Internal Medicine Staff

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Dr. Domenico Bianco, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, Hospital Medical Director

Dr. Bianco graduated in 1998 from the University of Torino (Italy) and completed a Ph.D. program in 2002 at the same institution. He met the requirements for practicing as a veterinarian in the United States in 2003 at Purdue University. He did his rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Columbia-Missouri, his residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Minnesota, and became a diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. He authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals and lectured at many international meetings.

He loves all aspects of small animal internal medicine and his research is focused on hematology, coagulation, and immune-mediated diseases. His clinical interests include gastroenterology, nasal and pulmonary diseases, endocrinology, hepatology, nephrology, urology, and pancreatic diseases. He is skilled in abdominal ultrasonography, thoracic ultrasonography, laparoscopic biopsy techniques, gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, tracheo-bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, vaginoscopy, bone marrow evaluation, and tracheal/urethral stenting.

He spends his free time with his family, friends, as much as he can. He loves going to the beach, playing soccer, alpine skiing, swimming, tennis, and travelling back home to Italy and any other fun places to discover.

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Dr. Eloise Stikeman, BVMS, Practice Limited to Internal Medicine, Hospital Medical Director

Dr. Stikeman was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto. She moved to Perth, Australia to attend veterinary school at Murdoch University and was a founding executive and President of the Murdoch Animal Welfare Society. Following graduation, she undertook a rotating medical and surgical internship at a private specialty practice in Connecticut before moving inside the Beltway to work as a generalist for two years. Drawn by a fascination of Internal Medicine’s unique ability to answer (almost) any question, she moved to Texas to pursue a specialty internship and subsequent Residency at the Center for Veterinary Specialty + Emergency Care. Dr. Stikeman has successfully completed all board examinations and is awaiting publication of her research paper to attain board-certification.

Dr. Stikeman is extensively trained in ultrasonography including echocardiography and enjoys all diagnostic endeavors. Her areas of clinical interest include intestinal diseases at large, protein-losing enteropathies in particular, as well respiratory diseases and pulmonary hypertension, endocrine disorders, and all aspects of feline medicine. While uncommon in Los Angeles she also enjoys fungal infections and has an extensive background in managing them from her time in Texas. Dr. Stikeman adores all of her patients and the chance working at MASH provides to meet the wonderful cats and dogs of the Los Angeles community!

When not at work, Dr. Stikeman is usually flying in the skies over Santa Monica working on her instrument training, at home studying aeronautical maps and world history (especially WWII), or can be found watching Blue Jays baseball and working on future travel plans. She also loves spending time with her two (giant!) cats Winston and Clementine, and visiting her sister and her cat, Ray Finkle.

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Dr. Joseph V. Bisignano, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), Head of Internal Medicine Department

Dr. Joseph Bisignano originally grew up in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from New York University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Biochemistry in 2006. He attended veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences, graduating in 2010. He went on to complete his internship in small animal medicine and surgery at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, followed by completion of his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Bisignano is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Bisignano has advanced training and interest in the field of interventional endourology. He performs specialized procedures such as lithotripsy and percutaneous cystolithotomies (PCCL) that are minimally invasive approaches for removal of bladder and urethral stones. He also performs laser procedures to correct ectopic ureters as well as cystoscopic interventions for urinary incontinence. These procedures allow patients to recover faster and with less pain than traditional surgery and have more successful outcomes. He is one of very few doctors in Los Angeles trained to perform these procedures. Dr. Bisignano is available for consultation regarding minimally invasive methods for stone removal, management of urinary incontinence, congenital urinary conditions and long-term solutions and management for prevention of urinary stone disease in dogs and cats.

