Meet Our Team
At Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care for every pet we see. As trusted veterinarians in Columbia, SC, we combine years of experience with a commitment to personalized service.
Experienced, Compassionate Veterinary Care
When you visit Sandhills Veterinary Hospital, you can feel confident knowing your pet is in capable hands. Our veterinarians are highly trained, experienced in a wide range of medical and surgical services, and committed to staying up to date with current veterinary practices.
Our doctors bring a strong foundation of education, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for helping animals live healthier, happier lives. We are proud to serve pet owners throughout the Columbia community with a focus on building lasting relationships and delivering care you can trust.
Our Doctors
Dr. John Thomas
Veterinarian
Dr. John Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, after previously graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Wofford College with a degree in biology. He practiced for several years in a large veterinary hospital in Atlanta before he and his wife returned to South Carolina to raise their family. After returning to Columbia, he was a veterinarian with the U.S. Department of Defense at Ft Jackson for 5 years, where he enjoyed working with active duty and retired military families as well as the military working dogs and their handlers. He and his wife Stephanie opened Sandhills Veterinary Hospital in August 2012.
Dr. Thomas has a special interest in soft tissue surgery. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Thomas and Stephanie have two almost-grown children, a son who is in college and a daughter in high school. During their almost 30 years of marriage, they’ve had a menagerie of four-legged kids (and the occasional ones with fins) and currently have 2 dogs and 3 cats.
Dr. Thomas is a certified state constable and enjoys working on car and motorcycle projects on the weekends.
Dr. Kari Rosmer
Veterinarian
Dr. Kari Rosmer has practiced at Sandhills Veterinary Hospital since October 2017 after practicing for 8 years at other area hospitals. Dr. Rosmer attended the University of South Carolina, where she majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. While in college at USC, she worked as a veterinary technician to gain hands-on experience in the veterinary world. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004, she attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. After receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2009, Dr. Rosmer returned to Columbia to begin her practice of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Rosmer believes strongly in educating clients on the importance of preventative care to ensure optimal health for their furry family members. She is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Rosmer lives in Columbia with her husband and son, along with their two cats and ball python. As the mother of an active child, she doesn’t really have “spare time,” but she does cherish spending time with her family. Together they enjoy camping, hiking, and boating.
Dr. Gavin Beard
Veterinarian
Dr. Gavin Beard joined Sandhills Veterinary Hospital in April 2020. Dr. Beard was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and attended the University of South Carolina. Knowing that he wanted to attend veterinary school, he worked as a veterinary assistant while a student at USC. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr. Beard attended Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated Cum Laude with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and then returned to Columbia to begin practicing.
Dr. Beard especially enjoys meeting new patients as puppies and kittens, then getting the chance to be a part of their lives as they grow up into healthy adult dogs and cats. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Beard lives in Columbia with his wife and son, as well as a cat and three dogs. His hobbies include cooking, traveling, and modifying cars.