Meet the Doctors
Elizabeth Brown, DVM
Born and raised in Sarasota, Dr. Beth received both her undergraduate and veterinary medicine degrees from the University of Florida. After initially practicing in California for several years, Dr Brown moved back to Florida with her husband, Sam (also a Sarasota native). Beth diversified her medical training by completing the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s certification course; enabling her to expand her treatment options for both small animals and horses.
Dr Brown also uses chiropractic manipulation, physical rehabilitation, specializing in Canine Rehabilitation Therapy continuing education to further her ability to help our companions.
Outside of the clinic, Beth spends time with her husband Sam and her daughter, Sandy. You would think that after a long week at the clinic the last thing Dr Brown would want to do would be ride horses or chase crazy bird-dogs, but in fact she is very active in Field Trials. Boating, beaches and fishing keep her busy in the off season.
Terah Browning, DVM
Dr. Terah Browning was born and raised in Southern Illinois. At a young age she had a strong interest in veterinary medicine and working with children. Dr Browning moved to Sarasota in 1990 when she married her husband Tim. Through her undergraduate studies she worked as a nanny as well as a veterinary technician. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida and her veterinary degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She first practiced as a veterinarian with Animal ER and Braden River Equine after graduation. Dr Browning partnered and started West Coast Veterinary Center with Dr Brown in 2008.
Dr Browning’s interest in veterinary medicine includes internal medicine, cardiac, reproduction and holistic medicine. Dr Browning recently completed her training for acupuncture with the Chi Institute and looks forward to further expanding her knowledge in both herbal and nutritional therapy.
When not focusing on veterinary medicine or her business, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband and sons.
Eileen Naaman, DVM
Dr. Naaman grew up in South Florida and from an early age, she wanted to help animals.
After graduating from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr Naaman joined a practice in North Florida, caring for both farm animals and pets. She continued in a mixed practice after relocating to Sarasota and subsequently helped open and ran the first emergency veterinary clinic in the area, providing emergency and critical care to pets and injured wildlife.
Dr. Naaman lived and worked in Hawaii for a number of years, caring for companion animals on Maui as well as providing volunteer care on Molokai, Kalaupapa National Park, and American Samoa. She developed an interest in holistic medicine and is a graduate of the Acupuncture Chi institute .
Now back home in Sarasota, Dr. Eileen is excited to be a part of WCVC, and care for the wonderful patients it serves. When not working she enjoys relaxing with her husband and kitties,horseback riding, hiking and water sports.
Elizabeth Dammers, DVM
A native Floridian from Tampa, Dr. Dammers completed her undergraduate in Animal Sciences and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. After graduation she completed an internship in equine veterinary medicine and performed relief work at various small animal care settings in Florida. This lead to her close work with local Sarasota animal rescues and eventually a full time position as a lead veterinarian at the Humane Society of Sarasota County. She is delighted to be working with the team at West Coast where she gets to see and build relationships with both the pets and their parents.
Dr. Dammers shares her home with adopted cats, Manford, Gremlin and Dinah-saur and her golden retriever, Percy. She also has a semi-retired draft horse, named Shaggy. In her spare time Dr. Dammers enjoys traveling, riding horses and trips to Harry Potter world.
Stuart Clarke, DVM
Dr. Stu Clarke attended Iowa State University for undergraduate studies. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991.
After several years of small animal practice, he purchased Lincolnshire Animal Hospital.
After visiting family in Sarasota, he fell in love with the area and relocated to the sunny west coast in 2020.
Dr. Stu enjoys Surgery, Dentistry and responsible wellness medicine in small animals.
He and his soulmate, Nedra, live in Venice Florida. When not caring for pets, he enjoys family, boating on the gulf, pickleball, and the Bears.
Richard Funk, DVM
Dr. Richard Funk started his post high school education in his home town of Louisville, KY. He received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science from the University of Louisville. His dream of being a veterinarian became a reality when he was accepted into Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Four years later, he received his DVM degree.
After years of practicing classic veterinary medicine, the need became apparent that Dr Funk needed to diversify his treatment modalitites. He became certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). Additionally, he is certified in spinal manipulation by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and he is currently pursuing a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Chi Institute in Ocala.
In Sarasota, Dr. Funk treats dogs and cats with traditional medicine and surgery as well as acupuncture and spinal manipulation.
Lisa Paxson, DVM
Dr. Paxson is a Colorado native. Early on, she realized she had a calling to care for animals. Lisa received both her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and practiced in Denver in 1986.
She settled in Sarasota, in January 1990 where she married and raised 2 sons. She has worked for Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate and covered shifts at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic.
She enjoys small animal surgery medicine and dentistry. She appreciates a clinical environment that strives to provide quality professional veterinary care in a sensitive and compassionate environment.
Dr. Paxson actually introduced Dr. Brown and Dr. Browning to one another, and the rest as they say is history! Dr. Paxson is excited to be working side by side with these remarkable women, expanding their long friendship into a professional collaboration. She is committed to continuing to provide quality veterinary care to the Sarasota community.
When not working, she enjoys reading, beach walks, family, traveling and serving her church community.