Veterinarians
Dr. Mark Russell
Dr. Mark Russell had a number of dogs and cats growing up, but it wasn't until the loss of three cows on his family farm from Grass Tetany, an often fatal metabolic disorder, that a desire to become a veterinarian took hold. "When the veterinarian came out to our farm and performed a necropsy on the cows I was immediately and truly fascinated by the exam," he says. "I was a freshman in high school at the time and throughout high school I worked for a local veterinarian and loved the experience."
After graduating from high school Dr. Russell left his family's cattle and row-crop farm in Providence, Kentucky, to attend the University of Kentucky where he studied Animal Science as an undergraduate. In 1978, he graduated with a BS in Animal Science and subsequently entered Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. After four years of rigorous study, he earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.
Soon after graduation he began practicing veterinary medicine, but it wasn't long before his desire to open his own practice became a reality. On July 4, 1985, Dr. Russell founded Whitesburg Animal Hospital. He has been the Hospital's Director ever since.
Not long after opening his own practice, Dr. Russell and his wife Cindy, a Children's Minister at First Baptist Church, began adding to their family. Their children are Katherine, Matthew and John Mark. All three have shown talent in music: Katherine is an accomplished cellist while Matthew and John Mark have demonstrated talent in voice and piano. The entire family is also avid snow and water skiers. The Russell family also includes a longhaired Dachshund named Shorty, who often accompanies him to various school demonstrations, and two cats named Aubie and Jeffers.
As with the other members of the veterinary staff at Whitesburg Animal Hospital, Dr. Russell has a great affinity for Continuing Education and generally doubles the amount which is required. In particular, he has developed an expertise in the areas of internal medicine, allergies, surgery and ultrasound.
Dr. Russell's practice of veterinary medicine has been further enhanced through memberships in the Therapy Partners Board, the Animal Emergency Clinic of North Alabama Board, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Board, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (past president), the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Madison County Veterinary Medical Association.
Additionally, Dr. Russell has been given a Special Service Award for his work leading the 100 Year Anniversary of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association.
Looking back at his many years of service to the community and professional accomplishments, Dr. Russell says being a veterinarian is, at its heart, about having compassion for animals. "It's about the reward of helping a really sick pet return to health, the fun of interacting with pet owners, and building on these relationships over the years," he says. "Being a veterinarian is the best role anyone could have for an occupation."
Dr. Russell also enjoys road biking, water and snow skiing, travel, Auburn Football, Kentucky basketball, family time and being an active member of his church and community through various organizations and activities.
Dr. Staci Armstrong
Staci Armstrong lived in various places growing up as a daughter in an Air Force family. She considers Derby, Kansas her home, which is where she attended high school and where her family has remained. From a young age she was interested in animals especially those around on her grandparent's farm, but wasn't sure growing up whether she wanted to focus on animal or human medicine.
She attended the University of Tulsa and received her BS in Biology from McNeese State University in 1995, followed by graduating from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. During a Pre-Med Club meeting, a local veterinarian came to speak with them about animal medicine. Afterward she shadowed the doctor in his practice and was able to observe a critical case of antifreeze toxicity. The Dalmatian was brought in and went through multiple diagnostics ranging from blood work to an ultrasound of the kidneys and treatment for the toxicity. From then on Staci knew that was what she wanted to do. Her interests include internal medicine, ultrasound, dentistry and exotic animals such as ferrets, rabbits, and sugar gliders.
Though she began practicing veterinary medicine in 1999, Dr. Armstrong did not join the veterinary staff at Whitesburg Animal Hospital until 2005. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, Madison County Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. She is also an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and provides educational programs on veterinary topics at local schools and camps.
Dr. Armstrong came to Huntsville with her husband Tracy, a graduate student in Biotechnology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and their two sons Will and Zach. They have two mixed breed dogs, Copper and Marley; a Maine Coon named Alex, three fish and 2 frogs. While her family members are enthusiastic participants in taekwondo; Tracy, Will and Zach are all Black Belts; Dr. Armstrong is an avid reader and enjoys baking, camping, crafts of all kinds, and simply being a mom and spending time with her family.
Reflecting on what she most enjoys about being a veterinarian, Dr. Armstrong says, "It is definitely a wonderful feeling to see a critically ill patient recover completely and return home healthy and active. However, perhaps the best part is really getting to know our clients and pets as well as to see the many special relationships that exist between our clients and their pets."
Dr. Sam Eidt
Dr. Sam Eidt began practicing veterinary medicine back in 1970 after graduating from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. However, his desire to live a life caring for animals began as a young boy on his family's farm in Natchez, Mississippi.
Dr. Eidt grew up on a working livestock farm that was also home to a wide number of dogs and cats. He says that the spark for his interest in veterinary medicine was caring for these animals, especially the larger animals such as horses and cattle. He simply enjoyed helping care for them and work through the various health issues and crisis that seem endemic to life on a cattle farm.
After graduating from high school, Dr. Eidt enrolled in Mississippi State University where he studied Animal Science as part of pre-veterinary course work. In 1966, he graduated with a BS in Animal Science and that same year entered Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He began practicing after earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. Throughout the years his veterinary skills and knowledge have only grown as the result of receiving numerous certificates through his continuing education studies.
Not too long after graduating veterinary school, Dr. Eidt founded his own practice where he spent the next 32 years with his wife Lucia acting as the practice manager. During these years the couple welcomed their two sons–Chris and Luke–into the world. Chris is now an architect in New York City and Luke is a helicopter pilot who has recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.
In 2006, Dr. Eidt sold his practice and soon after he continued his veterinary work here at Whitesburg Animal Hospital as a member of our veterinary staff. Beyond his many years of experience in this field, he brings a particular expertise and interest in diseases of the skin and ears. He is also a long-standing member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and the Madison County Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Eidt enjoys caring for his two dogs; Dot and Polly, and a cat named GW. He also spends time hunting, cooking, engaged in the art and science of forestry, and equine breeding.