BluePearl Pet Hospital
Gwinnett
Lawrenceville, GA
Our Vets

Dr. Ellen Belknap’s particular ophthalmology interests include corneal surgery and diseases of the eye related to systemic illness or infectious disease. Well published in professional literature in both of her specialties, she is in constant demand as a speaker at professional forums and other continuing education programs.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
• Residency, Veterinary Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Large Animal Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Master of Science, Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Belknap and her husband enjoy playing tennis, spending time on the lake, hiking, gardening, and hardscaping. Although they spend time with their four adult sons, most often they are seen being entertained by Rocksey (Labrador puppy), Lindy (Cavalier King Charles), and Maggie (matronly Brittany Spaniel).

Dr. Zsofia Bezdek is interested in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

• Clinical Rotation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Szent Istvan University, Budapest, Hungary
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences, Auburn University, AL

Dr. Bezdek enjoys reading, hiking and traveling.

In addition to emergency medicine, Dr. Amanda Brown is interested in neurology.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Sandy Springs GA
• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Clemson University, Clemson SC

Dr. Brown enjoys relaxing with her boxer mix, Adeline, and pet Hereford cow.

• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Fellowship, Orthopedics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Annapolis Junction, MD
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Georgia, Athens

The son of a veterinarian, Dr. Thomas Nelson feels profound accomplishment when he can repair a fracture, heal a wound or stabilize a patient in a life-threatening situation. While he enjoys nearly all types of surgery, he is especially enthusiastic about orthopedic procedures and thoracic surgeries.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Animal Specialty Group, Los Angeles, CA
• Internship, Surgery, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston TX
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Atlanta, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Zoology, Auburn University, AL

Dr. Nelson and his wife, also a veterinarian, enjoy hiking, backpacking, bicycling, kayaking, rock climbing, water skiing, snow skiing and more. Their Labradors Wegl and Athena love to hike, and their cats Amora and Tux spend their time being lazy.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Nashville Veterinary Specialists, TN
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
• Bachelor of Science, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
• Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg

Dr. Jim Whitehead has special interests in immune-mediated diseases, endocrine diseases and gastrointestinal diseases.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Residency, Internal Medicine, Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Southfield
• Internship, Internal Medicine, Medvet, Memphis TN
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Mississippi State University, Starkville
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville
• Bachelor of Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville

Dr. Whitehead stays busy and active with his family, including two sons. He is an enthusiastic college football fan and occasionally plays bad golf. His rescued pets include Echo, a black lab mix, and Loki, a border collie mix.

Publications & Articles

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, PA