Affiliated Veterinary Specialists - Jacksonville and Orange Park Veterinarians

W. Thomas McNicholas, Jr., DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. McNicholas began his veterinary career 16 years ago as a general practitioner in St. Augustine, FL. In 1998, he was awarded an internship in Texas followed by a three-year residency at Purdue University. Prior to moving back to the First Coast, Dr. McNicholas was a staff surgeon at Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists for two years.  Board Certified since 2003, he enjoys all aspects of veterinary surgery including soft tissue, oncologic, orthopedic including arthroscopy and neurosurgical procedures. On occasion you can find Dr. McNicholas at the Jacksonville Zoo performing surgery on some of the zoo’s resident animals.  He is the father of two girls, Madison and Evelyn.

Jay B. Erne, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Erne has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 10 years and is a full time surgeon at the Jacksonville Surgical Center.  He is board certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and accepts referrals for soft tissue, orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures.  Dr. Erne is highly skilled in all areas of veterinary surgery with his primary interests in orthopedic trauma, fracture management, and challenging soft tissue procedures.  Dr. Erne shares his life with his wife, Nicole, their two lovely daughters, Megan and Kathleen, and a silly Springer Spaniel named Howie.  Outside of the office, Dr. Erne can be found running, cycling, or spending time with his family at the beach.

Carlos L. Aragon, D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Kevin A. Drygas, D.V.M.
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Kevin Drygas, A Florida native, joined Affiliated Veterinary Specialists after completing his three year surgical residency here under Dr. Robert Goring.  During his residency and early career he published numerous research manuscripts in the areas of canine stifle surgery, rehabilitation and pain management as well as prosthetic limb replacement.  He has also presented this research at multiple nationally recognized surgical conferences.  Dr. Drygas has undergone additional training in the areas of arthroscopy, laparoscopy, fracture repair and cranial cruciate stabilization techniques.  His areas of interest include minimally invasive surgery, soft tissue and orthopedic reconstructive and oncological surgery.  In his free time, Dr. Drygas enjoys spending time with his wife, Amber, and their rescued dogs, a Doberman, Deimos, and a French Bulldog, Roma.

G. Brad Mackenzie, D.V.M.      
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Mackenzie joined Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in 2007.  He graduated from the University Of Florida College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. After graduation, Dr. Mackenzie traveled to Columbus, Ohio for a one year rotating internship. He then returned to Jacksonville to start his surgical training with Affiliated Veterinary Specialists for a one year surgical internship. He finished his surgical training in Columbus after finishing a three year surgical residency.  Dr. Mackenzie enjoys orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgery.  Dr. Mackenzie lives with his wife, Rebecca, who is also a veterinarian, their daughter Leighton, and two dogs, Lola and Palmer.

Dr. Cathy Meeks
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Dr. Cathy Meeks received her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Florida. She joined Affiliated Veterinary Specialists after completing her internship and residency in small animal internal medicine at Florida Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Meeks enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, especially immune mediated and endocrine diseases. She also has special interests in critical care and chemotherapy.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, running, fishing, bike riding and swimming. She has a husband, who is an equine veterinarian, and a rescued wire haired Jack Russell Terrier named Scrappy.