Medical Team
Kevin Barber, DVM
Dip. ACVS-SA
Soft Tissue, Oncologic,
Orthopedic, Neurosurgery
Kevin Barber, DVM
Dr. Barber grew up in San Diego, California and obtained his undergraduate degree at Ohio Wesleyan University in Zoology and Genetics. He then pursued his veterinary degree at Western University of Health Sciences, graduating in 2016. Shortly after, Dr. Barber entered a rotating internship at Southern California Veterinary Specialists before obtaining a surgical internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Following his surgical internship, Dr. Barber has remained at LIVS completing a residency in small animal surgery in July 2021. Dr. Barber has been involved in numerous research studies and publications, and his current interests include the application of 3D printing in veterinary medicine, tracheal stent management, and complex fracture repair.
Dr. Barber now calls Long Island home with his two dogs and three cats. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, and the great outdoors.
Jonathan C. Goodwin, DVM, MS
Dip. ACVIM (Cardiology)
Cardiology
Jonathan C. Goodwin, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Goodwin attended Cornell University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University. In 2000, after completing an internship with an emphasis on internal medicine and cardiology at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Dr. Goodwin went on to complete a cardiology residency at Purdue University, finishing in 2008.
Dr. Goodwin is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the sub-specialty of Cardiology.
Jaclyn Holdsworth, DVM
Surgery Clinician
Soft Tissue, Oncologic,
Orthopedic, Neurosurgery
Jaclyn Holdsworth, DVM
Dr. Jackie Holdsworth grew up in northern New Jersey twenty minutes outside of New York City. She knew at a very young age that she loved all animals and was passionate about helping them. During a Girl Scout trip in the third grade, she visited a local animal hospital to obtain an animal welfare badge. The activities she performed that day confirmed what she already knew: she wanted to be a veterinarian!
Dr. Holdsworth graduated with honors from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science and Biotechnology. During her undergraduate years, she was also a member of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball team, where she was named a three year captain and a four time all-academic athlete. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 2012. While at ISU, Dr. Holdsworth embarked on a career path that would lead to her becoming a surgeon. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Holdsworth completed an intensive one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Northern New Jersey (at the very same hospital she visited during her Girl Scout trip as a young girl!). She then went on to complete two, one-year surgical internships at the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, and Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Holdsworth completed a comprehensive three-year surgical residency with the Department of Surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, a premier hospital in the State of New York, where she is currently leading numerous research projects regarding canine orthopedic and neurologic conditions. Throughout her training in New York, Dr. Holdsworth has become involved in numerous cat rescues and animal-welfare organizations. Her clinical expertise includes oncologic surgery, wound therapy, neurosurgery, and helping care for critically ill patients including neonatal kittens. In her spare time, Dr. Holdsworth enjoys watching sports, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her husband and all their rescue animals.
Shadi Ireifej, DVM
Dip. ACVS
Director, Emergency Services
Shadi Ireifej, DVM, Dip. ACVS
Shadi J. Ireifej graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (2001, Magna cum laude). He then attended Cornell University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (2006, DVM).
After completing his studies at Cornell, Dr. Ireifej participated in an intense one-year small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship at Angel Animal Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts (2007), followed by two rigorous one-year small animal surgical internships at Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, New York (2009).
Dr. Ireifej achieved his board certification in small animal surgery by completing a three-year small animal surgery residency at LIVS (2012), and subsequently became a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS). After operating for almost 10 years at LIVS, Dr. Ireifej elected for warmer weather, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016.
In Las Vegas, Dr. Ireifej became a staff surgeon at Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center (LVVSC). In 2017, he began flying across the United States, performing surgeries at a number of emergency and specialty hospitals in need of surgical assistance. This was followed by a Chief of Surgery position at United Veterinary Specialty and Emergency in Silicon Valley, California. Managing their three locations, Dr. Ireifej and his team successfully cared for dogs and cats in the Campbell, Mountain View, and San Jose areas.
In 2018, Dr. Ireifej joined TrueCare for Pets in the Los Angeles, California area as Chief of Specialty, where he was instrumental in growing the after-hours and weekend emergency hospital to a successful 24/7 emergency and multi-specialty veterinary hospital. While the size of the hospital tripled, Dr. Ireifej instituted hospital-wide protocols, managed the surgery, internal medicine, and oncology departments, and became a leading force on social media platforms.
