Meet Our Veterinary Team in Charlotte, NC

Introducing the Dedicated Team at SouthPark Animal Hospital! We take great pride in delivering advanced veterinary care for your beloved pets.

Meet Our Veterinary Team

Dr. Wayne Mercer

DVM

Dr. Wayne Mercer graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981 after graduating with a BS in Animal Science from Virginia Tech. A native of Charleston, West Virginia, he started his career in Winston-Salem before moving to his hometown for two years. He moved to Charlotte in 1985 and after working for 11 years, he purchased Hagaman Animal Hospital and established what is now known as SouthPark Animal Hospital. His professional interests include soft tissue surgery and internal medicine. Dr. Mercer served as the president of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association in 2000 as well as the chair of the ethics and grievance committee. He has also volunteered as assistant Scoutmaster with the boy scouts and in his spare time enjoys outdoor activities including gardening, fishing, going to the beach, and watching sports. He and his wife, Elizabeth, Practice Manager, live in Charlotte with their 26 year old African Gray Parrot, Sophie.

Dr. Chandler Mercer

DVM

Dr. Chandler Mercer graduated from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Born and raised in Charlotte, he attended UNCC and received a B.S. in Animal Science from Clemson University. During his time at Clemson, he traveled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to perform
veterinary care for underserved communities. Upon graduation, he returned to Charlotte to work at the family veterinary practice. When Chandler is not at work, he enjoys traveling, snow skiing, riding his dirt bike, hunting and fishing, and hanging out with friends. His special interests include preventative care and practice management.

Dr. Sophie Mercer

DVM

Dr. Sophie Mercer graduated from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Also born and raised in Charlotte, she received a Bachelor of Science from Clemson University. After graduation, Sophie spent two weeks in the Galapagos Islands to do research on sea turtles, sea lions, and giant tortoises. She moved home to join the family veterinary practice. She and her husband, Chris, live in Charlotte with their golden retriever, Decker and their crested gecko, Fig. Sophie enjoys gardening, good food, baking, fly fishing, traveling to the mountains, and woodworking. Sophie’s interests at work include ultrasonography, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery.

 Dr. Lisa Long

DVM

Dr. Lisa Long graduated from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995 after attending undergraduate school at NC State (Go Wolfpack!). Prior to attending college, she worked summers at Hagaman Animal Hospital (precursor to SouthPark Animal Hospital). After graduating from vet school, she worked for two years at a practice outside of Raleigh before returning to rejoin Hagaman Animal Hospital. Dr. Long has continued her career at SouthPark Animal Hospital for over 20 years. She and her husband, Brian, live in Huntersville with their dachshund, Rivers and have a son who has also joined the WolfPack family. Dr. Long is an avid reader, enjoys concerts, football games, and traveling.

Dr. Thomas Groneck

DVM

Dr. Thomas Groneck graduated from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from NC State in 2015. He spent his first few years out of vet school practicing medicine in Winston-Salem. Dr. Groneck (rhymes with chronic) has a strong belief in educating owners to assist them with the decision making process in what is best for their pet’s health. Preventative medicine and managing difficult chronic diseases are important to him. Dr. Groneck is a Winston-Salem, NC native and has a
long haired orange cat, Lucky, and two mutts named Max and Bear, all adopted as rescues. Dr. Groneck enjoys spending time with his family, friends and pets, as well as drawing, tennis, soccer, music, and cooking. Dr. Groneck is excited to be in Charlotte and to get to know the clients and their pets at SouthPark Animal Hospital.