Doctors
Richard F. (Ricky) Hughes, D.V.M.
A Donaldson native, Dr. Hughes graduated from Ouachita High School in 1978. After working for one year following graduation, Dr. Hughes decided to pursue his lifelong interest in veterinary medicine. He completed his first year of college at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and then transferred to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. Dr. Hughes initially worked on the university’s farm to help with college expenses and then worked at Franks Animal Hospital in Magnolia while completing his B.S. degree in Biology. While in college, Dr. Hughes married his wife Myra, also originally from Donaldson.
After being accepted into the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, LA, Dr. Hughes completed the four year program and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in May 1989. He worked for three months in a small animal practice in Shreveport and then moved back to Malvern. In September 1989 he opened his mixed animal practice, providing large animal ambulatory services and small animal services in the office.
After operating out of a small building on Rockport Street for 1 ½ years, Dr. Hughes purchased the building at his current location, remodeling to convert the building to a veterinary office. In 2003, Dr. Hughes added 1600 sq. feet onto the existing building and remodeled part of the existing building and the exterior.
Dr. Hughes and his wife have two grown children, Janna and Bradley. Janna worked in Texas for two years after college and is now in graduate school at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Bradley works & travels with Supreme Fixtures out of Little Rock and is engaged to be married in June 2012. Dr. Hughes enjoys raising registered Brahman cattle, hunting and sports. Dr. Hughes serves on the Board of Governors for the Southern Arkansas University Foundation, is an area director for the American Brahman Breeder’s Association and Vice-President of the American Brahman Breeder’s Association. Dr. Hughes is also a member of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Besides the cattle, Dr. Hughes and his family have three dogs and four cats.
Gary D. Self, D.V.M.
Dr. Self grew up in Kirby, AR and graduated from Kirby High School in 1974. After graduation, Dr. Self attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia for two years. In 1976 he was accepted to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He was Outstanding Student of the Year for both his junior and senior years of veterinary school. Dr. Self graduated with honors in 1980 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
After graduation, Dr. Self practiced veterinary medicine in Jonesboro, AR for 12 years and then in Hot Springs, AR for 3 years. In 1995 he entered the ministry and pastored Baptist churches in Arkansas and Mississippi for 15 years. While pastoring churches Dr. Self worked as a relief veterinarian for several veterinary clinics including Hughes Animal Hospital. Dr. Self joined Hughes Animal Hospital as a full-time associate veterinarian March 2009.
Dr. Self and his wife, Kathy, have two grown children, Amber and Jason. They also have one grand-daughter, Mackenzie. He enjoys preaching, reading, playing with Mackenzie, and tinkering with computers and techno gadgets. Dr. Self is a member of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and served on its Executive Board for two years. He is also a member of the American Veterinary Association. Dr. Self is currently a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Malvern. Dr. Self and Kathy have one dog and one cat.
Christopher E. (Chris) Nelson, D.V.M.
Dr. Chris Nelson, a Malvern native, recently joined the staff of Hughes Animal Hospital as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Nelson graduated from Malvern High School in 2002 and Henderson State University in 2006 with a B.S. in Biology. Dr. Nelson graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, in May 2011.
Being exposed to animals of all types from an early age helped to develop Dr. Nelson's interest in the veterinary profession. While attending college, he worked as a veterinary assistant at Hughes Animal Hospital and Arkadelphia Pet Care. Dr. Nelson was also involved in community service while in college serving on the Hot Spring County Fair Board and as a volunteer firefighter in Lono.
Dr. Nelson is married to Malvern native Piper Finley Nelson. They are members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Nelson and Piper's animal family consists of two yellow labs - Lily and Lola. Dr. Nelson's wife Piper works in research at UAMS. Both Dr. Nelson and Piper are excited to have returned to their hometown.
Dr. Nelson provides both small and large (farm animal) medicine.