In 2020, Dr. Ireifej changed gears in his already illustrious career, finding a novel and state-of-the-art means of reaching concerned pet owners and their ill pets worldwide, VetTriage. Dr. Ireifej currently serves as their Chief Medical Officer. In 2021, Dr. Ireifej returned to LIVS as Director of Emergency Services.
Dr. Ireifej has been published in scientific and medical journals and enjoys lecturing to a variety of audiences. He is known for being a positive force and energetic force, both professionally and personally.
Catherine A. Loughin, DVM
Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT
Soft Tissue, Oncologic,
Orthopedic, Neurosurgery
Catherine A. Loughin, DVM, Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT
Dr. Catherine Loughin grew up in a small town west of Cleveland, Ohio. Her interest in animals began at the age of 4 when her father brought her to their cousin’s veterinary clinic. Her cousin was proficient in canine and equine surgery, and his influence guided her career into veterinary surgery. Dr. Loughin obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan, and doctor of veterinary medicine from Michigan State. Dr. Loughin was a general practitioner for 2 years at Animal Medical Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She then accepted a 1 year general internship at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. That one year progressed into a second year as a surgical intern, and then 3 more years for a surgical residency and she is now a staff surgeon.
Dr. Loughin has published over 20 research papers, several book chapters, and has been an invited lecturer locally, nationally and internationally. She is one of the founding members of the Canine Chiari Institute at Long Island Veterinary Specialists, and she is the director of education and research. She also sits on the medical advisory board for the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation. Dr. Loughin’s surgical interests are neurosurgery, orthopedic, and reconstructive surgery.
Dominic J. Marino, DVM
Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT, CCRP
ACVS Founding Fellow, Joint Replacement Surgery
Soft Tissue, Oncologic, Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, Physical Rehabilitation
Dominic J. Marino, DVM, Dip. ACVS, Dip. ACCT, CCRP
Dr. Dominic J. Marino is the Chief of Staff of Long Island Veterinary Specialists, the Director of the Canine Chiari Institute, and a founding board member of the New York Veterinary Foundation. He is one of four children and grew up in Plainview, Long Island, the son of a Plainview pediatrician (Leonard) and a singer/ small business owner, and supermom (Jane).
Dr. Marino pursued his life-long animal passion by attending Auburn University in Alabama where he attained a B.S. in biology and a DVM degree. Following graduation, he attended the University of Georgia participating in a small animal internship in medicine and surgery. Excited to return to his home state, Dr. Marino was accepted for a residency in small animal surgery at the Animal Medical Center in New York City where he was honored with both the Martin and Beatrice Weiser Outstanding Research Award and the North Shore Animal League Petering Scholarship Award.
Dr. Marino is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Clinical Thermology and is the former head of Orthopedic/Neurosurgery service at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. Fulfilling his desire to make “cutting edge” veterinary medicine available to the pets of Long Island, he joined with Drs. Kaplan, Sapienza, and Panic to start “Island Veterinary Referral” which later evolved into Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Marino has published many scientific articles, and authored chapters in both human and veterinary medical textbooks. He lectures extensively on many surgical topics including soft tissue, orthopedic and neurosurgery at both human and veterinary surgical conferences nationally and internationally. Dr. Marino has collaborative research projects with several institutions including: Stonybrook Medical School and Brookhaven National Laboratory on LI.
Dr. Marino is one of the most experienced hip replacement surgeons in the country. In 2021, he was recognized as an ACVS Founding Fellow in Joint Replacement Surgery (JRS). ACVS Founding Fellows are distinguished leaders as evidenced by their exemplary training, extensive experience, innovative research, and committed practice. They devote a significant portion of their professional effort in seeking to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients in the specialized field of joint replacement surgery. Dr. Marino has performed over 2,000 THR procedures, starting in the early nineties. His areas of special interest include joint replacement surgery, brain surgery, and spine surgery.In January 2022, Dr. Marino became a New York State licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Dr. Marino served as the surgical consultant to Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, chairman of the Eastern Veterinary Orthopedic Society, and on the National Advisory Board of North Shore Animal League of America. He is currently an executive board member of the New York Veterinary Foundation, The Police Surgeons Benevolent Association and the medical advisory board of the CSF foundation. He currently serves as surgical consultant for: The Humane Society of New York, NY. North Shore Animal League of America, Port Washington, NY; Bide-A-Wee Animal Adoption Center, NY, The Guide Dog Foundation, Smithtown, NY; Sweet Briar Nature Preserve, Smithtown, NY; and the Riverhead Marine Mammal Rescue, Riverhead NY.
