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. Amanda Panissidi is originally from Connecticut but spent many summers vacationing in Rhode Island. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Biology at Cornell University. She then moved across the pond to Scotland where she earned her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Glasgow. Her post-graduate veterinary education brought her back to Connecticut where she completed a rotating internship at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center. She then moved to Florida where she completed a surgical internship followed by surgical residency at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, BluePearl Maitland. Dr. Panissidi, along with her husband Dr. Kevin Kirchofer, are excited to return to New England where they can be closer to family and friends again.

Dr. Panissidi’s professional areas of interested include oncologic surgery, reconstructive surgery, wound management, laparoscopic procedures, and neurosurgery.

Outside of work, Dr. Panissidi enjoys cycling, hiking, and camping.