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Promoting Pet Health
Tidewater Veterinary
Like a lot of kids, drs. Cara
Daniel, Helen Smith and Nora Schmidt
dreamed of being veterinarians when they
were young.
Unlike most of the rest of us, they
actually realized their dreams.
“It may sound like a cliché, but I was always interested
in becoming a veterinarian as a child. When I was in
high school looking at my career
options, I kept coming back to
veterinarian,” said Dr. Daniel.
The doctors of Tidewater Veterinary have vast
experiences from all over the world.
Dr. Smith was born and
raised in Cape Town, South
Africa. After moving to the
United States during high
school, she went on to attend
the University of Georgia for
both her undergraduate and
veterinary studies.
The coolest experience
Smith had during her studies?
“While I was a student,
I shadowed and worked
with a wildlife veterinarian
and was able to help sedate
and relocate rhinos in South
Africa,” she said.
Dr. Schmidt has lived in Germany, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, California and New York. She earned
her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell
University in 2005. Since then, she has spent several
years in emergency practice and has worked at general
practice clinics as well, including three years on the Air
Force Base, working with both military working dogs and
civilian pets.
After receiving her undergraduate degree from
Clemson University, Dr. Daniel went on to earn her
doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of
Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Daniel also studied a more non-traditional
method of treating her patients, becoming certified in
veterinary acupuncture after completing a course in small
animal acupuncture at the Chi Institute.
All of this not-so-average experience fits together
perfectly with the mission of Tidewater Veterinary.
“We like to get to know our patients and their owners.
Instead of waiting until a pet has a problem, we try to
focus on wellness care to prevent problems or catch them
early,” Dr. Daniel said.
The clinic practices integrative veterinary medicine. The
doctors and staff incorporate natural and complementary
therapies into conventional diagnostics and therapies,
when appropriate. In addition to acupuncture, the practice
offers laser therapy as a less
invasive alternative to surgery
or medication for certain
conditions.
A trip to Tidewater
Veterinary doesn’t stop when
a patient walks, or scampers,
runs or leaps, out the door.
The doctors’ goal is not only
to help their patients feel
better but also to teach the
owners how to keep their
furry family members living
the healthiest lives possible
at home.
The Tidewater team prides themselves on being
a patient-centered practice. Striving to make each
experience a great one, the team listens to the client
and evaluates the patient completely before coming up
with a diagnostic and treatment plan that all parties are
comfortable and happy with.
As Dr. Daniel put it, “We love seeing the bond our
patients have with their owners and being a part of
keeping that bond strong through promoting their pet’s
health.”
Have a four-legged friend you think could benefit from a trip
to Tidewater Veterinary? Learn more about their services at
or call 843-856-7300.
By Anne HArris
Photo courtesy of Tidewater Veterinary.
Drs. Helen smith, Cara Daniel and nora schmidt dreamed of
being veterinarians when they were young. now they are.
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