Dr. Marino is the veterinary surgeon for New York City Police Department, MTA Police Department, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sherriff’s Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Port Authority of the State of New York, US Customs and Border Patrol, Federal Air Marshalls and the Secret Service.
Dr. Marino enjoys running marathons, half marathons, travel, fitness, "all things Italian" and spending time with his family and house full of pets.
Neil Mittelman, DVM
Dip. ACVIM (LAIM;Neurology)
Neurology, Neurosurgery
Neil Mittelman, DVM, DACVIM (LAIM) (Neurology/Neurosurgery)
Dr. Neil Mittelman completed his undergraduate work at Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Science, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a Minor in Biological Sciences and honors with distinction in research. He went on to receive his DVM degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2012.
After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Mittelman completed two Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Internships. His first internship was at the world-renowned Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY from 2012-2013, where he assisted in the neurological evaluation of hundreds of horses as well as multiple spinal surgeries. The second internship was at New Bolton Center University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square, PA from 2013-2014, where he treated a multitude of different neurological conditions in both horses and farm animals.
Dr. Mittelman completed a Large Animal Internal Medicine Residency at New Bolton Center University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. During his residency he presented at multiple national veterinary conferences and published articles on protozoal, parasitic, and toxic causes of neurological disease, often utilizing diagnostics and treatments more commonly used in small animal and human neurology. He subsequently achieved board-certification in Large Animal Internal Medicine.
Recognizing his interest in small animal medicine, Dr. Mittelman performed a Small Animal Neurology Internship at North Florida Neurology in Orange Park, FL from 2017-2018. Dr. Mittelman then returned to his northeastern roots to perform a residency in Small Animal Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, which he completed in 2020.
In August 2020, Dr. Mittelman joined the LIVS team as a staff neurology department doctor, allowing LIVS to continue to grow its neurology services. Dr. Mittelman has a diverse interest in Neurology and Neurosurgery, but he has special interests in the surgical correction and management of disorders of the spinal cord, inflammatory and infectious causes of meningitis and meningoencephalitis, as well as seizure management.
In his leisure time Dr. Mittelman can often be found enjoying stand-up comedy, cooking, playing basketball, horseback riding, and watching baseball and football when not playing fetch with his Boxer, Sweet Caroline.
Patrick Roynard, DVM, MRCVS
Dip. ACVIM (Neurology)
Neurology, Neurosurgery
Patrick Roynard, DVM, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology/Neurosurgery)
Dr. Patrick Roynard was born and raised in green and rainy Normandy, and has always been fascinated with animals. Dr. Roynard always wanted to be a veterinarian and was delighted when he was accepted into the prestigious National Veterinary School of Alfort (Paris, France), the oldest veterinary school in the world. In 2006, Dr. Roynard graduated from veterinary school at the age of 23, and was awarded a Thesis medal for his work on surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.
Initially involved in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Roynard quickly developed a special interest for Neurosurgery and Neurology. He completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Dick White Referrals, a highly recognized veterinary specialty hospital in Cambridgeshire, England, prior to joining LIVS for a 2-year specialty internship in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Following this program, Dr. Roynard went on to start a 3-year residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the renowned University of California-Davis. Upon completion of this residency at LIVS, Dr. Roynard has remained on staff and is certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (specialty of Neurology/Neurosurgery).
Having received training in microsurgery from human neurosurgeons, Dr. Roynard has a special interest in Neurosurgery and integrative treatment of tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord (that is using all the tools currently available for the best outcome for your pet). Dr. Roynard is certified in canine cervical disc arthroplasty (intervertebral disc replacement) and has published in peer reviewed journals on canine intracranial diseases and vertebral tumors.
