Our Veterinary Team
Joel Landrum, DVM, Medical Director
Dr. Joel Landrum came to AEC of Sandy Springs immediately upon graduating magna cum laude from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. His love for emergency medicine began in veterinary school, and he never looked back, practicing only ER medicine his entire career thus far. He especially enjoys complex trauma and surgical cases. When not practicing or performing other duties at the hospital, he lives on a farm near Athens with his Australian shepherds, barn cats, and chickens.
Clare Maloy, DVM
Dr. Maloy graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Maloy is a West Virginia native. She completed an internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital to further her training with specialists. She has a passion for emergency medicine and has been working exclusively in the ER throughout her career. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and practicing yoga.
Thomas Dempsey, DVM, MAM
Dr. Tommy Dempsey grew up in Dunwoody, a suburb of Atlanta, knowing he always wanted to be a veterinarian. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Poultry Science, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and Master of Aviary Medicine, at the University of Georgia. He specializes in emergency veterinary care.
When Dr. Dempsey isn’t working, he can be found with his wife, enjoying hiking, dining out, and traveling. He also enjoys cleaning his cars, exercising, and playing with his cats.
Amanda Slider, DVM
Dr. Amanda Slider, a graduate of The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, has been practicing emergency medicine in the Atlanta area since 2009. With a passion for veterinary care that began in second grade, Dr. Slider worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years while completing her degrees.
During her time in vet school, she led outreach programs as the President of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, organizing wet labs to teach advanced emergency procedures. Dr. Slider excels in handling challenging emergency cases and finds fulfillment in supporting pet parents during critical and unexpected situations. Her areas of expertise include feline medicine, critical care, and surgery.
Outside of work, she cherishes time spent with her family, including her three children, husband, and two cats. Dr. Slider also enjoys adventurous activities like scuba diving, snowboarding, and traveling. She actively engages in professional development through her memberships in the AVMA, GVMA, IVECCS, and AAFP.
DeWayne Biddle, DVM, DACVECC Board-Certified, Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care
Dr. Biddle graduated from Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986 prior to doing an Internship at Oklahoma State University. He moved to Charlotte, NC, working in a progressive small animal hospital for four years. In 1991, he moved to Atlanta to begin work in Emergency Medicine. In 1997-2001, Dr. Biddle did a Residency in Emergency and Critical Care becoming board-certified in 2002.
Virginia Aida-Ficken, MS, DVM
Relief Veterinarian
Dr. Virginia Aida-Ficken is a 2022 graduate from Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. While her primary focus had been research-oriented, during her studies at Auburn, she discovered her love for practicing veterinary medicine. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy) in infectious disease and is a research fellow with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Health and Inspection Services. In Dr. Aida Ficken's free time, she enjoys serving the surrounding clinics in the Atlanta area as a relief veterinarian.
Our Veterinary Support Team
Jessica Rummler
Chris Norman
Jessica Wamsley, RVT
Lucy Horton
Jenny Thronson
Kim Ephrem
Jonathan Feldman
Lauren Green
Daniel Love
