Jason M Palm, DVM
(Owner / Head Veterinarian
Dr. Jason Palm graduated from Louisiana State University Veterinary School in 1999. He has been working at Hiawassee since 2002 and has been an owner since 2003. Dr. Palm tries to give your pet the individual attention he or she deserves. He will patiently review all options for the care of your pet with you. His special veterinary interests include diseases of senior patients, pain management, and feline medicine and surgery. Dr. Palm’s hobbies are writing and recording music in his studio at home, gardening with native plants, watching and playing soccer, and taking nature photos (all the photos hanging in the clinic are his!) He has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, and Mexico.
Bernard S. Myers, DVM
(Relief Veterinarian)
Dr. Bernard Myers graduated from Cornell University Veterinary School in 1974. He was the original owner of Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic located on Winter Garden Road, which opened in 1980. Dr Myers was on the board of veterinary medicine from 1991-1995. He enjoys working with people and taking care of their fur babies. He has been married 40 plus years and has 3 children and 3 grand-children. He enjoys family time, gardening and working in his small orange grove. He has a dog Bentley, and many cats and other stray animals that come on their property.
Denise Thompson
(Office Manager)
Hi there, I have been with Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic since November 1992. My love for the animals and what we do for them is what has kept me here. I still learn something new every day whether it is administrative, medical, or mechanical. You may see me at the front desk, in the hallways, or not at all … whatever the day brings me. Outside of work I enjoy time with my husband and son, sometimes get to cook or bake, and may even find time for my garden.
David
(Vet Tech)
Hey guys, my name is David. I have been working at HVC since 2008. I started working in the kennel area and worked my way to full-time tech. I have learned and seen so much since starting and I wouldn’t change a thing. I can’t believe how fast time has flown since I started here, Animals have always been a big part of my life ever since I was a little boy.
People that know me call me “Dr. Dolittle” because of my passion and love for animals. I love my job and I come to work every day thankful for what I do. We are like a small family here and like to get to know our clients.
I like long walks on the beach, good conversations, and food LOL. Some other fun facts about me are, that I am a bit of a geek and I love to read (anything sci-fi or fantasy). To tell the truth I love to listen to books a proud Audible member here. I am also a BIG Harry Potter nerd (yes I have the wand and everything), and to round it off I love to go cruising (Loyal to Royal here!) Now that you have read all of this come in to say hi and have a magical day.
Juan
(Vet Tech)
Hey everyone, my name is Juan. I have been working for HVC since August 2010, but I’ve been working in this field since 2002.
I’m originally from the Bronx, N.Y. and that’s where I learned a lot about animals and the field itself. I have a very strong passion and respect for pit bulls; this is why I have owned several. My goal is to own my own boarding facility. I now do boarding and pet sitting on the side, feel free to talk to me about it when you visit the clinic.
I come to work every day with a positive attitude because, although I’m not a veterinarian, I feel as if I make life a little better for the animals in general. I love this job and work very hard at it because working in this field has made me respect the little things about animals that a lot of people don’t notice. They call me the dog whisperer.
Jacob
(Vet Tech)
My name is Jacob, and I am a veterinary technician assistant. I have been working at HVC since 2020. I work at the Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic on my breaks from school, which are usually Christmas and summer break, because I plan on becoming a veterinarian myself. I am actively pursuing a degree in Biology at Xavier University of Louisiana and can’t wait to attend vet school! I love science and animals, which makes veterinary medicine perfect for me since it combines both.
Ariel
(Vet Tech)
I have been at Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic since 2023, specializing in assisting with the health and well-being of animals. I have been volunteering since 2011. I have dedicated years to working closely with crocodilians and other reptiles, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. My passion lies in educating others about Florida wildlife, aiming to foster understanding and appreciation for the region’s diverse ecosystems. Outside of my veterinary work, I enjoy exploring nature and finding inspiration from art. I am committed to promoting conservation and sustainable practices, with a goal of preserving Florida’s natural heritage for future generations.
Becky
(Receptionist)
Hi everyone, my name is Becky. I have been working at HVC since December 2018. I enjoy working here because I meet so many wonderful people and their pets.
I’m originally from Mississippi. I am a lifelong Louisiana State University Tiger fan and a New Orleans Saints fan (just like Dr. Palm). I am also a big Tampa Bay Rays fan.
I love animals and have had many different cats and dogs over the years. We currently have a cat named Hoshi, that lives with my husband and I. We have 2 children and 1 granddaughter.
My husband and I enjoy watching all kinds of sports, and working in our yard. I have a passion for being creative and I feed this passion by sewing, building things, painting and creating items from recycled products.
I look forward to meeting you and your fur babies in the clinic soon. Have a wonderful day!
Jackie
(Receptionist)
Hi my name is Jackie. I have been working at HVC since March 2022. Having worked in veterinary medicine as an office assistant/receptionist for over 12 years, my passion for helping animals, owners, and rescues has grown with each passing year. There’s a thrill of learning something new every day whether it be from a pet owner, a pet, or from a technician or a doctor.
My house is home to three beautiful rescue dogs so there’s always joy and laughter in the home thanks to them.
I’m proud to have become a member of Hiawassee Veterinary Clinic’s team of professionals (they all are truly amazing in what they do) and strive to help all callers/clients/pets in anyway I know how. If you hear a loud voice answering the phone when you call the clinic, chances are that’s me.