In his downtime, he enjoys keeping up to date with veterinary research, spending some outdoor time with his partner and their dogs, hitting the gym or being involved in any activity related to rugby, his second passion.
Angels Prades-Sapienza, DVM
Internal Medicine Clinician
Internal Medicine
Angels Prades-Sapienza, DVM
Dr. Angels Prades-Sapienza graduated from the Univeristy of Barcelona, Spain in 1989. After working in private small animal practice in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, Angels completed an externship at Maison-Alfort in Paris, France. She came to the US for the first time to do a one-year externship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Animal Medical Center , and then returned a few years later to fuflfill all the requirements for license certification in NY State. Angels has been a team member of our facility since its inception. Dr. Prades' primary interest is in internal medicine and ultrasonography. She is also well versed in veterinary anesthesia. Dr. Prades can be seen wearing several hats at Long island Veterinary Specialists; she assists primarily in the internal medicine department, but also regulary oversees activities in the ophthalmology department as well. Angels loves the team approach at LIVS and the interactions between departments at our facility.
When not working, Dr. Prades is busy with her two children, Marc and Angelina. She is married to our veterianry ophthalmologist, Dr. John Sapienza. As a family, they enjoy travel to Europe, especially her home country of Spain. Dr. Prades is fluent in four languages: English, Catalan, Spanish and French. She has 2 energetic dogs (one rescue Golden Retriever named Zara and an adopted Yellow Labrador called Mark), a guinea pig named Janie and Gómez the lizard. Dr. Prades enjoys spending time with her family, reading historical fiction books, cooking Spanish and Catalan meals. She makes a delicious Spanish paella and does an annual calçotada with her friends and family (home-grown green onion feast).
John S. Sapienza, DVM
Dip. ACVO (Ophthalmology)
Ophthalmology
John S. Sapienza, DVM, Dip. ACVO
Dr. John Sapienza is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists since 1993, and he is the consultant veterinary ophthalmologist at the Bronx Zoo and N.Y. Aquarium. Dr. Sapienza is the head and department chairman of the ophthalmology department at Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, NY. Dr. Sapienza’s special interests are cataract surgery with phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, laser glaucoma therapy, glaucoma implants, and reconstructive eyelid procedures. He was the first veterinary ophthalmologist to perform phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in animals on Long Island, NY.
Dr. Sapienza was the first veterinary ophthalmologist in the U.S. to perform injectable foldable acrylic intraocular lens implants in dogs. He has conducted extensive studies on the effect of laser energy in eyes with glaucoma and has published several articles on glaucoma therapy, Golden Retriever (Pigmentary) uveitis, and ocular reports in exotic species.
Dr. Sapienza's special surgical interests include endolaser glaucoma therapy, glaucoma implants, vitreoretinal surgery with the repair of retinal detachments as well as cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants. Dr. Sapienza currently is the only veterinary ophthalmologist in the Northeast U.S. who performs repairs of detached retinas in dogs and has received referrals for retinal disorders from all over the country.
He has lectured extensively throughout the Continental U.S., Hawaii, Japan, Europe, and South America. Dr. Sapienza speaks fluent Spanish, and is a frequent lecturer in Spain, as well as North and South America, for interactive advanced courses in Spanish. Dr. Sapienza received national attention for his medical treatment of "Ashley" the cat, owned by Regis and Joy Philbin, resulting in an appearance on the "Live with Regis" show.
Dr. Sapienza is married to his lovely wife, Dr. Angels Prades-Sapienza, a veterinarian from Barcelona, Spain, and they have two wonderful children, Marc and Angelina. The Sapienza family enjoys their extended pet family of three dogs and laying hens. Dr. Sapienza enjoys traveling with his family and in his downtime, tending to his garden, fig trees, and grapevines.
Michel Selmer, DVM, MS
CTCVMP (Integrative Medicine)
CVMMP (Chiropractic)
Integrative Medicine
Michel Selmer, DVM, MS, CTCVMP, CVMMP
Dr. Michel Selmer is an Integrative Veterinarian and one of a handful of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioners in the world that holds a Master’s Degree.
He attended Long Island University and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Following his undergraduate studies, he was admitted to Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine and earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. Following his Traditional Veterinary studies, he was admitted to the Chi Institute where he graduated with the top honor of being a Certified Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Practitioner (CTCVMP). His most recent certification is in Veterinary Medical Manipulation (chiropractic) (CVMMP).
