Dr. Stephanie Edwards joined the PVH team as a staff veterinarian in June 2014. Born in Kittanning PA, Dr. Edwards grew up in a rural community where animals are treasured companions. She is an alumnus of West Shamokin High School, earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State, and in 2014 graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I was inspired by the veterinarians who cared for my pets when I was younger,” she remembers. “I decided to be a vet in high school after working on a project for my 4H Club. I couldn’t think of a better way to combine my love of science and animals.”
Having grown up on a small farm, Dr. Edwards became passionate about animals at a very early age. Her family was never without a collection of dogs, cats and horses, and she was able to learn about caring for them as part of her daily routine. She loved to ride horses, and eventually took up an interest in the American Quarter Horse. She went on to win a number of state titles riding and showing competitively.
After completing her first year at Penn State, Dr. Edwards entered a summer internship program at the Pittsburgh Zoo. She worked mainly in the Kid Kingdom area, where she assisted the zookeepers and veterinarians in the day to day care of livestock, pocket pets, and exotic animals. She gave educational presentations on sea lions to zoo visitors, and even initiated a training program which used positive reinforcement to train the zoo’s collection of reindeer.
During her years attending college and veterinary school, Dr. Edwards worked as a veterinary assistant at several clinics in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. She had the opportunity to practice her hands-on skills in all of the basic work zones of a high volume animal hospital. While helping to perform preventative care exams, surgical procedures, and emergency medicine, Dr. Edwards came to realize that the best part of animal health care begins with the human interaction, those moments in the exam room when she is given the chance to teach.
“I love to educate pet owners on the health of their animals,” she says. “We all want them to live long and healthy lives, and it’s so important that they bring their pets in to have them looked at.”
Whether bringing in their dog for annual vaccines, or presenting their cat for a health concern, the owner is giving their veterinarian the opportunity to interact with them and share knowledge. Dr. Edwards feels that this relationship with the clients is invaluable, and builds a solid trust in her ability to treat the animals.
“I’m excited about getting to know the people in the area and taking care of their pets,” she says. “And I enjoy the variety of cases I see—from the healthy puppy here for preventative care, to the injured cat here for emergency treatment. I truly enjoy being able to help all of these pets!”
Even when she’s not in the office, Dr. Edwards is still spending time with pets—her own! She and husband Matt share their home with their two young daughters, Sydney and Brynn, a Siamese mix cat named Zoey, and a cuddly Bernese Mountain Dog, Newton. She continues to enjoy horseback riding, along with occasional camping trips, canoeing, and skiing.
As for her work at Patton Veterinary Hospital, she makes the following pledge: “I want to provide high quality and compassionate medical care for my patients, and a sense of comfort to their families.”