The Staff at Ruffian Equine

PROFESSIONAL STAFF:

 

James C. Hunt, Jr., DVM graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1979.  He trained with Stephen J. Selway, DVM in Florida, followed by training and employment with William O. Reed, DVM in New York.  In 1981, Dr. Hunt opened his own private practice at Belmont Racetrack. Dr. Hunt was actively involved in the planning and development of the Ruffian Equine Medical Center, and continues to serve a leadership role as director of the facility, as well as maintaining his own racetrack practice. jhunt@ruffianequine.com

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Byron, DVM completed both his undergraduate and veterinary education at Cornell University. After an internship at the famed Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Dr. Byron completed  his surgical residency at Michigan State University.  He became board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 2003.

He was Assistant Professor of Equine Surgery at  the University of Illinois for 6 years prior to joining REMC. While at the University of  Illinois, Dr. Byron provided equine clinical services, instructed veterinary students and residents,  and directed a research lab which published numerous articles on equine joint disease and shock wave therapy.

Dr. Byron is currently an active member in the ACVS Resident Credentials Committee and serves on the review board of the Veterinary Surgery journal. He is a native New Yorker and is enjoying being back and serving the Long Island equine community. cbyron@ruffianequine.com

 

Mike Karlin, DVM received a BS from the University of Nebraska and then graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. Dr. Karlin then completed an internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.

He recently finished his residency in Equine Surgery at the University of Illinois and will take the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Certifying Examination in February 2011.
Dr. Karlin grew up helping his father, a racetrack veterinarian, and also spent time walking and grooming horses for his uncle who was a Thoroughbred trainer.

mkarlin@ruffianequine.com

 

 

 

Rachael E. Carpenter, DVM is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with a BA in Biology and Psychology. She received her DVM from the University of Tennessee.

Upon completion of a 1-year internship at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY, Dr. Carpenter then completed a 2-year anesthesia residency at Michigan State University.  She was a  clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of Illinois for 6 years prior to joining REMC.

Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Carpenter started riding horses at the age of three and competitively rode in fox hunting, trail riding and hunter/jumper events. recarpenter@ruffianequine.com

 

 

 

Linda Gross received both a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Medical Technology, and Library and Information Science from C.W. Post College.

She has acquired extensive experience in equine hospitals and laboratories in a career spanning 30-years in veterinary medicine.  She served as the  practice manager for the late Dr. William Reed for 26 years. Linda’s vast knowledge of the equine industry is an asset to the Ruffian Equine Medical Center. 

Linda, originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, now resides on Long Island. She is a member of two Long Island Orchestras, playing mandolin and Irish tenor banjo.  She enjoys reading, gardening, and playing golf. lgross@ruffianequine.com

 

Justine Adams was born, raised and lived her whole life on Long Island; residing 5 minutes from Belmont Park in Floral Park for the last 30 years. She was introduced to the equine industry through her husband ,Theodore Adams, who was an avid thoroughbred racing fan.

Justine joined the REMC team in May 2009 as the hospital receptionist. She is the proud mother of two grown boys, recently married.

 

 

Sean Albino was born and raised in Bronx, NY and holds an Associates Degree in Computer Network Operations. In 2004, he became the Office Manager for a trainer at Belmont Park where he gained his knowledge on the industry. There, he implemented his knowledge of computers and software and developed new systems to increase office productivity. His responsibilities included payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, horse inventory management, design and implementation of spreadsheets, and was the communication link between trainer, vendor and owner. In 2009, he accepted a position with REMC as Bookkeeper.
 
In his leisure, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, thoroughbred horse racing, photography, audio production, performance tuned cars, and building/repairing computers.

 

 

TECHNICAL STAFF:

 

Kristin Fantucchio graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She received her veterinary technician’s license from Suffolk Country Community College and worked for three years in the surgery department of a high volume small animal veterinary clinic.

She grew up on Long  island and has been riding for a number of years at a local barn in her spare time.

 

 

 

 

Jerome Jackson originally from Kentucky, where he worked on breeding farms and racetracks. He relocated to New York 20 years ago.  He has been employed at various racetracks with many prestigious trainers. Jerome maintains the stabling area, and provides animal care.

 

He lives in the Elmont area with his wife and daughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacqueline Mastorakis originally studied pre-med at City College in New York,  but decided to change career paths because of  her love for animals. She became a licensed technician at La Guardia Community College in 2002 and has been a senior surgery technician in a high volume small animal clinic. Jackie specializes in anesthesia at REMC.

 

She is a busy mom of two young kids and enjoys reading, occasional riding and spending time with her family.

 

 

 

 

Lorenzo Reyna is originally from Puebla, Mexico. He has been working with horses, as a veterinary assistant, for 15 years.  Lorenzo is a valuable asset to the staff of Ruffian Equine Medical Center, due to his knowledge, experience, compassion, and animal husbandry skills.