Our Team

Dr. Ricky Hughes
Veterinarian

Dr. Ricky Hughes is a native of Hot Spring County and a graduate of Ouachita High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Arkansas University in 1983 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Louisiana State University in 1989. A few months after graduating from veterinary school, he opened Hughes Animal Hospital in Malvern, Arkansas.

Dr. Hughes operated his practice from the fall of 1989 until he sold it in the fall of 2013. Selling his practice afforded him the opportunity to travel across the southern United States and to other countries while he served as President of the American Brahman Breeders Association for two years. During this time, Dr. Hughes continued to work in the veterinary field providing veterinary relief services outside of Hot Spring County. In February 2017, Dr. Hughes went back into practice in Malvern in a temporary location while construction began on a new office. Hughes Animal Hospital reopened in September of 2017 at 853 Henry Street. Dr. Hughes is happy to be working and serving in Malvern and Hot Spring County again.

Dr. Hughes and his wife Myra have two adult children and two grandsons, two bonus granddaughters, one bonus grandson and one bonus great grandson. Dr. Hughes still enjoys raising cattle and working on his cattle farm, but especially loves being “Pops” and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dr. Stacy Brown
Veterinarian

From the age of 12, Dr. Brown knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She grew up in Stephens, Arkansas and could be found most days after school riding her horse. She attended Southern Arkansas University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agricultural Business while obtaining her prerequisites for veterinary school. During her time at SAU, Dr. Brown not only worked on the university farm but also spent many hours working at a local stable. After obtaining her degree at SAU, she went to Texas A&M and pursued studies in equine reproduction. She then obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University and completed an internship at Weatherford Equine in Weatherford, Texas.

Dr. Brown spent 18 years working as a veterinarian in Hot Springs, Arkansas before joining Hughes Animal Hospital in January 2023. She is married and has two children. Her family also includes three fur babies – two cocker spaniels named Hank and Moose and a yellow lab named Happy. In her free time, you can find Dr. Brown with her family in the great outdoors. She also enjoys crafting and working puzzles.

Myra Hughes
Office Manager

Myra is married to Dr. Hughes and serves as the office manager of Hughes Animal Hospital, handling the business end of the practice. She has a degree in Business Education from Henderson State University.

After Dr. Hughes sold his original practice in 2013, Myra enjoyed traveling with him both domestically and abroad. During this time, she was also able to babysit their young grandson and work on their farm helping to feed cattle and rake hay. In February 2017, Myra returned to work assisting Dr. Hughes as he reopened his practice.

Myra loves being “Gigi” to her grandsons, Jace and Cooper, as well as her bonus grandchildren Gracie, Riley, James, and bonus great grandson, Oliver. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching sports.

Paula
Administrative Assistant

Paula joined our staff as a Client Services Representative in October 2017. She previously worked for Dr. Hughes in this capacity from 1999-2004 at his former clinic.

Paula is the mother of three adult children and has a dachshund named Pepper. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting, and refurbishing furniture.

Sabrina
Customer Services Representative

Sabrina joined our team in October 2018 and is currently a Client Services Representative. She previously served as a veterinary assistant and animal care supervisor. Prior to joining our staff, she completed an online veterinary assistance program at Animal Behavior College.

Sabrina loves American Bullies and owns several. When she is not working, Sabrina loves spending time with her children, her fiancé Brian, and their family.

Alexus
Client Services Representative

Alexus joined our staff as a Client Services Representative in July 2024.

Kaitlin
Client Services Representative

Alexus joined our staff as a Client Services Representative in September 2024.

Lindsey
Veterinary Assistant

Lindsey joined our staff in October 2017 as a part-time kennel assistant, later becoming a full-time member of our team. She has worked as a client service representative and is currently a veterinary assistant. Lindsey’s positive attitude makes her a pleasure to be around and a great asset to our staff.

When Lindsey is not working, you can probably find her with her horses, playing with her dogs or hanging out with Allison.

Stephanie
Animal Care Provider

Stephanie joined our staff in October 2023 as an animal care provider.

Lilly
Veterinary Assistant

Lilly first joined our staff as a kennel assistant in June 2023. She was then promoted to veterinary assistant in October 2024.

Jocelyn
Animal Care Provider

Jocelyn joined our staff as an animal care provider in August 2024.