Phillip Raclyn, DVM, CVA Will treat your pet at: Riverside Veterinary Group

Trained as an allopathic veterinarian and practiced as such for twenty years. He is founder and chief of staff of VETSnyc, two veterinary practices on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and one in Yorktown Heights (Westchester). He has earned his Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and has had extensive post graduate training in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Member of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, AVMA, NYCVMA, American Association of Feline Practitioners, PeTA, Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. He has been a Teaching Assistant for the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certification course.

Every year, Dr. Raclyn attends numerous continuing education conferences including The North American Veterinary Conference, The IVIS Congress, The American Holistic Veterinary Association Conference, and the American Animal Hospital Association Conference, along with other continuing education meetings organized by the NYC Veterinary Medical Association and the Westchester-Rockland Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Raclyn has appeared on TV many times, including Everyday with Joan Lunden, MTV, New York Views with Roz Abrams, New York Channel 4 Live at Five, Fox News at Noon, Inside Edition (as an authority on Alternative Veterinary Medicine), the TV Food Network (as a holistic nutritional consultant), American Journal, Fox Pet News, Japan's National Television (Fuji Television) (as an expert on veterinary acupuncture, and most recently (Feb 2007) on Fox News (National) for his expertise in behavior issues, and out favorite, on People's Court. You can see most of these by clicking on this link.... TV appearances

He has been quoted and featured extensively in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times, Crains Magazine, TRENDS (The American Animal Hospital Association Magazine), NY Dogs, Cat Fancy, Self Magazine, Glamour Magazine, and has been a contributing writer to the Pat Lazarus books, "Keep Your Dog Healthy the Natural Way" and "Keep Your Cat Healthy the Natural Way".

He is probably most proud of being the only veterinarian ever written about in the New York Magazine BEST DOCTORS issue. Here the author spoke of her search for the perfect doctor. At the end of the article she described finally finding him, but instead of a doctor for herself, he was her veterinarian, Dr. Raclyn.

Steven Kasanofsky, DVM, CVA Will treat your pet at: Riverside Animal Hospital Yorktown Animal Hospital

Also trained as an allopathic veterinarian, Dr. Kasanofsky practiced for years in Queens in various private practices and emergency centers until becoming a partner in 1992 in the Veterinary Hospitals of New York (which then consisted of Riverside Animal Hospital and Riverside Animal Clinic (since sold)). He is Chief of Medicine and Surgery for all three existing hospitals. He is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and has had extensive post graduate training in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Member of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, AVMA, NYCVMA, American Veterinary Dental Society, The Society of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.

Every year, Dr. K also attends numerous continuing education conferences including The North American Veterinary Conference, The IVIS Congress, The American Holistic Veterinary Association Conference, and the American Animal Hospital Association Conference, along with other continuing education meetings organized by the NYC Veterinary Medical Association and the Westchester-Rockland Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Kasanofsky has appeared on television and radio, including Animal Planet, Westchester News,and has lectured at various dog and cat club meetings about Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medicine. He is a delegate of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and a Teaching Assistant for the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certification course.

Click here to see a photo of Dr K at the 9/11 rescue mission

Dr. Pia Hiekkaranta, DVM Will treat your pet at: Yorktown Animal Hospital

I was just eight years old when I told my parents that I decided to become a veterinarian. Since then I never planned anything else for a career. After graduating from Veterinary College of Helsinki, I worked in Finland over twenty years. My husband and I lived with our three children in a farm with 2 ponies, sheep, a goat, a goose and two dogs and cats North of Helsinki.

Relocating to the U.S. back in 1997 changed my life. This is a big country, but now I wanted to focus solely on small animals—mainly dogs and cats,and also some exotic pets. I like to keep myself well abreast of the latest in veterinary medicine, so regularly go to continuing education courses as well as numerous veterinary conferences. I simply love my job!

My family is still the same, but now we live in a single family home in Westchester. And the animal kingdom has shrunk to one dog, a male collie named 'Tuisku'. His name is Finnish, and means 'Blizzard'. He is a beautiful young dog, who likes to take me for a long walk or run every day."

