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.

BOARD CERTIFIED—SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY

After completing his undergraduate degree in Biology at Northeastern University in 1993 Dr. Besancon attended veterinary school at Iowa State University, completing his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Dr. Besancon then completed a one-year rotating internship in Small animal Medicine and Surgery, and a two year surgical internship in Small Animal Surgery at VCA South Shore in Weymouth, MA. He then returned to Iowa State University for a year-long Orthopedic Fellowship, followed by a 3-year Small Animal Surgical Residency at the University of California-Davis to complete his formal surgical training. In 2005 he completed his board certification, becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Specializing in the practice of small animal surgery, Dr. Besancon provides care to pets suffering from a variety of diseases and conditions. He has been trained in and enjoys all aspects of surgery.

In his down time Dr. Besancon enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, along with their Golden retriever. He enjoys golfing, fishing, painting, and spending as much time as possible in the woods of Maine.

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.

Dr. Kevin Ware’s passion for animals started with his first best friend Samantha, a rescue Doberman. Later, his love for marine mammals cultivated his interest in all animals. Dr. Kevin Ware completed his DVM degree from Louisiana State University in 2010. In 2011, he completed a yearlong internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Red Bank, NJ. During his internship, Dr. Ware’s experience in medical and radiation oncology continued to develop. His zeal for oncology led Dr. Ware to complete a three-year radiation oncology residency at MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets in Columbus, Ohio. With years of experience, education, and a board certification under his belt, Dr. Ware worked at a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Connecticut and Pennsylvania for several years before joining Bay State Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Services.

Dr. Sara Wilkes graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020. She went on to complete a 1-year rotating internship at BluePearl North Hills in Pittsburgh PA followed by a 3-year internal medicine residency at BluePearl Maitland in Orlando, FL. She is thrilled to be working at both OSVS and BSVESS. Her main interests include gastroenterology, kidney disease, and autoimmune conditions.

When she is not at the clinic, Dr. Wilkes enjoys hiking, reading (especially fantasy and historical fiction), traveling, and spending time with her cat, Gabby.

Dr. Koterbay was the Chief Clinician of the oncology service at the University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Koterbay developed the oncology department into a separate service with patient numbers increasing 350% at the University College of Dublin. In addition to clinical work, she was in charge of the instruction of veterinary students, interns and residents. She received her Master’s degree at Auburn University and Veterinary degree at the University of Glasgow. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Hickory Veterinary hospital and continued on to complete her residency in small animal medical oncology at Michigan State University. She has been a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society since 2010. Dr. Koterbay has been awarded Diplomate status from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology).

Dr. Lori Agulian, DVM, DACVS is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Raised in Connecticut, Dr. Agulian earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology-Psychology at Tufts University before attending Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Her professional interests include laparoscopic procedures, surgical oncology, and emergency soft tissue surgeries. In addition to her surgical expertise, Dr. Agulian has a passion for photography and enjoys capturing the beauty around her.