Robert Hancock, DVM, MS, DACVS

Surgeon and Hospital Director

New Orleans native Dr. Robert Hancock graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. He completed a one-year medicine and surgery internship at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001 followed by a three-year surgical residency at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. He is certified in the TTA & TPLO procedures, Penn Hip, and Kyon Cementless Total Hip Replacement.

Dr. Hancock's areas of specialization include orthopedics, skin reconstruction techniques, neurosurgery and pain management. He has a special interest in knee stabilization surgery (including TPLO and TTA procedures) as well as total hip replacement for dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. Dr. Hancock is published in a number of peer-reviewed veterinary journals and his research publication was awarded Best Clinical Research by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2005.

Additionally, Dr. Hancock fulfilled the rigorous requirements to earn board certification status by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2006. He is a member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, the Society of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons, and the American Canine Sports Medicine Association. Currently, he is the owner and chief surgeon at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists.

Dr. Hancock's wife Jennifer, a Registered Veterinary Technician, is the head technician at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists. They have a beautiful daughter named Madison.

George Edwards, DVM - Small Animal Surgical Resident

Dr. George Edwards is a Small Animal Surgical Resident that has been with South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists since June of 2010. He says that he made his decision to be a specialist after starting clinical rotations in veterinary school.

A native of Louisville, Mississippi, Dr. Edwards attended Mississippi State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Animal & Dairy Science in 2004. That fall he entered Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated in 2008 with honors after earning a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

His areas of particular professional interest include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Edwards is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Edwards is married to Sara Catherine Edwards, also a veterinarian. At home, the two have a Yellow Lab named Jake, a Siberian Husky named Nicolas, and a three-legged cat named Rhia. When not working, Dr. Edwards enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and dogs. He also has spent some time in Colorado where he developed an appreciation for hiking.

Derek Kopecky, DVM - Surgical Intern

Dr. Derek Kopecky, our surgical intern, earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and he joined our staff in June of 2012. A native of Mire, LA, Dr. Kopecky is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.

"I wanted a challenging and fulfilling career where I could help those who cannot help themselves," Dr. Kopecky said. "I like watching my clients' pets walk out the door far better than they were when they arrived and see the smiles on their owner's faces."

Dr. Kopecky received his undergraduate degree in biology from Louisiana Technical University in 2003. He has a special professional interest in surgery and cardiology. He takes care of Fiona, his pitbull, and has an avid interest in martial arts, weight lifting, running and cooking.