Our Dedicated Veterinarians

We have a professional and dedicated staff of over 20 veterinarians available to help your family when you need it the most. A pet emergency is a scary situation, and our staff is dedicated to making sure this valued member of your family is safe and well-taken care of.

Want to join our team? Click here.

Alexandria McKemie-Foster, DVM

Dr. Alexandria McKemie-Foster Is a 1999 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been working in emergency medicine for 12 years. Although she finds all aspects of veterinary medicine intriguing, she is especially interested in surgery. Dr. McKemie-Foster Has two children, two reptile children, and a husband who keeps her busy at home. Her other interests include golfing, hiking, and knitting.

Ben Trewartha, DVM

Dr. Ben Trewartha graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2015 with a B.S. in Animal Science and received his D.V.M. in 2019 from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He started his career in Veterinary Medicine working in Las Vegas as a general practitioner and now has moved to Emergency Medicine, practicing at VEC full time. His interests are soft tissue surgery and internal medicine cases. Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Trewartha enjoys golfing, hiking and traveling.

Brie Edmister, DVM

Dr. Brie Edmister is a dedicated Emergency Veterinarian who graduated from the University of Florida in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She further pursued her passion for veterinary medicine at St. George’s University, where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2020. Following her education, Dr. Edmister completed a rigorous internship in emergency medicine and critical care in New Jersey.

With a strong commitment to providing critical care, Dr. Edmister specializes in emergency diagnostics and treatment, including trauma management, surgical interventions, and critical care. Throughout her career, she has successfully managed a diverse array of conditions, from acute injuries to life-threatening illnesses, always prioritizing the health and well-being of her patients.

Dr. Edmister is known for her compassionate approach, not only towards animals but also towards the pet owners, understanding that emergencies can be stressful and emotional. She takes the time to explain procedures, answer questions, and provide support to families during difficult moments.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Edmister is committed to ongoing education and stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in emergency veterinary medicine. She is a member of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS), and Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA).

When not at work, Dr. Edmister enjoys horseback riding, traveling, deep-sea fishing, and spending quality time with her Doberman, Bane, and her cat, Jasmine.

Celeste Brotherson, DVM

Dr. Celeste Brotherson received her bachelor of science in agriculture (animal science) from the University of Florida in 1993, and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida in 2002. Prior to, and during veterinary school, she worked as a veterinary technician in general practice in Central Florida, as well as the University of Florida – College of Veterinary Medicine large animal hospital/NICU (foal unit), and most extensively in emergency medicine at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida (VEC). Upon graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Brotherson accepted a position as an associate veterinarian at VEC, practicing emergency medicine and critical care. Her hobbies include, spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, biking, and martial arts. She is also a proud mom and enjoys fishing, biking, and exploring nature with her son. In addition to her son, Dr. Brotherson shares her home with a dog, two cats, two tortoises, and a bearded dragon.

Jennifer Hamilton, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Hamilton graduated from Purdue University in 2009. She joined VEC in 2011. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and enjoys Steelers football, horror movies, and studying at the Martial Arts Center for Health where she recently received her first degree black belt. She and her husband share their home with two dogs, five cats, several chickens, turkeys, geese, and one mini pig named Misery.

Katie Benbassat, DVM

Dr Katie Benbassat was born and raised in Florida and attended the University of Florida for both undergrad and veterinary school. She graduated magma cum laude from UF in 2006. Go Gators! Dr Benbassat has a special interest in surgery, oncology and emergency medicine.

Dr Benbassat enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. They have two wild Boston terriers named Gremlin and Goblin. On her days off, you will find her in the CrossFit gym or training for triathlons.

Lori Tilley, DVM

Dr. Lori Tilley graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology and received her D.V.M.in 2013 from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After working in general medicine for a short period of time, she joined the team at VEC in 2013. She excels at diagnosing and treating critical and complicated medicine and surgery cases, and was voted one of Orlando’s Veterinarians of the Year by Orlando Style Magazine in 2020. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). She lives in Apopka with her husband, Robert, and dog, Frankenstein.

Teaching has always been an interest of Dr. Tilley. It is a value instilled by both of her parents who were educators. In turn, she enjoys educating future generations of veterinarians as well as the public about animal care. Dr. Tilley is a returning guest lecturer for the University of Central Florida’s Pre-Veterinary Society and has also mentored multiple Society students well introducing them to emergency medicine. In addition, she has taught veterinary students from various universities while they completed their externships. In 2018, she presented on the topic of emergency veterinary care for the National Association of Guide Dog Users. Dr. Tilley also enjoys educating clients, and believes in taking the time to make sure they fully understand their pet’s diagnosis and treatment. One of her core values is treating patients as if they were her own, and she makes her recommendations based on this value. Please feel free to ask her all your questions about your pet’s diagnosis and treatment during your visit!

Marc Eisenson, DVM

After graduating from the University of Florida, Dr. Marc Eisenson transitioned to Ohio for veterinary school. He received his DVM from the Ohio State University in 2003 and returned back to Florida shortly after graduation to begin his professional career. He spent the beginning of his career as an associate in Fort Lauderdale before making the move to central Florida. Dr. Eisenson has progressed from associate to medical director, to owner while incorporating emergency work for the past 10 years. He joined the VEC team part time on the weekends 6 years ago. When not working, Dr. Einsenson is kept active and busy with his three teenage children. He competes in obstacle course races with his boys, coaches youth soccer, and attends as many sporting events as possible — GO GATORS!

Michelle Bellville, DVM

Dr. Michelle Bellville is a native Floridian, graduating from University of Florida with a BS in Zoology in 2005 and DVM in 2009. As a private practitioner in Orlando, Michelle focused on small animal and exotic medicine and surgery. She loves to teach, whether it is helping a client understand what is happening with their pet or training a technician in a new skill. Michelle used those teaching skills from 2017-2023, writing, coaching, and providing continuing education to veterinarians and technicians across the US and Canada. During this time, she regularly worked at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, and now joins the team
on a consistent basis. Michelle is an avid sports fan for football, soccer, and hockey.

In her spare time, she stays active by training for distance running and swimming races, gardening, baking, and exploring the world with friends and family. She shares her home with yorkie-poodle brothers, Tigger and Pooh Bear, and a blue tongue skink named Spike.

Steven Sheppard, DVM

Dr. Sheppard was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He graduated from the University of Central
Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at St.
George’s University. Dr. Sheppard is dedicated to providing quality medicine while creating a low-stress
environment for your pet. He values strong communication and approaches each case by partnering
with and educating pet owners each step of the way. His interests are in critical care, internal medicine,
and soft tissue surgery making him a well-rounded clinician to treat the wide variety of conditions seen
in the emergency setting. On his days off, Dr. Sheppard enjoys going to concerts, playing tennis, cooking,
and riding his favorite roller coasters at Orlando theme parks.

Taskeen Mirza, DVM

Dr. Taskeen Mirza has been with VEC for over 20 years. Working as an ER doctor has been a lifelong passion for her. She is a proud mom of two beautiful children, two precious dogs, and two birds. In her spare time she loves gardening. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

We have over 160 dedicated member veterinarians.

SEE A LIST OF ALL MEMBER VETERINARIANS HERE

We have over 160 dedicated member veterinarians.

SEE A LIST OF ALL MEMBER VETERNIARIANS HERE