Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island Veterinarians

Veterinarian Overview

Our mission is to provide patients with the utmost in veterinary care, while addressing the particular needs of their owners. At the Veterinary Medical Center our staff, family veterinarians, and pet owners are all equal parts of a veterinary team. We encourage open communication and deeply respect the values, and wisdom, of our team members.

Wendy Ardolina, DVM (Practice Limited to Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery)

Dr. Wendy Ardolina, DVM (Practice Limited to Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery) was born and raised on Long Island. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from New York University in 2007. She then earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. After practicing as a general practitioner and then a shelter veterinarian, Dr. Ardolina joined VMCLI in 2018 as a resident in Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery under the direction of Dr. Dan Carmichael. She joined our staff full time as an associate in 2021.

Georgina Barone, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology & Neurosurgery)

Dr. Gina Barone, Diplomate ACVIM (neurology) joined our Neurology referral service in 2009 and has been a welcome addition to the VMCLI team. Dr. Barone attended Vassar College where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, then received her doctorate from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. During her senior year at Cornell, Dr. Barone was the recipient of a prestigious award for the student showing academic excellence in Neurology.

Samantha Barth, DVM (Practice Limited to Internal Medicine)

VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Samantha Barth to our team of veterinarians and the Internal Medicine Service! Dr. Barth will begin seeing patients in October of this year! Dr. Barth’s professional interests include all aspects of internal medicine, but she particularly enjoys diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal disease, autoimmune disease and endocrine disease in dogs and cats. While at Virginia Tech, she became proficient in many procedures, and has a blossoming interest in endourology utilizing laser lithotripsy. Dr. Barth and the entire Internal Medicine Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Barth or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Edwin Brodsky, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)

Dr. Edwin Brodsky is one of approximately two hundred board-certified veterinary oncologists in the United States. He graduated with honors from Tufts University in 1999. In 2003, he graduated second in his class with an honors degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He received his board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine with a specialty in oncology after completing a residency in small animal clinical oncology.

Daniel T. Carmichael, DVM, Diplomate AVDC

Dr. Daniel T. Carmichael is the first and only board-certified veterinary dentist on Long Island. Dr. Carmichael graduated from the Cornell University Veterinary College—the same University where his world-renowned father, Dr. L.E. Carmichael, discovered the vaccination for Canine Parvovirus.

Dr. Carmichael later became a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, and after completing a six-year residency, received his Board Certification in The American Veterinary Dental College.

Jacqueline Carver, DVM, Diplomate ACVS

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Jacquleine Carver to our team of veterinarians and surgery department! Dr. Carver performs orthopedic, neurological, oncologic, and soft tissue surgery. She has advanced training and expertise in laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures. She has a particular aptitude for complex wound management cases, congenital conditions, breed specific conditions (i.e. brachiocephalic breeds), and “exotic” pet surgery.[/vc_column_text]

Robert Composto, DVM

Co-Founder and Director of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island.

Dr. Composto graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical year of training at the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced as an associate veterinarian in a large multi-doctor hospital in Brooklyn, New York until 2002, when he became a practicing emergency medicine clinician, as co-owner of Atlantic Veterinary Emergency Center in West Islip, Long Island. It was there his passion for progressive emergency and specialty medicine began.

Emily Cottam,DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Emily Cottam to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Cottam’s special interests include hemodialysis, transfusion medicine, fluid therapy for shock resuscitation, coagulopathies, and trauma. Dr. Cottam and the entire Critical Care Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Cottam or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Michelle Griego-Valles, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Michelle Griego to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Griego’s’ special interests include ventilator therapy, transfusion medicine, fluid therapy for shock resuscitation, coagulopathies, and trauma, particularly traumatic brain injury. Dr. Griego’s dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team.

Laura Harjes, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Laura Harjes to our team of veterinarians and the Internal Medicine Service! Dr. Harjes a Long Island native, joins VMCLI as a boarded internal medicine specialist. Her training started locally then continued internationally. She graduated from St. George’s University and did additional training at NC State and Ohio State. Her areas of interest include kidney disease, endocrinopathies, and ultrasound. She looks forward to being part of your loved one’s veterinary team to assist in their specialty care. She and her partner share their home with two rescues: Levi, a Golden Retriever and Spaghetti Boy, a tuxedo kitty. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, yoga, live music, and spending time with friends and family around the country.Dr. Harjes and the entire Internal Medicine Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Harjes or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

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Cameron Henke, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Cameron Henke to our team of veterinarians and the Critical Care Service! Dr. Henke’s enjoys managing sepsis, respiratory distress, polytrauma, and complex endocrinopathies. He has a special interest in mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal therapies, and interventional radiology. He looks forward to working closely with pet families and veterinarians to optimize care and improve outcomes in critical patients. Dr. Henke and the entire Critical Care Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Henke or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Sean Hillock, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM

Dr. Sean Hillock earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida in Gainsville in 1995. He then graduated with honors and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hillock completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and subsequently completed a residency in Internal Medicine under the direction of Dr. John Fondacaro. He is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. His professional interests include canine and feline respiratory, urogenital, hematological and hepatic diseases. The Internal Medicine department is available for consultations Monday through Saturday.

