1250 156th Avenue NE, Norman, OK 73026
Phone: (405) 360-8990 Fax: (405) 292-0153
Open Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9AM - 6PM
Friday 9AM-2PM
Pickup Only 5PM - 6PM
Saturday 9AM - 12PM
Closed Sunday
Our Team
Let us introduce you to our team. We have three veterinarians on staff including one of the founders of Thunderbird Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Susan Mack. We are fortunate to have added Dr. Samantha Coppedge and Dr. Nicole M. Irizarry Larriuz in recent years. Our veterinarians and valued staff are dedicated to help with treating and maintaining your pet's health.
Susan Mack DVM
Founder
I Received my first college degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma. In 1987 I obtained my DVM from Oklahoma State University. Before attending college I worked for my family on a custom wheat harvesting crew traveling from Texas to Montana every May through the end of August. My first job as a veterinarian was in Davis, Oklahoma. It was primarily a large animal practice (80% cattle & 20% everything else) and covered a 50 mile radius including Arbuckle Wilderness.
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Reason for Becoming a Veterinarian:​ "I grew up on a farm in northern Oklahoma with cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, dogs, and cats. My dad did a lot of his own "veterinary work" but we did call out the vet on major cases. Our vet was Dr. Harry James, whom many of you may know. It was very fascinating to watch him work. He seemed to be able to just look at an animal and know what was wrong. I wanted to do that too. Thanks Dr. James. I have never regretted my decision."
Most Interesting Day at Work: "A tie between working on a baby black rhino for Arbuckle Wilderness and attempting to repair a pig with a uterine prolapse.
​Specialties: I enjoy surgery especially wound care and trauma.
Pets: I currently have 3 dogs, 5 cats, and 1 horse
Samantha Coppedge DVM
I could never imagine doing anything else with my life besides practicing veterinary medicine, even when it challenges me! I wanted to be a veterinarian ever since I read my first James Herriot book at 9 years old. Around that same time, my family got my first childhood pet: a Brittany/pointer mix named Bonnie Sue. Now, my family includes a rescue mutt named Arthur, and his little “sister” Tonks, a five pound diva rescue Pomeranian. Outside of work, I enjoy kayaking, camping, and listening to live music. I also love a good Sooner football game! Professionally, my areas of interest are dermatology, dentistry, and surgery.
Nicole M. Irizarry Larriuz DVM
“I could have never picture myself in a job that was not directly related to animals and their wellbeing. This is how I started my journey to become a veterinarian. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, the Island where I grew up. Then I went to Mississippi State University where I gained my DVM degree. I moved to Oklahoma with my partner and our two beloved mutts Leonidas (cat) and Juvia (dog) to start our next adventure. I love the outdoors and doing crafts. I don’t foresee myself getting any specialties soon, but I’ve always had a special interest in exotic pets and wild critters. My most interesting experiences so far have been bathing an African Elephant and getting in a pool to support the weight of a rescued Pelagic Beaked whale calf after a beach strand.”
Claudia
Practice Manager
I got into this field because of my love of animals. My first pet was a dog named Lassie. At home I have 8 dogs with which I share my love of the outdoors by taking long walks. I also have pigeons. In the past I have done nursing and I was a certified saftey trainer. In my off hours I work with the celtic Corgi Rescue.
Nickole
Staff
I chose this line of work because I love animals. Growing up I would always say I wanted to be a doggie doctor. My first pet was a lab/chow mix named Bear. I used to dress him in baby clothes and push him in my baby stroller. Now I have 3 dogs; a lab/boxer mix named Gracie, and 2 Australian Sheperds name Dually and Moose. I have 2 cats named Rocky and Oliver and 2 ducks. In the past I have worked as a manager of KFC and a leasing agent. When I'm not working I enjoy playing with my dogs, being outside, and fishing.
Carli
Staff
I chose this field for my love of animals. I love getting to meet new pets and help treat and take care of them as if they are my own. My first pet was my childhood dog, a collie/retriever mix named Susie. I now have three cats; Finnegan, Winnie, and Nalie. I enjoy painting in my free time and going thrift shopping.
Kaydi
Staff
My first pet is a cat named Bugs and my most interesting pet is Catrick Swayze, he likes to spin in chairs. My favorite animal is the leopard. When not working I enjoy kayaking.
Cierra
Staff
I chose this field of work because I've always loved animals and wanted to help them in any way that I could. I have a dog named Axel, he's a Siberian Husky. We like to go for long walks and car rides together.
Raeanna
Staff
My hobbies include working with goats and going to shows. I as involved in FFA and 4H in high school. I also apprenticed for a member of ABGA (American Boer Goat Association) for two years. I chose this field of work because I enjoy working with animals and helping them. I currently own 1 cat, 8 goats, and 2 livestock guardian dogs.