Larry Buchholz D.V.M.

Larry Buchholz was born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, NY. Being exposed to a diverse wildlife and a constant supply of exotic (and more usual) pets while growing up, fueled a desire to become a veterinarian from a very early age. He received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Binghamton, and attended veterinary school in Ithaca, NY at Cornell University. During vet school, he was able to combine his love of drawing and love of animals, and has several drawings published in medical texts and journals. Dr. Buchholz believes that educating owners about proper pet care is one of the most important services that a veterinarian can provide, and one of the best ways to strengthen the human-animal bond. Dr. Buchholz has been with us since 1994. Dr. Buchholz became a partner at the hospital in Oct. 1998 and became sole owner of the practice November 2001.

Michele Balacich D.V.M.

Dr. Michele Balacich was raised in Hicksville, L.I. where she dreamed of being a veterinarian from a very early age. This goal drove her to academic excellence and she graduated as valedictorian from SUNY Farmingdale on Long Island. Although accepted to fourteen veterinary schools, she chose to pursue her career at Cornell's School of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca NY, where she graduated in May 1994. In addition to receiving her degree from Cornell, she also met her husband there.   Her personal interests include horseback riding and spending time with her family and friends.

Cynthia Thornton, D.V.M.

Dr. Cynthia Thornton was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Her love of animals led to her choice to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She received a BS in Small Animal Science from Delaware Valley College in PA in 1995 and graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, May 2000. She has a strong interest in Behavioral Medicine and has set up the basic dog obedience classes at our vet clinic; she also likes to help clients with behavioral consultations. She also has experience in Shelter Medicine and frequently works with area shelters and rescue groups, also assisting in dog rescue from time to time. Currently her animal family includes her two cats, Zelda and Magic, and her dogs, 3 Akitas (Jack, Willow, Akero), a Chihuahua x (Frodo) and a Papillon (Arwyn). She is a strong supporter of the human-animal bond. Her other interests include computers, fitness, nature and the outdoors, travel, and enjoying the company of those close to her.

Dr. Laura Acosta, D.V.M.

Dr. Laura Acosta was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She graduated from the Central University of Venezuela, receiving her Veterinary degree in March 2000. Her interests in both veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation brought her to the USA. Here, she pursued further training through her collaborations with wildlife rehabilitation centers and by completing a year of clinical work at Tufts University. Subsequently she obtained her USA Veterinary license. Fluent in English and Spanish, she enjoys hiking, biking and art in its many forms. She spends her free time with loved ones, including her two cats Dominick and Nikita.

Jenifer O'Connor, D.V.M.

Dr. Jenifer O'Connor was raised in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey. She received a B.S. in biology from Cook College at Rutgers University and her veterinary degree from Ohio State University. She has a special interest in oncology and surgery. While at Rutgers, she raised a German Shepherd puppy who became a graduate of The Seeing Eye program. Some of her other interests include hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Although she currently has only one dog, a German Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix named Zemo, she plans to extend her canine family soon

Dr. Sung Hyuk Yoo D.V.M.

Dr. Sung Hyuk Yoo was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Seoul National University in February 2001. With further study and clinical training at Purdue University and Cornell University, he obtained his veterinary license in the USA. He has 3 dogs left with his family in Seoul. His personal interests include travelling, painting, computers, and spending time with his friends and family. He is bilingual in Korean and English.