Dr. Sweeney completed his undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University. He then attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation from vet school Dr. Sweeney returned to NC State for a one year internship and a 3 year residency in equine surgery. Upon completion of his residency, he served as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Clinical Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sweeney founded Coastal Equine Veterinary Service on April 1, 1996 and since its inception the practice has had the privilege of serving thousands of horses and their owners. One of the first veterinarians to develop a preventative health care plan, Dr. Sweeney's HMO Wellness Plan has been used as a model for other practices around the country. A true horseman since boyhood, Dr. Craig continues to enjoy breeding, raising and showing. In addition to horses, Dr. Sweeney enjoys spending time with his family, participating in water sports and snow skiing.
Dr. Christine Starer-Smith is a native of Virginia Beach. She graduated from Cape Henry Collegiate School and then attended Washington and Lee University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While at Washington and Lee, Dr. Christine began the university's intercollegiate riding team and served as its captain. Dr. Starer-Smith completed her education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. As a student, a substantial portion of Dr. Christine's clinical training was at the prestigious New Bolton Center for Large Animals and in 2003 she was the recipient of the university's Equine Medicine Award. In addition to her formal training, Dr. Christine completed an externship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Starer-Smith has been employed at Coastal Equine since 2003 and her specific interests include lameness, reproduction and equine medicine. In her free time Dr. Christine enjoys trail riding and showing her horse, Becca (AKA Sonoma), at Hunter shows. She resides in Chesapeake with her husband and two Jack Russell terriers, Toby and Dixie.
Dr. Tiffany Omler is a native Buckeye who received her veterinary degree at The Ohio State University. After graduation Dr. Tiffany completed an internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Omler has been part of the Coastal Equine family since 2007. Her specific veterinary interests include ophthalmology and preventative medicine. In her spare time Dr. Tiffany loves to trail ride her paint gelding, Tacoma. She also enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. An avid gardener, she resides in Chesapeake with her two cats and her Australian Kelpie, Rosey Pearl.
Dr. Dustin Crist was born and raised in rural Kansas. He grew up working on his family’s ranch where animals were a part of his life. Throughout high school he was active in showing both horses and cattle. Dr. Crist attended Kansas State University where he received his undergraduate degree. He remained there to complete his DVM in 2003. Following graduation Dr. Crist worked in an equine ambulatory practice in Virginia for several years before relocating to Reno, Nevada where he worked at an equine referral hospital. While Dr. Crist’s professional interests include lameness, internal medicine and reproduction, he has a specific interest in advanced equine dentistry. He brings with him some of the most state of the art dental equipment, the enthusiasm, knowledge and ability to tackle the more challenging dental issues. Sun, surf and good old southern hospitality drew Dr. Crist and his wife, Colleen (a small animal veterinarian) back to Virginia. They are the proud parents of two adorable young sons, Greyson and Quinn. Besides horses, Dustin enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. |
Craig Sweeney, DVM
Christine Starer-Smith, VDM
Tiffany Omler, DVM
