BILLINGS ANIMAL FAMILY HOSPITAL - Key Persons
Dr. Edie Best received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Montana State University in 1990. In 1995 she graduated with honors from Colorado State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. She then became a board certified Diplomate in the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in 2003 and re-certified in 2013. She is certified in Canine and Feline Practice. The ABVP represents a group of veterinarians who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill and competency in the care of the "total patient". The rigorous certification process must be repeated every 10 years to maintain these high standards.
In 2017 Dr. Best also became certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. She uses acupuncture treatment in her practice for a variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic issues and pain management. Her practice interests include canine reproduction, internal medicine, cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Best purchased Billings Animal Family Hospital in 2008. She and her husband live in the Huntley area and have 2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses and a donkey named DumDum. Outside of work she enjoys boating, hiking with the dogs, "glamping" and spending quality time with friends and family. She "jogged" her first half marathon in 2012 and continues to stay active when the Montana weather cooperates!
Dr. Mandy Barnes was born and raised in the country, south of Billings. She got her BS in Animal Science from MSU Bozeman and her DVM from Washington State University. Dr. Barnes started working as a mixed animal practitioner but has primarily been working on small animals for the past 10 years. She has a passion for surgery and through her experience with spay and neuter clinics around the state, has become very proficient at these procedures.
Mandy has 3 amazing children and loves outdoor activities including fishing, camping, horseback riding, hunting, hiking, and trail running. She has climbed two of the highest peaks in Montana and plans to continue these types of adventures. When she's not exploring all the beauty of Montana, Mandy might be enjoying a friendly conversation with friends over a craft beer! If Dr. Barnes seems familiar, it's because she worked at Billings Animal Family Hospital for 5 years before leaving to pursue other interests for a few years. She is excited to be back to work here full-time!
Dr. Sarah joined the BAFH staff as a veterinarian in 2014 but she has worked here off and on through her college career since 2001 where she started as a receptionist. After she finished school, she left for Missoula to get her Bachelor Degree in Zoology. After she finished her BA, she left for Dublin Ireland to join their AVMA accredited Veterinary Program. She graduated in 2011 with her MVB in Veterinary Sciences and then returned home to Montana. Dr. Sarah enjoys small animal internal medicine/surgery but also loves to work with the more exotic type pets and wildlife. During veterinary school she spent time externing in Santa Barbara Zoo Veterinary department and working as a seasonal animal keeper at our own ZooMontana to further this passion. Her family includes 4 cats: Nadia, Poppet,Widget, and Thor; plus 2 dogs: Maximus and Bandit. On her free time she enjoys reading, baking and spending time doing outdoor activities with her animal friends.