Veterinarians



	Veterinarians

	John Lu, DVM

			PROFILE: In 1986 I received my veterinary medical degree in Beijing, China, continuing my education I received a Masters Degree in Science in 1989. At Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana,USA, I accomplished my clinical training. Working as a pathology assistant at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, I learned a great deal in veterinary medicine that I use in my practice today. Teaching genetics in Beijing University Department of Biology for two years was very rewarding and valuable experience. I also worked on a series of research projects in molecular biology and immunology which allowed me to have an in depth understanding of disease management. My first hand clinical experience has taught me that healing has a broad spectrum. I strive to develop safe, effective therapies beyond what textbooks teach us. I want to further sophisticate medical services to our 21st century pets and pet lovers. I am proud to say with our staff we are able to take advantage of the best of healing in both western medicine and eastern medicine.

	Dr. Yvonne Boutges

			My name is Dr. Yvonne Boutges, and I am very excited to be a member of the terrific team at Setauket Animal Hospital. After I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, I returned to my native Long Island after completing my clinical year at Oklahoma State University. Before branching into Relief Services and Emergency Medicine, I was a full time associate for over five years on Eastern Long Island. I enjoy many aspects of veterinary medicine, including, preventative and behavioral medicine. When I’m not working, I am the proud mother of a beautiful son, one dog and four cats. I also enjoy traveling, hiking on the North Fork with our dog Jaguar, yoga, remodeling our old home, and the antics of our four cats Duke, Columbus, Slurpee and Fluffy. I am a proud member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the NYS Veterinary Medical Society, the LI Veterinary Medical Association, and the Ross University Alumni Association.

	Dr. Kelly Garrison

			My name is Dr. Kelly Garrison, and I am very excited to be apart of the team at Setauket Animal Hospital. After pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology from Stony Brook University in 2005, I went on to St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, from which I received a Doctorate in 2010. I completed my clinical year of training at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. What I love most about my career choice is getting to work with animals everyday- They can always put a smile on my face. I live in Mt. Sinai with my husband, who is also a veterinarian on the island, our newborn son Michael and our 3 dogs Kozan, Atticus and Chula. When I am not working, I like to spend my free time with my family and enjoy traveling, all types of outdoor activities as well as trying new things. My goal is to provide excellent veterinary care to both my furry patients and their owners.



	Linda Osborne, Manager

			I have been a Veterinary Technician for over 30 years. I started out volunteering in a grooming shop to gain experience in the animal field. This experience led to my being hired as a Veterinary Assistant at Plainview Animal Hospital in 1978. I graduated in 1980 from SUNY Farmingdale as a Veterinary Technician and was promoted to that position right away. Over the years, my experience, education, and training have awarded me the position of Manager as well as Technician. I have always loved animals and knew I would dedicate my life to working with them. Being able to help take care of them and assist in their well being as a technician has been very rewarding and a joy. I can truly say that I love my job. On a personal note, I have 3 kids, 3 cats and 2 dogs who keep me very busy and very happy !


	Brittany Barbato

			Iam currently a Veterinary Assistant attending Suffolk County Community College where I am working towards my Veterinary Technicians Degree and License. I have worked for Dr. Lu since July of 2010. I am certified in animal first aid and CPR, and I also received training and certification in disaster relief, specializing in animal rescue and triage. I also volunteer with a cat rescue organization and feed several feral colonies on the weekends. I have always loved animals and wanted to work with them, help them, and make a difference in their lives. The welfare and well-being of animals has always been very important to me. Animals give you unconditional love and it only makes sense to give it back to them. I have 4 cats, Oliver, Jordan, Malibu and Mooka, and a rabbit, Jett.


	Tami Nissenbaum

			I have been working with Dr. Lu at the Setauket Animal Hospital since 2007. I have always had many animals in my personal life since I was a small child. It has been here, at Setauket Animal Hospital, that I have had the privilege to enhance my lifelong love for animals with professional skill and knowledge for caring for them. This practice is not the typical run of the mill animal hospital one usually finds, I feel very lucky to be able to work for Dr. Lu and witness his holistic care methods along with his specialty surgeries. I am also very proud to be working for a practice that is willing to handle feral cats and offers a low cost spay and neuter program to local shelters. My experiences here have allowed me to come to the decision to return to school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I am currently a full time student, and working here on the weekends. My goal is to graduate in 2016 and I hope to return here as a veterinarian.


	Michelle Ries, Licensed Veterinary Technician

			Having always loved animals, I wanted to do all I could to help them. I completed training and instruction as a veterinary assistant at L.A. Wilson Technological Center, Dix Hills, NY, in 2006. In 2009 I earned a Degree of Associate in Applied Science with Distinction; majoring in Veterinary Science Technology. I have been a Licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of New York since 2009.