MEMBERSHIPS AND AWARDS

• Westchester Rockland Veterinary Medical Association, 2001—
• New York State Veterinary Medical Society, 2001—
• American Veterinary Medical Association, 2000—
• Veterinary Medical Association, 1977—
• Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry-appointed working group on “Recommendations concerning the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine” 1995–1996
• Delegate of The Finnish Veterinary Medical Association, 1983–1985
• Board Member, “Finnish Veterinarian” (professional journal) 1992–1997
• Finnish Veterinary Foundation, 1989–1997: Board Member, 1989–1997; Deputy-Chair, 1994–1997
• Finnish Municipal Veterinarians Association, 1980–2000: Board Member, 1987–1991
• Certificate of Honour for work to protect animals, Finnish Society for the Protection of Animals, 1995

Jane Kasovsky, DVM Will treat your pet at: Riverside Veterinary Group & Riverside Animal Hospital

Surgeon Extraordinaire, Dr. Kasovsky performs the major orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries for Riverside Veterinary Group and Riverside Animal Hospital. A graduate of Ohio State University Veterinary School, she completed her veterinary internship at the Animal Medical Center and then her Surgical Residency at the Animal Medical Center as well.

"All I do is surgery, and many of them every day," says Dr. Kosovsky. She performs surgery in a dozen different clinics in Manhattan. "Some call me in once a week, some when they need me. But I only work at the ones I feel best about. If I were sick, I'd want to be at one of these hospitals.".... and that, of course, includes Riverside Animal Hospital and Riverside Veterinary Group.

• Chief of Surgery
• Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery
• Veterinary School: Ohio State University
• Veterinary Internship: Animal Medical Center, NYC
• Surgical Residency: Animal Medical Center, NYC

Brett Drayton, DVM Will treat your pet at: Riverside Veterinary Group Riverside Animal Hospital

I was born in England and when I was 8 my family moved to Chippewa Falls, WI (northwest WI). I was naturally drawn to working with animals from a very young age and started volunteering at the only clinic in town in the 7th grade. It was a mixed practice and the farm calls were fun (except at 3 in the morning in February), but I knew I'd eventually be a small animal vet.

I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for undergrad and earned a BS in Meat and Animal Sciences. During college I worked at a large animal research lab and in the barns at the vet school on campus. I thought I'd give large animal practice one more shot, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. I went straight to vet school after college, also at UW-Madison and applied for internship after graduation. I matched at my first pick at AMC, fell in love with NYC and am hopelessly attached to the city now. I have worked private practice since finishing my internship, but my main interests are emergency/critical care cases and internal medicine. I am left with one old cranky diabetic cat (which I saved from AMC- a drop-off for euthanasia; his brother I sadly had to euthanize last year), but the herd will once again re-expand after Toby's passing.

Educational Experience

• 2001-2002 Rotating Internship in Surgery and Medicine Animal Medical Center
• 1997-2001 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Graduated top 10% of class
  • Phi Zeta honorary society of veterinary medicine
• 1999-2001 • School of veterinary medicine academic scholarship
• 1997-2001 1993-1997 Bachelor of Science: Animal Sciences-Honors UW-Madison
  • Graduated with Highest Distinction: top 5% of class
  • Nominated for Outstanding Senior Award
  • Dean’s Honor List
  • Alpha Zeta honorary service fraternity; Golden Key National Honor Society
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Work Experience

• May 2004-Nov 2006 Animal General-Lincoln Square
• July 2002-April 2004 Center for Veterinary Care
• June 2001-July 2002 The Animal Medical Center

Dr. Heidi Hungerbuhler Will treat your pet at: Yorktown Animal Hospital

I grew up in a small town in upstate New York, surrounded by beloved pets. From my earliest days my fondest desire was to become a veterinarian. I attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges where I majored in biology and minored in philosophy. During college I spent a semester abroad in Denmark studying marine biology and ecology with a focus on marine mammals.

