team Member
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Megan
Medical Team Member
Learn More
Sydney
Medical Team Member
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Jack Darryl Rutledge
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Lona,
LVT, RVT

Role: Practice Manager
Education: Graduated from Tri-County Technical College in 2000 with an Associate in Health Science, Veterinary Technology Degree.
Certifications/Memberships: RECOVER CPR (BLS & ALS), VECCS Mentor, currently working towards becoming a RECOVER CPR Rescuer & a Certified Veterinary Business Leader; member of the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society, the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians, and the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians
Loves: Mountains of western North Carolina hiking, camping and kayaking
Most Memorable Pet: Greta, my Siamese kitty I had my entire childhood (almost 18 years)
Little Known Fact About Me: I’m obsessed with period dramas, especially Turkish period dramas!
Motto: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.
Favorite quote: “When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” – A.D. Williams

Sydney
Medical Team Member

Role: Medical Team Member
Education: Currently a biology student at the College of Charleston
Loves: Coffee, Cats, Birding/Birdwatching, Hiking, Yoga, Nerdy books about infectious diseases
Most Memorable Pet: Borador named Montana
Little known fact about me: Volunteered at a spay/neuter clinic in Costa Rica
Motto: No rain, no flowers
Favorite Quote:
“Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God.” – Christopher Hitchens

Kameri, Medical Team Member

Role: Medical Team Member
Nickname: Kam
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Biology
Awards: I graduated Cum Laude in college and I’m Fear Free certified
Loves: Marine life, playing video games and collecting shark teeth
Most Memorable Pet: My current dog, Izzy
Little Known Fact About Me: I’m the oldest of 7 kids
Motto: Live with intention
Favorite quote: “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists” –Japanese proverb

Megan
Medical Team Member

Role: Medical Team Member
Education: Graduated from College of Charleston in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology and plans to attend veterinary school.
Awards: Fear Free Certified
Loves: Scuba diving, snowboarding, traveling, adrenaline activities, italian food, music, and New England sports, ESPECIALLY the Boston Red Sox
Most Memorable Pet: Meeko, my 3 year old Manx cat. He’s the first fur baby I ever had on my own!
Little Known Fact About Me: I spent two weeks on a research island called San Salvador or Guanahani! Unless you’re part of the residential population or doing research, you cannot go to the island!
Motto(s): If it’s not risky, what’s the fun?  The glass is half full, not half empty.
Favorite quote(s): “Great things never come from comfort zones” –Ben Francia
“The stress and adrenaline of an adventure is better than a thousand peaceful days” –Paulo Coelho

Jack Darryl Rutledge
Treatment Room Supervisor

Role: Treatment Room Supervisor
Nickname: Jack
Education: SCU (Street Cred University)
Awards: Most Handsome Boy
Loves: Laser light, booty scratches, canned food, Sydney & Dr. Baxter
Most Memorable Human: All my servants at HPVH
Little Known Fact About Me: I was previously an indoor/outdoor kitty who was attacked by an unknown animal. My previous home was too small to confine my very large personality during my long recovery, so now I rule the roost at HPVH!
Motto: Feed me – wet food is the best food!
Favorite Quote: One day I’m going to catch that little red dot which keeps disappearing.