A Higher Standard

Internal medicine specialists (internists) are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Because of their advanced training and experience managing complicated medical conditions, patients with uncommon, difficult to manage, or multiple coexisting medical problems benefit from the care of an internist. Internists utilize specialized diagnostics, including advanced imaging (endoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) and extensive laboratory testing to diagnose complex medical conditions.

LAUREN MONHAIT

Dr. Laurie Monhait is originally from Delaware and completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Haverford College, outside of Philadelphia, PA. She then went on to complete her veterinary training at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2011. After veterinary school, she completed a rotating internship at VCA South Shore in Weymouth, MA, and a specialty internship in internal medicine and critical care at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, TX. She then returned to the New England area to complete her internal medicine residency at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, MA. In 2016 Dr. Monhait relocated to Rhode Island to join the Internal Medicine team at Ocean State. Dr. Monhait enjoys all parts of Internal Medicine but has a special interest in endocrine diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.

Outside of work, Dr. Monhait enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and furry family (two cats and a dog). Additionally, she enjoys running, hiking, cooking, exploring restaurants, and spending time with friends.

GARY BLOCK

BOARD CERTIFIED—INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Block completed his veterinary degree at Cornell University in 1991. He then completed an internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston in 1992. He obtained his residency training in internal medicine at Purdue University and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1994. Dr. Block pursued his interests in animal welfare and the human—animal bond by entering a degree program at the Center for Animals and Public Policy at Tufts University and obtained a master’s degree in 1997. Dr. Block is past president of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association and the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics. He is on the board of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the non-profit Companion Animal Foundation.

He is the father of two beautiful children, Elsa and Derek, and is happily married to his equally beautiful wife, veterinarian Justine Johnson. His “extended family” includes three horses, two goats, two dogs, three cats, and two tortoises—some of which his beautiful children actually help care for.

Conditions Treated

The services of an internist include the treatment and evaluation of a wide range of conditions and body systems. Some of these conditions include:

  • Liver diseases
  • Cardiac diseases (heart)
  • Gastrointestinal diseases (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss)
  • Urinary tract diseases (including bladder and kidney issues)
  • Hormonal conditions (including thyroid disorders, diabetes, Cushing’s disease)
  • Infectious diseases (tick-borne, bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases)
  • Respiratory conditions (asthma, pneumonia, laryngeal disease, chronic cough, collapsing trachea)
  • Neurologic disorders (diseases of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord)
  • Hematologic conditions (diseases of the blood cells)
  • Immune system disorders

Conditions Treated

The services of an internist include the treatment and evaluation of a wide range of conditions and body systems. Some of these conditions include:

  • Liver diseases
  • Cardiac diseases (heart)
  • Gastrointestinal diseases (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss)
  • Urinary tract diseases (including bladder and kidney issues)
  • Hormonal conditions (including thyroid disorders, diabetes, Cushing’s disease)
  • Infectious diseases (tick-borne, bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases)
  • Respiratory conditions (asthma, pneumonia, laryngeal disease, chronic cough, collapsing trachea)
  • Neurologic disorders (diseases of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord)
  • Hematologic conditions (diseases of the blood cells)
  • Immune system disorders

Advanced Treatment

Some of the advanced diagnostic testing performed by BSVESS internists include:

  • Bone marrow sampling
  • Joint taps
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage and tracheal wash
  • Endoscopy
    • Rhinoscopy (nasal cavity and nose)
    • Bronchoscopy (bronchi and trachea)
    • Bronchoalveolar lavage
    • Upper gastrointestinal tract (removal of foreign bodies, biopsy)
    • Colonoscopy
  • Ultrasound examinations and ultrasound-guided biopsies

Advanced Treatment

Some of the advanced diagnostic testing performed by BSVESS internists include:

  • Bone marrow sampling
  • Joint taps
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage and tracheal wash
  • Endoscopy
    • Rhinoscopy (nasal cavity and nose)
    • Bronchoscopy (bronchi and trachea)
    • Bronchoalveolar lavage
    • Upper gastrointestinal tract (removal of foreign bodies, biopsy)
    • Colonoscopy
  • Ultrasound examinations and ultrasound-guided biopsies