Our Team
Chowan Animal Hospital takes pride in the knowledge and compassion of our veterinary staff and support team. Take a look at our exceptional team below!
Ruston Howell, DVM | Medical Director
Dr. Ruston Howell has been with Chowan Animal Hospital since September of 2000. He graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He was elected to the Society of Phi Zeta in his junior year honoring veterinary medical students who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class. After graduating, he completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Coral Springs, Florida. He is a member of the North Carolina and American Veterinary Medical Associations.
Christian Ford, DVM | Medical Director
Dr. Ford has been with Chowan Animal Hospital since his graduation from NCSU-CVM in 2000. He is a member of the North Carolina and American Veterinary Medical Associations and volunteers with HSUS Veterinary Field Services at spay and neuter clinics on Native American reservations. Dr. Ford also provides veterinary services to the Red Wolf Project at the Alligator Wildlife Preserve.
Kelley Duruman, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Kelley Duruman joined Chowan Animal Hospital in October of 2009. She graduated from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. She has practiced in Richmond, VA and Wilmington, NC.
Chelsea Swain, DVM | Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Chelsea Swain is a native of Columbia, NC, and a graduate of NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2020. She has a passion for allergy management in pets. Chelsea spends her downtime with her husband, son, and two dogs, and can e found enjoying time together boating and fishing the Albemarle Sound and surrounding waterway.
Our Veterinary Support Team
Ashley Swayne, RVT
Ashley joined our staff in 2003. She graduated from the Central Carolina Community College Veterinary Technician program in 2003. Ashley is our Practice Manager and Head Technician. She has been published in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technician magazines.
Anita Davenport
Anita has been with Chowan Animal Hospital since 1992 and Office Manager since 2002.
Lauren Chavez, RVT
Lauren joined our staff in 2020 after graduating from the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Central Carolina Community College.
Anna Eure, RVT
Anna joined our staff in 2019 after graduating from the Central Carolina Community College Veterinary Technician Program.
Meghann Crandall
Meghann has been a member of our staff since 2008.
Hailey Bunting
Hailey joined our team in 2023.
Madison Midgett
Madison has been a member of our staff since 2016. She started in a Pet Care position and has transitioned to a Veterinary Assistant position. She began taking courses toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician in 2022.
Audrey Eley
Audrey joined our staff in 2008 in the Pet Care role. She transitioned into the receptionist position in 2019.
Kennedy Francis
Kennedy joined our team in 2022.
Jennifer BURKHARDT
Jennifer joined our team in 2023.