After college I spent time working on a not-for-profit exotic animal sanctuary, specializing in large felines (lions and tigers). I attended veterinary school at the University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine. At school I was an active member of the critical care club and managed the after hours clinic crew ( a team of students who worked in the ICU). I was an active member of the student AVMA and held a position on the excutive board. In 2002 upon completeion of veterinary school I moved to Long Island, learned to sail and enjoyed practicing high quality veterinary medicine there for 3 years. Recently, I got married and relocated to Northern Westchester

Dr. Christina East Will treat your pet at: Riverside Animal Hospital

My family tells me that I have always loved animals. My earliest memories on the subject revolve around either my being either a pet store owner or a veterinarian. Twenty years later the details managed to work themselves out.

Between spending summers running wild in Jamaica and my childhood in Florida, I have always had animals in my life (whether my family wanted me to or not!). After bringing all kinds of abandoned birds and small animals home, my family caved in and finally got me a cat. I have had cats in my life ever since. With the ultimate goal of being a veterinarian I worked in several hospitals with small animals (cats, dogs) as well as with exotics (birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, etc).

My undergraduate degree was obtained at the University of Miami. I was then accepted into my first choice vet school, the University of Florida where I thrived. In vet school, I was active in many clubs and attended numerous conferences to further my education. I broadened my horizons by visiting vet schools outside the USA. After spending most of my life in Florida, the idea of seasons became attractive and I moved to NYC to perform an internship at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists. Since then I have found my home away from home at Riverside Animal Hospital. I count myself lucky to be able to practice high quality veterinary medicine in such a warm welcoming environment. I currently have three fabulous cats (rescues all!) and a ball python.

Dr. Cristina Colon Will treat your pet at: Riverside Veterinary Group Riverside Animal Hospital

I've been practicing veterinary medicine as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association for four years. Before joining Riverside Animal Hospital in January 2005 I was working as a Veterinarian at Bayville Hospital in Long Island.

As a child my family noticed my particular enthusiasm for our four legged friends. Even back then I knew that I knew I was destined to become a veterinarian. Growing up in Puerto Rico I worked on a Pig farm and as a Veterinarian’s Technician Assistant at the local animal hospital. Once I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico I was ready to pursue my dream.

I enrolled into Vet school at Ross University in St. Kitts. As a vet student I did her clinical year at The University of Missouri, in Columbia Missouri, where I had hands on experience and discovered my passion for soft tissue surgery.

I've had the chance, since becoming a member of the Riverside Team, to shine and accomplish so much of what I had always dreamed of. I love my career and am dedicated to giving animals the best care in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Robin Kramer Will treat your pet at: Riverside Animal Hospital

I was born and raised in a small town about 40 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri.  I grew up in a house where pets were ever-present and were considered part of the family.  I loved helping my Mom load up the dogs and cats to take them for their annual visit to the vet, a one-doctor clinic just up the road from our house.  Those trips planted the seed for my future career.

I went to a private college prep school in St. Louis before moving to New England to attend Bowdoin College in the small town of Brunswick, Maine.  During college, I volunteered at a local no-kill animal shelter, socializing and walking the dogs there to get my “fur fix” every week.  After graduating summa cum laude, I worked at a wildlife rehab center and a local animal hospital to gain further experience while applying to veterinary school.  I returned to my home state to attend the University of Missouri for veterinary school, where I graduated magna cum laude. 

Following veterinary school, I completed an internship in medicine and surgery at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City, a specialty and emergency hospital. There I experienced first-hand the frenetic pace of Manhattan emergency medicine.  I look forward to continuing to serve the needs of Manhattan’s pet owners at Riverside Animal Hospital.  I currently reside in Morningside Heights with my grad-student fiancée and my Lab/Pit Bull mix.  If you live in the neighborhood, you may run into us while we’re out walking; he’s the big black dog jumping 6 feet up a tree chasing after a squirrel.