Dr. Mark Epstein

At the intersection of science, unconditional love, and helping the most vulnerable stands veterinary medicine; and why my life is dedicated to it. I moved to Gastonia out of veterinary school for my first job at Forestbrook Animal Hospital – and never left! My mentor Dr. Bob Neunzig unexpectedly offered me a partnership, my friend and classmate Dr. Dick Hay came to join us, the practice grew and multiplied, I then unexpectedly met my wife Janet, we also multiplied with 4 children and a bevy of animals. I became a Board-certified Canine & Feline Practice Specialist, then a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and Companion Animal Pain Management Founding Fellow, which led to a side-career outside of our hospitals: writing, publishing, consulting, and speaking on pain management in dogs and cats, teaching veterinarians and veterinary technicians the latest concepts and techniques so that many multitudes of patients might benefit.

Along the way have become quite involved in the community in many different capacities, including but not limited to the Jaycees, Rotary, the arts, Temple Emanuel, Interfaith dialogue, Braver Angels, City of Gastonia, Gaston Community Foundation, and more. In 2020 I was an honored recipient of Gaston Together’s MLK Jr. Unity Award.

My favorite part of work at TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals is developing and working with a team of the most dedicated, compassionate, skilled veterinary professionals anywhere, from DVMs to Technicians to Assistants and other support staff. I am blessed by these wonderful folks, and the people and pets we serve.

I have too many proud moments as doctor to count; one of my most proud as the Medical Director teaching and welcoming junior associates into practice partnership, so that the legacy and culture of TBVH will persist far into the future: “Relationships Make the Difference.”

At home, I enjoy history, genealogic research and writing, interfaith dialogue, exercise, mountain hikes, and Gastonia Ghost

I’d be a Border Collie—always working, always teaching, sometimes herding more than I should, but happiest when my pack is thriving. Loyal, sharp, and maybe a little too obsessed with keeping everything (and everyone) in line.