Our Doctors
George Ghneim, DVM, PhD
Partner
Dr. George Ghneim graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. Throughout the four years of veterinary school he became interested in infectious disease and went on to complete a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology (MPVM) and a PhD in Ecology with an emphasis on the environment and infectious disease. His dissertation work was on determining environmental risk factors for infection with leptospirosis.
Throughout his PhD, Dr. Ghneim worked as an emergency/critical care clinician at a 24 hour referral hospital in Sacramento, California. After completing his dissertation he moved to Raleigh, NC to manage the state health department’s infectious disease surveillance system. He then went to RTI International to work on more primary infectious disease research. He continued to work part time in emergency hospitals on the weekends and in 2008 elected to go back to clinical practice full time. Dr. Ghneim became a partner with Care First Animal Hospitals and was with them until 2017. He then joined Wake Veterinary Medical Center as the managing veterinarian and has since become a partner here.
Dr. Ghneim is married to Carrie Ghneim with whom he has two children, Isadora and Simon, and two Rhodesian ridgeback named Hex and Finneas. His other interests in life are food, wine, hiking, and Kendo (Japanese swordsmanship). Dr. Ghneim is also passionate about preventive health in veterinary medicine and the use of advanced technologies, such as ultrasound and laparoscopy, to aid in the treatment of our beloved companions.
Bob Steen, DVM
Partner
Dr. Bob Steen grew up in Minneapolis, MN. He completed his undergraduate work at Emory University. He then graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in 2010. After graduating from UGA, he completed a small animal rotating internship in Los Angeles, CA, and practiced in Manhattan Beach, CA. Dr. Steen moved back to Atlanta, GA in 2014 where he practiced at two different clinics. His wife’s family is from North Carolina and they decided to move to Raleigh to be closer to them.
Dr. Steen’s medical interests include internal medicine, ultrasound, and neurology. He also loves the relationship and bond with the families and the pets he cares for. His hobbies include travel, golf, hiking, fishing, and spending time with family. Dr. Steen lives in Raleigh with his wife who is also a veterinarian and their 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.
Rhiannon Doka, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. Rhiannon Doka earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Barry University and graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis. She completed her clinical training at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a small animal rotating internship and a medical oncology internship. She completed her three-year medical oncology residency at NCSU.
For the past five years, Dr. Doka has practiced in a multi-specialty hospital in the Triangle area and is now thrilled to join the Wake Veterinary Medical Center team.
Her approach focuses on providing compassionate and informative care to guide clients in making the best decisions for their pets’ cancer treatment. She is dedicated to extending patients’ quality time, a critical aspect of cancer care.
Outside of work, Dr. Doka enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a mother of three boys and has two dogs, Duffy and Taygan, and a cat, Rizzo, who keep her busy.
James Hummel, DVM, DACVIM
Originally from Northern Virginia, Dr. James (Jim) Hummel moved to the Triangle to attend veterinary school at NC State University (NCSU). During his time at NCSU, Dr. Hummel distinguished himself through his dedication to his studies and his commitment to animal care. His exceptional performance and deep interest in complex medical cases led him to seek further specialization.
After graduating from NCSU, Dr. Hummel completed a small-animal rotating internship at Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This experience allowed him to gain extensive hands-on experience in a variety of veterinary disciplines, further honing his skills and solidifying his decision to specialize in Internal Medicine. Following his internship, Dr. Hummel returned to NCSU to undertake a residency in internal medicine, where he worked closely with leading experts in the field, conducted advanced research, and contributed to the academic community through publications and presentations.
Driven by his passion for problem-solving and his desire to provide the highest level of care, Dr. Hummel chose to specialize in Internal Medicine and has been board-certified in small animal internal medicine since 2010. His journey from Northern Virginia to becoming a board-certified specialist is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for veterinary care. At Wake Veterinary Medical Center, Dr. Hummel is committed to providing exceptional care for pets and their families, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.
Nolie Parnell, DVM, DACVIM-SAIM
Dr. Nolie Parnell graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993. After a rotating internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City and working at an emergency clinic in Wilmington, NC, Dr. Parnell returned to The Animal Medical Center to complete a residency in small animal internal medicine. She has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine since 1997.
