Co-Founder
I am Dr. Mary Beth Soverns, a proud graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. In 1988, my husband, Dr. Carroll Thumel, and I co-founded Countryside Veterinary Clinic. Throughout my career, my interests have centered around preventative care and internal medicine, with a keen focus on nutrition and behavior.
Our family legacy in veterinary medicine continues, as both Dr. Julie Thumel and Dr. Heath Thumel, our children, practice alongside us at Countryside Veterinary Clinic. We have even welcomed Dr. Blaire Johnson, our daughter-in-law, to work at Countryside as well. On a different path, our youngest daughter, Paige, earned her master’s degree in Education and now teaches in Severna Park.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy mountain biking with my family, paddle boarding in the rivers of Anne Arundel County (particularly in the mornings when the wildlife is out), watercolor painting and indulging in gardening to connect with the great outdoors. Like most adults my age, I am also learning how to play pickle ball! I love to play and do activities with my grandchildren such as Play Doh and strawberry picking.
My sweet Norwich Terrier, Briar, comes to work with me daily. In the spring of 2024, my Norwich Terrier, "Forrest," passed over the rainbow bridge after loving him for 16 years. We were privileged to care for him in his golden years and he is sorely missed, as he was my shadow everywhere.
I am grateful for the fulfilling journey in veterinary medicine and the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of animals.
Education
Veterinary Degree: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: University of Maryland, College Park
Areas of Interest
Preventive Medicine
Internal Medicine
Nutrition
Behavior
Professional Associations
American Veterinary Medical Association
American Association of Veterinary Practitioners
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City, Board Member 2002-2016
Cat Friendly Practice Certified Practitioner
What Clients Love:
"Just THANK YOU?? Although it is very obvious you guys are busier than bees when we come for any appointment, my pet, Angel is treated as if she were Dr. Soverns very own!" - Janine L.
"Doctor Soverns has seen our kitty since we moved to the area in 2013. It is always so nice to have her see Sami and give expert advice. It is a family run practice and you can feel that. Our kitty is getting up in age (9) and I feel that Doctor Soverns and the tech suggest important tests such a bloodwork without pressure. We loved our old vet where we used to live and are happy we found Countryside." - Christy M.
"Countryside Vet is the best! Hands down! As a first time owner of a pet, I was pretty nervous about my puppy’s first visit to the vet. Countryside eased those worries as they provided awesome customer service. Dr. S & the vet assistants were very thorough in explaining my puppy’s exam in it’s entirety as well as keeping me updated at every step of his visit. I was also very impressed with their COVID protocols to keep all parties safe. Keep up the wonderful work!" - Kelsey M.
"They have been so caring about our 17yr old + cat, he's a cranky old man now but sweet and gentle and they have taken great care of him. This week he had his wellness exam and Dr. Soverns spent a lot of time talking with me about Max and his care and needs. Very helpful, not rushed. They are great!" - Mark J.
"I absolutely love Countryside. I will recommend them over and over again. Last year in June I had a pup that nearly died because 3 other vets didn't take me seriously about he couldn't eat. I made an appointment with Dr. Soverns and she was extremely understanding and determined to figure out what was wrong. It turned out to be Right Persistent Aortic Arch. Something that is relatively rare and she had never even dealt with. She contact the Dr who could do surgery and save my pup. Now a year later he is alive after a very long recovery and trial and error to gain weight. I could not have done it without her or the staff at Countryside. We went in for his yearly exam and she still remembered everything we did to save my best friend. I don't think I'll find another vet or vet staff that cares as much as they do here." - Briana B.