Dr. Stephen M. Samson
Dr. Samson is the veterinarian owner of Coastal Animal Hospital. His philosophy of veterinary medicine is to treat all of his patients with the same thoroughness and compassion as if they were his own personal pets. He understands that he is not only treating a pet but a beloved member of the family. His professional interests are geriatric medicine, dermatology, internal medicine, and alternative treatment modalities. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, and the Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. He is also a member of the Veterinary Information Network, which is an online association of more than 2,000 veterinarians worldwide who share ideas and medical knowledge with the aim of facilitating and progressing the art and science of veterinary medicine. Personal interests include weight lifting, reading, fishing, his church, and spending time with his 4 children and 3 pups. Psalm 136:1
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Dr. Sara Beth Belton
Dr. Sara Beth Belton is the senior veterinarian in our Coastal Family. Besides her loving and caring personality, she brings 11 years of experience as a veterinarian. Dr. Belton did her undergraduate at NC State and earned her veterinary degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She was born in Washington, North Carolina and now she calls Outer Banks home, with her husband, Joey, and her two beautiful young children. Her four-legged children include Rivers, a Labrador, and a very cute French Bulldog named Stella. When she is not at work, sharing her experience and knowledge with us, she enjoys fishing/boating, reading, and spending time at the beach with her family.
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Dr. Emily Kelly
Dr. Kelly's journey in veterinary medicine began at a young age. As early as third grade, she knew that her dream job was to help animals. After years of hard work and dedication, she graduated from the prestigious Oklahoma State University veterinary school in 2004. Her education equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to animals of all kinds. Originally hailing from Texas, Dr. Kelly recently settled in Kitty Hawk from the Chicago land area. We are thrilled to have her as part of our veterinary clinic since May 2022. Before her time in Illinois, she spent two years practicing medicine in Turkey as a civilian veterinarian for the army. This unique experience allowed her to broaden her horizons and gain valuable insights into veterinary practices worldwide. She not only cares for your pets, but she also has her fur babies. Moses, a show dog, has quickly become a beloved member of her family and the clinic. Everyone falls in love with him instantly. Additionally, Stella, a Turkish cat, adds a touch of feline charm to Dr. Kelly's life. Her experiences with her pets have given her a deeper understanding and empathy for the bond between owners and their beloved animals. One of Dr. Kelly's favorite aspects of her job is the opportunity to become an integral part of helping families make the best decisions for their pets. As a veterinarian, she understands the importance of balanced care that takes into consideration an animal's health, well-being, and individual needs. Dr. Kelly believes in open communication and works closely with pet owners to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize the health and happiness of their furry companions. In her spare time, Dr. Kelly has developed a newfound obsession with fishing and has embraced the beach life since settling in Kitty Hawk. She strives to strike a balance between work and play, allowing her to rejuvenate and recharge. Dr. Kelly also enjoys off-road adventures in her Jeep, although she admits to the occasional challenge of avoiding getting stuck on the beach. When it comes to the health and well-being of your pets, you can trust Dr. Emily Kelly's expertise and experience.
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Dr. Christinia B. Hicks
Dr. Christina Hicks, the Chief of Staff at our Buxton location, is a true pillar of the community. A native of Hatteras Island, she has been a part of the Coastal Animal Hospital team since 2010. Dr. Hicks's journey to becoming a veterinarian began when she was just a child. Her love for animals and commitment to their well-being have been evident from a young age, and she has worked tirelessly to turn her childhood dream into reality. In addition to her work at Coastal Animal Hospital, Dr. Hicks is actively involved in various community organizations. She currently serves on the board of the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, the Hatteras Village Civic Association, and the Hatteras Village Fire Department. Through her involvement in these organizations, she can give back to the community that has given her so much. When she's not busy caring for animals or volunteering in the community, Dr. Hicks enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her hobbies. She is an avid cook, often experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She also loves to fish, paddle board, and spend time outdoors; And of course, she cherishes every moment she gets to spend chasing her energetic toddler around. Dr. Hicks's dedication to her work, her passion for animals, and her commitment to serving the community make her a highly respected professional in the field of veterinary medicine. Her years of experience and expertise have earned her the trust and admiration of her colleagues and clients. Dr. Christina Hicks is not just a veterinarian; she is a compassionate caregiver, a dedicated community leader, and a loving mother. Her commitment to her work and community sets her apart as a true role model in veterinary medicine. With Dr. Hicks at the helm, patients at Coastal Animal Hospital can rest assured that they are in caring and capable hands.
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Dr. Rebecca Hederer
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Hederer's love for animals led her across the Atlantic to the Royal Veterinary College in London. After five rigorous years of study, she came to the Outer Banks with a newfound level of expertise. With her dedication and passion for veterinary medicine, Dr. Hederer has brought a global perspective to our team, enhancing the level of care we provide to our patients. Among her many passions, her love for cats stands out. Known for her outrageous affection for our feline friends, she understands the unique needs and behaviors of these graceful creatures. As a proud cat owner herself, Dr. Hederer cherishes her two beloved companions, Kizzie, a delightful tabby, and Uba, a charming sphynx. Her profound understanding of cat care makes her a trusted resource for cat owners seeking guidance and support. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hederer is known for her genuine warmth and personable nature. Her boundless energy and positive attitude create a welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. With Dr. Hederer, you can rest assured that your furry family members are in the hands of someone who genuinely cares. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Hederer is an ardent fan of pop culture phenomena such as Harry Potter and Twilight. These interests serve as a testament to her vibrant personality and her ability to connect with people and animals alike. Whether discussing the latest magical adventures or uncovering the mysteries of the vampire realm, Dr. Hederer brings a refreshing blend of expertise and relatability to her interactions. Since moving to the Outer Banks with her boyfriend to be closer to his family, Dr. Hederer has fully embraced the charm and beauty of this coastal haven. She enjoys exploring the scenic landscapes, sandy beaches, and vibrant local businesses. Dr. Hederer's commitment to supporting the community extends beyond her veterinary practice as she actively promotes and advocates for local businesses, fostering a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. As a part of our veterinary team, Dr. Rebecca Hederer brings a unique combination of expertise, authenticity, and dedication. Her years of experience, paired with her compassionate approach, have garnered her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and clients. We are proud to have Dr. Hederer as an integral part of our team, and we are confident that with her by our side, we can continue making a positive difference in the lives of animals and their owners.
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Dr. James Clark
He earned his DVM from North Carolina State University in 1996 and then completed a rotating internship in Medicine and Surgery at Mississippi State University. He completed a one-year surgical fellowship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgery Center, followed by a three year surgical residency at University of Minnesota. Dr. Clark has fulfilled all requirements for board certification in small animal surgery and had been working as a staff surgeon at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Cary, NC for the previous six years.