For over 20 years, Dr. Parnell worked at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana, where she was a clinical professor and served in many roles, including chief of staff at the small animal hospital. She deeply valued her time as an educator, teaching, and training future veterinarians and specialists in both the classroom and the teaching hospital. Dr. Parnell is excited to return to her home state of North Carolina and start the next chapter of her professional journey. While she enjoys caring for pets with various medical conditions, her special interests include intestinal tract, pancreas, and liver disorders. She is also highly experienced in minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopy, joint taps, and bone marrow aspirates.
Dr. Parnell is passionate about enhancing the human-animal bond by improving her patient’s quality of life and outcomes. She is married to Dan, also a veterinarian, and they have three sons navigating young adulthood. In her free time, Dr. Parnell enjoys reading, exploring new places through travel, and relaxing at the Outer Banks.
Marcos Santos, DVM, MS, DACVS – LA
Dr. Marcos Santos is originally from Brazil and graduated from the Federal University of Viçosa. He honed his surgical skills with three surgery internships before completing a rigorous three-year large animal surgery residency. Dr. Santos furthered his expertise with a one-year small animal surgical fellowship at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, followed by a successful two-year position as a soft tissue surgeon at MedVet Cincinnati.
Marcos Santos brings his passion for surgery to the forefront. He focuses particularly on soft tissue surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic and thoracoscopy procedures. He is dedicated to providing top-notch patient care and is committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in veterinary surgery.
Dr. Santos joins Gary Spodnick, DVM, DACVS, and Elizabeth Taylor, DVM, MS, DACVS, as we expand our surgery service. Wake Vet is fully equipped to handle all your soft tissue, orthopedic, oncologic, laparoscopic, and dental surgery needs. We can often provide same-week availability.
Our diverse team approach and close cooperation among our specialists ensure we provide the best care for the patients entrusted to us. With the support of a trained and dedicated staff, Wake Veterinary Medical Center is unwavering in our commitment to using science, technology, and compassion to provide exceptional care for pets and their families.
Gary Spodnick, DVM, DACVS
Dr. Gary Spodnick graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 and went on to complete a surgical residency at the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. He then came to NC and was an assistant professor at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine from 1991-1996. In 1996 Dr. Spodnick became one of the three founding veterinarians of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas and was part of the surgical team there for over 20 years. In late 2019 Dr. Spodnick joined Wake Veterinary Medical Center as the chief of surgery where he continues to perform all surgeries and mentor several staff veterinarians.
His surgical interests include oncologic, reconstructive, and plastic surgery, oral surgery, and fracture repair. Outside of work, Dr. Spodnick enjoys woodworking and boat building/restoration (kayaks and old canoes). As a one-time forestry major in college, Dr. Spodnick, with his wife, Julie, continue to be interested in the environment and trees – they have planted and are managing a longleaf pine forest stand of about 4,000 trees, the tree for which North Carolina takes its moniker as the “Tarheel” state.
Elizabeth Taylor, DVM, MS, DACVS – LA, SA
Boarded-certified in both large and small animal surgery, Dr. Taylor brings broad surgical perspective to Wake Vet. Dr. Taylor, originally from California, obtained her veterinary degree from UC Davis. Following an internship in Florida, Dr. Taylor attended Kansas State University CVM for her large animal surgical residency.
After working several years as an equine surgeon, Dr. Taylor obtained her small animal surgery board certification in NC.
Dr. Taylor loves to play soccer almost as much as she loves her French Bulldog, Boris. Dr. Taylor and her husband spend their free time together (with Boris) at the beach.
Angelle Abatte, DVM
Bio Coming Soon
Alysse R Banta , DVM
Born and raised in North Carolina from Marine Corps family Dr. Banta graduated with her undergraduate at NC State University in 2014 with major in Zoology and a minor in Wildlife Sciences. She was a DVM at Ross University on St. Kitts and Nevis with clinicals completed at the University of Missouri in 2022. She enjoys the spontaneity of emergency medicine and educating owners how to make decisions about their pet’s health and care. Outside vet med she enjoys weight lifting, martial arts and cross stitching. Dr. Banta currently lives in Cary, NC with life partner and two cats Sai and Little Monster.
Alyssa Biscoglio, DVM
Dr. Alyssa Biscoglio graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s degree before completing her veterinary medical degree at Ross University. She completed her clinical year at Purdue. Dr. Biscoglio has a strong interest in Ultrasound, Dentistry, and Ophthalmology.
Her favorite part of being a veterinarian is building relationships with pet parents. Whether it is sharing in the joyous news that a pet is cured or being there during the difficult times when a pet is declining, serving the community as a veterinarian brings her joy.