Dr. Selmer is a published author and consults with other veterinarians as well as pet parents around the globe. In 2018, he made the exciting decision to join the Long Island Veterinary Specialists team as the Lead Veterinarian in their Integrative Medicine Department.
The passion Dr. Selmer has for his profession - and his love for all animals - has contributed to the high quality medicine that he practices.
Joshua W. Tumulty, DVM
Dip. ACVIM (Internal Medicine)
Internal Medicine, Radioiodine Therapy (I-131)
Joshua W. Tumulty, DVM, Dip. ACVIM
At an early age, it was clear to Dr. Tumulty’s friends and family that he was going to dedicate his life to the well-being of animals. Whether it was dogs, rabbits, birds, the family pet skunk, or the local deer and turkey, animals were always an influence in Dr. Tumulty’s life. His journey to becoming a veterinarian was finally realized when he graduated in 1999 from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Tumulty graduated with honors from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, where he received both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University, where he was awarded the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Award for Excellence in Small Animal Medicine. Dr. Tumulty completed a one-year internship in a small animal medicine and surgery, and a two-year residency in small animal internal medicine at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. While a resident, Dr. Tumulty received the Outstanding Veterinarian Award for Excellence. He is board certified by The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is currently Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Long Island Veterinary Specialists.
As chairman of the Internal Medicine Department, Dr. Tumulty has enjoyed his role as mentor to the many young veterinarians at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Through the last decade he has helped guide many young doctors toward finding their passion in veterinary medicine – be it in a specialty area or in general practice. Dr. Tumulty’s goal is to work together with referring veterinarians to provide the highest level of medicine, as well as to support and educate families as they explore all available options for their pet, allowing them to enjoy a life free of pain and suffering, preserving their dignity and elevating their quality of life. Having had personal pets diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease, renal failure, and lymphoma, Dr. Tumulty sees every patient as if one of his own. His professional areas of interest include all aspects of internal medicine, including medical oncology, cardiology, as well as ultrasonography and minimally invasive video endoscopy.
Dr. Tumulty is a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, but followed his career and his heart to New York. Away from work, Dr. Tumulty finds his greatest happiness with his family, including one dog and cat (each rescued). He and his wife enjoy attending the theatre and rooting for the Steelers, but especially spending time with their son. On the weekends you may find them at the local dog park exercising their dog, or the playground, trying to keep up with their son.
Robert Waddell, DVM
Dip. ACVS-SA
Soft Tissue, Oncologic,
Orthopedic, Neurosurgery
Robert Waddell, DVM, Dip. ACVS-SA
Robert Waddell, known to most as Bob, grew up in Nassau County, New York as the middle child to a NYPD officer and an airline stewardess. Bob grew up with a menagerie of pets including Golden retrievers (Ivy, Holly, Amber, Dahlia), a black lab (Kitt), Yellow Labradors (Lucky, Huckleberry), an Amazon Yellow Nape Parrot (Maxwell), and a squirrel (Squbba the Super Squirrel). Dr. Waddell graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. Bob was on the way to becoming a NYPD officer like his father, when he switched his career plan. He decided to combine his drive to help people with his love of animals. He began his career at North Shore Animal League and Long Island Veterinary Specialists before heading off to veterinary school.
Dr. Waddell earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree when he graduated with honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Waddell completed his veterinary clinical training at Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and was the recipient of the Brasmer Award for Small Animal Surgery. Remembering how much he enjoyed working at Long Island Veterinary Specialists and helping his childhood community, he returned to his home to complete an intensive one year small animal internship in medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. He then completed a one year surgical internship before again returning to Long Island Veterinary Specialists where he completed a three year residency program, under the direction of Dr. Dominic J. Marino. Dr. Waddell enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery with special interests in orthopedic and neurologic procedures including those that are minimally invasive.
When he is not providing care to his patients, Dr. Waddell enjoys spending time with his extended family; still located on Long Island, spending time in nearby Manhattan, hiking with his dogs, and losing himself in the art of carpentry work. He is an avid fan of the New York football Giants, New York Mets and the New York Islanders.