Meet Our Doctors

Tim Banker, DVM, FAVD 
Veterinarian/ Fellow, Academy of Veterinary Dentistry 

Hi I'm Dr. Banker (pictured here with my lovely wife Mary). I am a 1974 honors graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Mary and I moved to North Carolina in 1976 and have been here at Sedgefield Animal Hospital and Dental Center since 1978. In 1988 I was chosen as Practice Manager of the Year by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association.  In 1989 I became the first veterinarian in North Carolina to become a Fellow of the International Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. In 1995 Sedgefield Animal Hospital had the honor of being one of 54 model practices selected to be studied in the Hills Practice Health Study. 

I have practiced advanced dentistry since 1983.  I was a visiting instructor for the Companion Animal Certificate Series in Dentistry for 2 years at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario.  Since 1999 I have been an Adjunct Professor at the North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine teaching their Dental Elective Program.  I work with groups of practices in the US, Canada and Europe to upgrade their dental programs, and accept dental referrals from all over the Southeast United States. In the 1980's & 90's I worked with Blanchard Training and Development in Escondido, CA The Center For Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC and The World Institute for Life Planning to bring practical Communication, Leadership, Team Building and Change Management Principles to the world of Veterinary Practice Management.  I also facilitated workshops on The Empowerment of Listening.

I have been actively involved in the study and implementation of Practice Management, Marketing, Leadership and Cutting Edge Personal Development Work for the last twenty-two years, frequently attending and conducting seminars and workshops internationally on the topics of Marketing, Communication, Leadership, Team Building, Change Management and Veterinary Dentistry.  
 
I have been featured in articles in "Veterinary Practice Management," "Veterinary Management Ideas," "Veterinary Economics," and "DVM Newsmagazine."  I also am contributing author for "DVM Newsmagazine" and "Practice Management & Marketing. I am happily married to my wife, Mary, and have a daughter, Leslie; two sons, Brad and Kevin, and two grandchildren Isaac, and Toni. We also have three cats, Sherlock, Annie and Elphaba!

Brooke Schwabenton Townsend DVM

Hi. My name is Brooke Schwabenton Townsend, but most people just call me Dr. Brooke. I grew up here in Greensboro, NC- riding horses through Adams Farm back when it really was a farm! I left Greensboro for school- completing my undergraduate studies at Warren Wilson College outside of Asheville and then receiving my doctorate in veterinary medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After vet school, I completed a one year internship at the University of Missouri Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

From 2003 through 2009, I worked as a relief veterinarian in Greensboro and Winston Salem - providing veterinary care at over 20 clinics throughout the area. I enjoyed the variety of experience, but could not have been happier when the full position at Sedgefield became available. After working here on a relief basis for 6 years, I knew that Sedgefield's standard of care and the entire staff's dedication and compassion fit perfectly with my vision of practice.

My husband, Murphy, and I live with our three cats: Rey Rey, Jeff and Justa (he was a stray coming home with me for "just-a night" yeah right!). In February 2010, after our honeymoon backpacking in New Zealand, we adopted our Lab Millie, the Dutchess of Milford from Red Dog Farm Rescue. She has been the sweetest blessing- filling our house full of doggie love and joining us hiking on the trails!

I look forward to meeting you and your pets! I provide care for dogs and cats including internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. I have a strong interest in dermatology and geriatrics. My goal is to work with you to provide your pet with the best quality of life from puppy and kitten-hood till they are ancient and gray!