Dr. Vaphiades has been surrounded by medicine her entire life. With a father who is a renowned specialty physician, she grew up witnessing the devotion, passion, and artistry involved in practicing medicine. Early on, she knew she wanted to experience that same calling firsthand. As she approached the end of high school, she began to envision a future as a human physician. However, everything changed when Pebbles, a 4-pound rescue chihuahua, became part of the family.
Pebbles suffered from several severe neurological conditions, requiring frequent visits to veterinary specialists. Witnessing the veterinary team extend and improve Pebbles’ quality of life felt nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to their excellent care, Dr. Vaphiades was able to spend far more time with her best friend than expected. It was through this experience that she realized she, too, could become a doctor—just like her father—but one who could impact the lives of both people and the animals they cherish.
A Birmingham native, Dr. Vaphiades remained local for college, earning a bachelor’s degree in public health with a minor in biology and chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2025. Her special interests include ophthalmology, neurology, and working with rescue and shelter organizations.
In her free time, Dr. Vaphiades enjoys outdoor walks, thrift shopping, creating art, and trying new restaurants—often accompanied by her two beloved chihuahuas.