Our Team

As a young Boy Scout in Birmingham, Dr. Philip Smith earned several merit badges in first aid and pet care, and his achievements ignited his long-term interest with animals. He nurtured these instincts by helping to take care of the family pets and rescuing baby birds, and caring for them until they could fly again. Later, while studying biology at Auburn University, Dr. Smith worked in a neighborhood veterinary clinic and performed kennel and veterinary assistant duties, such as assisting in radiography and surgery. While in college, he received academic recognition by making the Dean’s List, graduating with high honors, and participating as a member of Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry Honor Society).

Veterinary Career Beginnings
After earning his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985, Dr. Smith began practicing veterinary medicine and opened Indian Hills Animal Clinic in July 1994. “My favorite aspect of being a veterinarian is seeing sick or injured animals restored to health and the joy it brings to their owners. Also, when a tentative diagnosis on a complicated case is confirmed by lab diagnostics and consultation, I realize how much I love my job,” Dr. Smith says.

A Passion for Pet Wellness
Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has encountered several memorable cases. “Once we had an emergency situation where a dog had jumped over a wrought-iron fence and landed on top of the pointed tip, which speared into his rear leg. We were able to surgically correct this wound, and the dog regained the full use of his leg,” Dr. Smith says. On another occasion, a cat suffered a gunshot wound to its face. “The bullet destroyed an inch of bone from each side of the cat’s jaw, but we were able to successfully repair it and nurse the cat back to full health.”

Dr. Smith is a member of the Tuscaloosa Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interests include internal medicine, gastroenterology, dermatology, cardiology, and avian medicine. Furthermore, Dr. Smith has received continuing education certificates in pain management, dentistry, and dermatology.

Community Involvement
Community service is very important to Dr. Smith. He and his staff helped the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado victims by offering Indian Hills Animal Clinic as a temporary shelter to injured pets or pets who had lost their owners or homes. Each summer, he travels to Skagway, Alaska, where he spends one-week providing care to pets in this small town. He has also served on five mission trips to Kenya, where he administered rabies vaccinations and other care to pets in one of the local villages.

Dr. Smith likes to spend his free time with his wife, Caroline, a dietitian who often assists at Indian Hills Animal Clinic with special projects. Together, they enjoy activities with their now-adult children, including sports and entertainment. Dr. Smith also enjoys yard work, skiing, church activities, and playing with his three dogs and one cat.

Dr. Drain has been practicing veterinary medicine for 21 years after attending Auburn University. She prides herself in helping people by taking care of their pets and educating them about the health and welfare of their four-legged family members. In her free time, Katy enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and working in her yard.

Vickie Pearce has been keeping things running smoothly for the staff and clients at Indian Hills Animal Clinic since July 1994. Having worked previously for Dr. Smith at his first veterinary hospital, Vickie has been a member of his core staff for 28 years. She feels that “it is rewarding and a pleasure to work with a veterinarian and staff who are caring and compassionate. We not only treat the pet; we also educate the owners and make every effort to provide them with the comfort and reassurance that they need.”

As office manager, Vickie encourages a team approach to providing pet care. Her responsibilities include hiring employees, supervising, payroll, and overseeing the hospital’s general everyday operations.

Compassion, loyalty, and dedication are three self-applied terms Vickie uses to describe her professional attributes. “Interacting with the pets and their parents is my favorite part about my job,” she says.

Vickie enjoys flower gardening and spending time with her family and three dogs named Hoss, Deacon, and Papa in her spare time.

Having a sense of humor is very useful when working with animals, and, fortunately for us, veterinary technician Larry J. Easterwood has one. Larry has been with Indian Hills Animal Clinic since January 1996 and performs many duties, including administering vaccinations and medications, filling prescriptions, drawing blood, and cleaning up after pet boarders. Larry’s favorite part of his job is providing dental care to the pets and educating pet owners on preventive oral health measures.

The family-like feel at Indian Hills Animal Clinic is something that Larry cherishes. “I like working here because my coworkers and I get along great—like one big family. Also, I could not ask to work for a better doctor than Dr. Smith,” he says.

Larry finds time to read, watch movies, do yard work, and go to the mountains in his free time. At home, his two Boston Terriers (Atticus and Ailbe) keep him company.

Michalie has been a part-time veterinary assistant here at Indian Hills Animal Clinic since July 2018. She is in charge of walking, cleaning, and feeding the animals in our care, as well as distributing medicine. Her favorite part of her job is being able to interact with all the animals in the clinic.

Michalie is currently enrolled at Shelton State University. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. Michalie has two pets: a two-year-old guinea pig named Vinnie and a 7-month-old cat named Loki. We are so happy to have Michalie as part of the Indian Hills Animal Clinic family!

Grace is a veterinary assistant at Indian Hills Animal Clinic. Her daily responsibilities include pet care, walking the boarding dogs, assisting veterinarian technicians, and assisting with client services. Grace has worked in the animal care field for over four years, and her favorite part of her job is working with dogs and exotic animals. She has strong teamwork and brings her laughter with her each day to the hospital. Grace is currently studying to become a licensed veterinary technician.

“I feel like this clinic is one big family,” Grace says. “I love working with Dr. Smith and my coworkers because they’re always willing to answer any question I have or teach me something new.”

At home, Grace has a Chihuahua named Emmie, a coonhound named Dan, two cats named Joker and Gigi, and a hedgehog named Quill. Outside of the office, she trains horses and dog-sits. In her free time, Grace enjoys riding horses and doodling.