When she is not at WakeVet you can find Dr. Biscoglio on horseback riding or hiking with her two dogs. She is also an avid reader and enjoys crafting.
Michelle Ford, DVM, MPH
Dr. Michelle Ford graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science before completing her veterinary medical degree there in 1996. She completed a small animal internship at Auburn University after graduation and moved to Seattle briefly. While Seattle was a beautiful and exciting adventure, she realized that she was an East Coast girl at heart and moved to Raleigh in late 1999. She recently came to WVH from Care First Animal Hospital at Glenwood, where she practiced for 20 years. She also completed a Master of Public Health in 2017 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her interests are abdominal ultrasound, ophthalmology, behavioral medicine, zoonotic diseases, and critical care. She has 3 children – Brandon, Aiden, and Keira – and a very energetic Standard Poodle named Bayou. In her spare time she listens to audiobooks and trains Bayou, who is working on a Tricks Dog title and will hopefully start agility training soon.
Amanda Gagliano, DVM
Dr. Gagliano is originally from Orlando, Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Dr. Gagliano graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with her veterinary degree. While at the University of Florida, she also completed a certificate in veterinary business management. Dr. Gagliano moved to North Carolina after graduating from veterinary school with her two furry friends, Nala and Kiki.
She loves the variety that veterinary medicine offers and embraces the opportunity to grow and learn new things as medicine changes. Dr. Gagliano enjoys general practice and creating lasting relationships with her patients. She is interested in continuing her education in surgery, dentistry, and veterinary business management. In her free time, Dr. Gagliano enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting the farmers’ market, finding new coffee shops, and attending hot yoga classes.
Karin Gardner, DVM
Dr. Karin Gardner was born in Sweden and moved to Fort Myers, FL when she was 9. Always knowing she wanted to be a veterinarian, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Micro/Molecular Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2011 Dr. Gardner graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation she worked in small animal general practice until moving to Raleigh to pursue emergency medicine, laparoscopy, and endoscopy.
Dr. Gardner enjoys boating (as well as many other water activities), traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about both animal and human philanthropy and spends a lot of free time volunteering. Dr. Gardner and her husband Jake very much enjoy living in Raleigh with their four dogs.
Jessica Harris, DVM, DACVN
Dr. Jessica Harris graduated from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She went on to complete an intensive small animal internship with a focus on companion animal nutrition at North Carolina State University. Dr. Harris then stayed on at NC State to complete a residency in Companion Animal Nutrition. Following successful completion of her residency and becoming a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, she accepted a Clinical Nutrition Fellowship and then a Clinical Nutrition Teaching Scholar position both within the Clinical Nutrition Service at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Harris founded Thrive Fresh Pet Food Market, L.L.C which provides prepared homemade diets for individuals who are unable to make the food themselves. Although time constraints required her to close the market, she still firmly believes in the positive impact that appropriate nutrition can have in both health and disease. A passion she shares by teaching the next generation of veterinarians locally and internationally the importance of nutrition by remaining adjunct faculty with the Clinical Nutrition Service at NC State and faculty through the Mark Morris Institute. Several of her nutritional responsive cases are included in peer-reviewed journal publications. Dr. Harris provides commercial and homemade diet consultations as a Clinical Veterinarian and truly enjoys forming lasting relationships with her clients and their pets.
When not at work, Dr. Harris enjoys spending time with her husband, George, and daughters Maddie and Reagan. When the weather permits, she can often be found biking, boating or camping with her family and at least one of her canine furry family members (Allie, Sara, and Cody). She also cares for two rodents (Lilly and Ginger) and a Jackson Chameleon (Leucine).
Gregory Hartman, DVM
Dr. Gregory Hartman graduated from NC State University in 2015 with a concentration in Animal Science, leading to his veterinary school career at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine on the island of St. Kitts. He has a special interest in marine life and coral reef conservation, where he spent three years researching coral bleaching and pathological disease in the major reef building species in the Caribbean. In his spare time in St. Kitts he also volunteered with the sea turtle monitoring network cataloging the health of local sea turtles. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine after completing his clinical training at Purdue university. From there he worked as an emergency and ICU doctor in Tallahassee, Florida before eventually moving back home to Raleigh, NC.
Dr. Hartman has special interest in exotics and owns several including poison dart frogs and many species of coral and exotic fish. He also has a soft spot for giant breed dogs and owns two Great Danes, Skye and Bravo. Aside from veterinary work Dr. Hartman enjoys hiking and backpacking, and in general any outdoor activity. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America before college and regularly volunteers in his spare time.
