Dr. Eva M. Oxford DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
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Dr. Oxford is a board certified veterinary cardiologist, currently practicing in Upstate New York. She was raised in rural Ohio, where she graduated from Walsh University with a Bachelor of Science in biology before moving to upstate New York in 2002. She completed a PhD in pharmacology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, studying arrhythmias in both humans and in the boxer dog. She achieved her life-long goal of becoming a veterinarian in 2012, when she graduated from Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine.
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After veterinary school, Dr. Oxford completed a small animal rotating internship at the Veterinary Medical Center of Central New York before returning to Cornell to complete a residency in cardiology. She became board certified in cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM) in 2019.
Dr. Oxford has been active in the research of ARVC in the boxer and mitral valve disease in small breed dogs for many years. She has led research projects funded through the American Heart Association, the Morris Animal Foundation, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and has presented her work at international conferences. Dr. Oxford continues to teach and mentor veterinary, graduate, and undergraduate students, and to teach continuing education courses to fellow veterinarians.
Dr. Tori Bistline DVM
Cardiology Resident
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Dr. Tori Bistline grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and has always had a love for animals. She earned her undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University. She went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Arizona before completing a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists on Long Island.
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Her special interests include congenital heart diseases, and she is dedicated to helping pets with heart conditions live longer, happier lives. Dr. Bistline believes in being a strong advocate for her patients and takes pride in supporting families through difficult times. She loves getting to know each pet’s unique personality—even when they’re not feeling their best.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Bistline enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being with her husband and their two dogs, Cooper and Miko.
Melissa Edwards, LVT
Lead Cardiology Technician
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A proud New York native, she has been a licensed veterinary technician since 2000 after graduating from SUNY Delhi. She has dedicated her career to serving the Syracuse area, where she has worked tirelessly for over two decades.
Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted mother to her two wonderful daughters, Olivia and Brook and three bonus daughters, Constance, Alexis, and Makenzie. She also shares her home with two beloved dogs, Kona and Finn. Known for her loyalty and dedication, she is not only a caring mother and friend but also an exceptional technician. A true jack of all trades, she approaches every aspect of life with excellence and heart.
Jenny Augustine, LVT
Cardiology Technician
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Jenny moved to New York from Virginia in 2018 when her husband took a wildlife position at Cornell University. Along with working at The Heart Vet, she also works in the Intensive Care Unit at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. She developed a strong affinity towards patients with cardiac illness after having multiple pets with heart disease, and she loves being able to help The Heart Vet patients feel more comfortable. Jenny graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2004 with her bachelors in Clothing and Textiles and then went to Blue Ridge Community College for her Associates in Veterinary Technology and graduated in 2006. In her spare time, Jenny loves hiking with her two yellow labrador retrievers Kendall and Cambrie and cuddling with her two cats Weston and Carmen.
Ian Castrillo
Referral Coordinator
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Ian is a dedicated medical virtual assistant with a passion for healthcare and nursing. Outside of work, Ian enjoys staying active through workouts and traveling to explore new places. He finds joy in simple pleasures like grocery shopping and spending quality time playing with his beloved dog. Ian’s combination of professional dedication and personal interests highlights his well-rounded and vibrant personality.