Samantha Sedgwick DVM, DACVAA

Samantha Sedgwick, DVM, DACVAA, grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands on the island of St. Croix, where her love for animals began early through a childhood babysitter who introduced her to horses. What started as time spent riding quickly turned into a desire to care for every horse, barn cat, and dog she encountered. That passion followed her through veterinary school and ultimately shaped her calling in anesthesia and pain management.

Dr. Sedgwick earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University in 2015, completing her clinical training at Colorado State University. Her professional path became clear during her internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, where she trained under world-renowned veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. John Hubbell. Under his mentorship, she deepened her passion for anesthesia and analgesia, leading her to complete a residency in Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia at Cornell University. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and has also completed in-person acupuncture training at Chi University, with plans to continue toward certification.

She was drawn to VHA for our collaborative, specialty-focused culture and shared commitment to high-quality, efficient medicine, always with the patient’s best interest at heart.One of the most meaningful aspects of her work is helping chronic pain patients and their families. She values guiding pet parents through tailored pain management plans that not only improve quality of life for their pets, but often restore the bond between pet and family.

At home, Dr. Sedgwick shares her life with an impressive animal family. Her three horses include Cruzan Sea Breeze, a Thoroughbred gelding she has had since childhood, Chadiamo PS, an Oldenburg gelding, and Newman Van’t Goovahof, an Anglo European Sport Horse gelding. She also has three cats: Paco, a black and white domestic shorthair, Mittens, a white and black domestic shorthair, and Nudacris, a Sphynx cat also known as Barry. Completing the crew is Penny, her medium-sized mixed breed dog. She and her husband, Dr. Shawn Morrell, an equine veterinary podiatrist with Rood and Riddle, share a deep love for animal care both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, Dr. Sedgwick has a lifelong background in three-phase eventing and has more recently transitioned into dressage and jumpers. She also enjoys baking and is happy to share the results with her VHA colleagues.

Balancing the emotional demands of veterinary medicine is something Dr. Sedgwick approaches with intention. She prioritizes reflection, clear boundaries, open communication, and maintaining interests outside of work. She values VHA’s collaborative culture, strong mentorship, leadership support, and commitment to mental well-being, recognizing that caring for the care team is essential to providing exceptional patient care.