About Apex Veterinary Surgery

Apex Veterinary Surgery was founded with a simple mission: to provide cutting-edge surgical care to our patients while enhancing the overall client experience. After over 10 years as a private practice veterinary surgeon, Dr. Atwood decided to leave the corporate world to open Apex. Originally just an idea, this has now transformed into a passion to provide advanced surgical care while making Apex Nashville’s premier boutique surgical center. Dr. Atwood’s expertise, compassion, and surgical experience, along with our highly trained staff, allow us to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet. Come see what Apex is all about!

 

Meet the Apex support staff

Kelly Kennedy

M.S.Ed., LVMT
Anesthesia Supervisor

Kelly moved from Martin, Tennessee to work at Apex after previously working at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she taught in the Veterinary Technology program. She graduated from UTM in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Veterinary Technology and soon after, obtained her state license. After graduation, she worked for Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in small animal anesthesia. She moved to Memphis Veterinary Specialists in 2015 where she worked as an anesthetist for Dr. Atwood. Following MVS, she continued as an anesthetist at Huntington Animal Clinic. Kelly has been teaching anesthesia, as well as other courses, since 2019 and obtained her Master of Science in Education in 2022. She has 2 dogs, Levi and Ducky, and a cat, Thackery Binx, that take up most of her free time. On the weekends you will most likely find her playing disc golf with her boyfriend, Seth.

Shannon Dorow

Office Manager

Shannon has lived in the Middle Tennessee area since she was 9 years old. Attending both Columbia State Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. Obtaining both an Associate degree in Agriculture, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. Having worked in Veterinary specialty medicine for the past 12 years, she loves helping animals of every kind. In her free time she loves any outdoor activity, including gardening, kayaking, and horseback riding. She also loves to spend time with her family, friends, and hanging out with her dogs, cats, and two horses.

Shannon Dorow

Office Manager

Shannon has lived in the Middle Tennessee area since she was 9 years old. Attending both Columbia State Community College, and Middle Tennessee State University. Obtaining both an Associate degree in Agriculture, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. Having worked in Veterinary specialty medicine for the past 12 years, she loves helping animals of every kind. In her free time she loves any outdoor activity, including gardening, kayaking, and horseback riding. She also loves to spend time with her family, friends, and hanging out with her dogs, cats, and two horses.

Zarah Goldring

Veterinary Assistant

Zarah moved from Brighton, Tennessee to work at Apex after previously working with Dr. Atwood in Memphis at MVS in both Emergency and Surgery. She has been in the veterinary field since 2015 and hopes to gain her LVMT. Soon after obtaining her license she plans to look into specializing in Anesthesia. Outside of work her life revolves around her dog Shadow, who goes with her almost everywhere. Zarah also spends her free time going to concerts, hanging out with her friends back home, and spoiling Shadow on a regular basis.

Current news

Upcoming events

Careers at AVS

If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated animal care professionals, please feel free to contact us at careers@apexvetsurgery.com. In addition to a work environment focused on teamwork and exceptional patient care, we offer competitive salary, benefits, and a schedule that allows a great work/life balance.