Holly Hinson, DVM
Dr. Hinson was born and raised in western North Carolina. She attended North Carolina State University for her undergraduate and veterinary degrees – GO PACK! She has a passion for preventive care and a strong interest in surgery and dentistry. She currently lives in Clayton, NC with her husband, 3 young daughters, and 2 fur-kids (a tri-pod German Shepherd and a Spaniel/Retriever mix). Her favorite breed is RESCUED! In her free time, Dr. Hinson enjoys spending time with her family and running mud/obstacle races.
Jazmine Kemp, DVM
Dr. Jazmine Kemp graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a bachelor’s degree before completing her veterinary medical degree at North Carolina State University. Dr. Kemp has a strong interest in critical care, soft tissue surgery, and emergency medicine. She has always had a special bond with companion animals, having the dream to become a veterinarian since the age of 8. She enjoys the complex nature of veterinary medicine, along with being able to help pet owners understand their pets’ conditions and the options available to make informed decisions about what is best for their pets and their family.
In her spare time, she enjoys being active outdoors, spending time with family/friends, and traveling. When not at work you will find Dr. Kemp hanging in her garden or with her wife, daughter, and fur family of 4.
Davriel Morrow, DVM
Dr. Morrow was born and raised in Reston Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University in 2007 and her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. She has a strong interest in surgery, preventive care, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and geriatrics.
In her free time Dr. Morrow likes to travel, garden, bird watch, sports (mainly Rugby!), experience craft breweries/wineries, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends esp. with her new wife and their 3 fur babies: Scrummie, Dakota and Hawke.
Irina Perdew , DVM
Born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in Kyrgyzstan and Germany Dr. Perdew moved to the U.S. in her mid 20’s leaving all of her family behind. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Auburn University (War Eagle!) and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from NC State. During her time as a veterinary student Dr. Perdew got the opportunity to develop a novel dynamic compression system for horses, called the EQ Press and incorporate a company called Vetletics. She received the Merck Animal Innovation
Award for these accomplishments. After graduation, she worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian while growing the startup and applying the technology to horses.
Dr. Perdew has 2 daughters (almost 9 and 7 years old) who are both in
competitive gymnastics (aesthetic and athletic). When Dr. Perdew is not
working she, along with her former spouse, is the hair stylist, makeup
artist, driver and the biggest fan for her daughters nationally and
internationally. She has two other very important fur babies in her life her beloved cats, Stanley and Casper.
Her main interests in Veterinary Medicine include surgery, neurology, emergency, sports medicine and rehabilitation. She is excited for the opportunity with Wake Veterinary Medical Center to grow within those areas of interest and beyond!
Dr. Perdew is fluent in 3 languages and her favorite animal is a snow leopard
while she absolutely despises the cold.
Kristin Raboin, DVM
Dr. Kristin Raboin grew up knowing that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She has both a Bachelors and Masters in Animal Science from the University of Florida. In 2008, she graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Raboin then worked as an emergency veterinarian in a referral hospital for several years. Since moving to Raleigh, she has practiced small animal general practice and emergency medicine. She has a strong interest in emergency medicine, dentistry, and management of geriatrics and of brachycephalic breeds.
She enjoys Gator football, going to the beach, and hanging out with her family and friends. Dr. Kristin and Dr. Shannon have 2 young girls, Reese and Katie, and two dogs, Bella and Frank.
Jessenia Vargas, DVM
Bio Coming Soon
Carol Watkins, DVM
Originally born and raised in the UK where she lived until the age of 21, Dr Watkins is from an air force family and moved back and forth from the UK to the USA as a child. She finally settled in OK where she worked with a local veterinarian who became her mentor and encouraged her to work toward a career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Watkins graduated from Oklahoma State University with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1994 and then moved to Missouri to work in a mixed animal practice until 1996. Dr. Watkins moved to NC in 1996 to be near family. This is where she started to practice emergency veterinary medicine and she has continued this line of interest for the last 24 years finally joining the Vets Pets family in 2018.
Wake Veterinary Medical Center
1007 Tandal Place
Knightdale, NC 27545
Phone: (919) 266-9852
Fax: (919) 217-0314
Email: [email protected]
OPEN 24 HOURS EVERY DAY
For after hours emergencies, please call (919) 266-9852.