Brooke Hutt, DVM, Hospitalist

Dr. Hutt graduated from Gettysburg College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to earn her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Upon returning home to New York, she completed a rotating internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in 2009. The following year, she completed a year-long Small Animal Ophthalmology Internship under the mentorship of Dr. Noelle La Croix. Upon completion of the Ophthalmology internship, Dr. Hutt joined the VMCLI Emergency team in July 2010. In her spare time, Dr. Hutt enjoys Latin and Standard ballroom dancing, country music, and painting.

Jonathan Mehlrose, DVM

Dr. Mehlrose received a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a Minor in History from Stony Brook University in 1999. He then proceeded to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated with honors in 2004. While in Veterinary school, Dr. Mehlrose established the Ross University Student Chapter of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Post-graduate training included an internship at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, NY. He then received two additional years of advanced training in the field of exotic avian medicine and surgery on Long Island.

Josh Morgenstern, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Josh Morgenstern to our team of veterinarians and cardiology department! Dr. Morgenstern is Board-certified in veterinary cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He graduated from St. George’s University before completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, a specialty internship in cardiology at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa Florida and a residency in veterinary cardiology at Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Los Angeles.

Bethany Pastina, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology & Neurosurgery)

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Bethany Pastina to our team of veterinarians and neurology department! Dr. Pastina’s professional interests within veterinary neurology include spinal surgery for intervertebral disc disease and treatment of re- fractory epilepsy, as well as meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology. Dr. Pastina is passionate about treating her patients as though they were her own family member and supporting clients through each step of their decision process.

Jill MacLeese, DVM, Diplomate ACVO

Dr. Jill MacLeese was raised on Long Island and is extremely happy to be back in NY serving the veterinary community at VMCLI. She attended veterinary school at St. George’s University, completing her clinical year at North Carolina State University. Upon graduating from veterinary school, Dr. MacLeese completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Southern California Veterinary Specialists in Irvine, CA.

Steven Moirano,DVM, DACVR (RO)

VMCLI is delighted to welcome Dr. Steven Moirano to our team of veterinarians and the Radiation Oncology Service! Dr. Moirano’s professional interests within veterinary radiation oncology include the use of hypofractionation and palliative care. Dr. Moirano has a passion for client education, as this allows owners to make the most informed decisions regarding their pets. Dr. Moirano and the entire Radiation Oncology Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Moirano or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Jessie Scaglione, DVM, (Practice Limited to Surgery)

Dr. Jessie Scaglione received her veterinary degree from The Ohio State University. Following graduation, she pursued a one-year rotating internship at The Veterinary Medical Center of Long island, followed by a surgical internship and a three-year surgical residency.

Dr. Scaglione’s professional interests include orthopedic, oncologic, complex soft tissue cases, and wound repair. She is passionate about pain management and patient comfort post-operatively, and strives to ensure the treatment plan is tailored to the needs of the individual.

Dr. Scaglione and the entire Surgery Team are available to accommodate consultations and emergency referrals 7 days a week. To speak with Dr. Scaglione or any member of our team, please call 631.587.0800 for more information.

Meghan Umstead, DVM, Diplomate ACVD

VMCLI is excited to welcome Dr. Meghan Umstead to our team of veterinarians and the Dermatology Service! Her main goals are to provide patients with the highest standards of care in a multi-specialty integrative environment. Dr. Umstead’s dedicated and caring approach is another essential part of our compassionate and experienced team.

Danielle Wharton, DVM, Lead Emergency Clinician & Hospitalist

Dr. Wharton graduated from Long Island University in 2007 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Psychology & Biology. She went on to pursue her veterinary degree at the Ontario Veterinary College. When she returned to the states, she completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island. Throughout her tenure, Dani has been instrumental in the advancement of the emergency service and policy innovation, enforcement, and training. She frequently takes the lead on all emergency clinician communication regarding policy reminders and updates within the emergency service.

Reed Zaroff, DVM