Meet Dr. Ashley Balzano
DVM & Medical Director
Dr. Ashley Balzano joined the medical team at Sangaree Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian in September 2018.
Dr. Balzano decided she wanted to be a veterinarian at five years old. Her natural, lifelong connection with animals drives her to provide the outstanding clinical care they need to be happy and healthy, as well as support the people who love them.
Born on the beautiful island of Maui, Dr. Balzano moved to Summerville, SC when she was eleven years old. Dr. Balzano obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the College of Charleston in 2011. Motivated to bring her dream career as a veterinarian to life, Dr. Balzano gained valuable hands-on experience during her undergraduate studies by working as a veterinary assistant for five years.
In 2016, Dr. Balzano graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. While working towards her degree, Dr. Balzano was a student technician in the ICU at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. She also participated in VeTouch and SIRVS, two separate student organizations aimed at providing free basic health care to pets owned by low-income residents in underserved areas of the twin cities.
After graduation, Dr. Balzano started her career as a veterinarian in Minnesota where she practiced for one year before returning to Summerville. Most of all, Dr. Balzano finds fulfillment in developing lasting relationships with clients and their special pets and diagnosing and treating challenging cases. She has professional interests in internal medicine and surgery.
Her first pet was a grey domestic short hair cat named Mr. Blue. Currently, she has three rescued felines: Starbuck, Jinx, and Scarlet. All of whom are great at begging for food! Outside of her work in the veterinary field, Dr. Balzano likes to spend time on the water, exercise, horseback ride, and travel.