In addition to his interest in urology, Dr. Bisignano manages endocrine, gastrointestinal, liver and kidney diseases. He has a special interest in marine mammal medicine, specifically Bottlenose Dolphins, having worked as both a marine mammal trainer and veterinary preceptor at the New York Aquarium, Dolphin Quest Hawaii and the US Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego. He also serves on the Medical Advisory Board for the Los Angeles Zoo. Dr. Bisignano has published several research articles about feline endocrine diseases, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs, minimally invasive urinary interventions in cats and gastrointestinal disease in marine mammals. He has written and published several textbook chapters on the clinical management and prevention of urinary stones.

In his spare time, Dr. Bisignano loves cooking and trying new restaurants and cuisines. He and his partner have a beautiful son and he loves every minute of being a father. Dr. Bisignano has two dogs- a Rhodesian ridgeback named Brodie and a maltese named Shorty.

Dr. Bisignano is in the office and available for consultation Wednesday through Saturday each week.

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Dr. Jodi Kuntz, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), Doctor, Internal Medicine

Dr. Jodi Kuntz is thrilled to be part of our team at MASH. Before veterinary school, Jodi grew up in the Midwest and was raised by two wonderful hippy parents. As a teenager she studied ballet and ended up touring with a band as a swing dancer while getting her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Political Science. After finishing her bachelor degrees she moved to the West Coast where she managed a youth hostel in Eugene, Oregon. During this time she traveled as much as possible, exploring Mexico, Costa Rica, India, and Europe. Jodi originally planned to become an human rights attorney (also her father’s profession) but her interest in science and animals drew her to veterinary medicine. She attended veterinary school at Ross University and Cornell, graduating magna cum laude. Following veterinary school she completed an internship at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital then a residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. After completing her residency she worked at 2 of the largest veterinary hospitals in New York City before finding her way back to the West Coast.

Jodi has completed extensive postdoctoral training in interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy and is proficient in a variety of advanced treatments for urologic, respiratory, and endovascular conditions as well as minimally invasive oncologic treatments for non-resectable liver and prostatic tumors. She has published and lectured on interventional radiology, diseases of the kidney, liver, and respiratory systems, management of diabetes, and the human-animal bond. In her free time, Jodi loves to do anything that takes her outside. She enjoys spending time with her family and is a long-time runner, a mediocre gardener, and accomplished snuggler of her dog Mazzy.

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Victor, RVT, Internal Medicine Dept. Co-Manager

Victor was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has been working in the veterinary field since 2014. Victor obtained his Associates in Animal Sciences from Platt College and after graduating, received his RVT License. Victor has a passion for emergency and critical care medicine as well as anesthesia. He is interested in getting a VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialty) in the future. Victor rescued a husky mix, named Hazel, that came into MASH from Hope for Paws. When not working, Victor likes to binge watch television shows and would like to spend more time dancing.

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Sandra, RVT, Internal Medicine Dept. Co-Manager

Sandra was born and raised in Inglewood. She graduated from Pierce College and received her RVT license in 2018. Sandra has been in the veterinary field since 2017. For now, she is venturing the field in hopes of pinpointing where she would like to integrate her passion for animals. She has three dogs, Benny the bulldog, Lucas the terrier and Zoe the Basset. In Sandra’s free time she likes to work out, go on bike rides, and spend time with family and friends.

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Ivonne, RVT, Internal Medicine

Ivonne was born and raised in Los Angeles and has been in the veterinary field for six years. She has worked as a veterinary technician in GP and an RVT/linac tech in Radiation Oncology. Ivonne joined Mash's Internal Medicine team in 2021 as RVT. On top of her A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology from L.A. Pierce College, she would like to get certified in Canine Rehabilitation. She has a 12-year-old cockapoo named Estrella. When she isn't working, Ivonne loves going to Disneyland with her kids, swimming, and camping. She also loves to cook and try new recipes.

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Nicole, RVT, Internal Medicine

Nicole was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2012 and plans on obtaining her RVT. She started out in general practice but found her passion in emergency medicine. Nicole likes the challenge of emergency medicine and likes to help be able to be the voice of her patients. Nicole has a 7-year-old pug/chihuahua mix named Chubbs. In her spare time, she loves going to breweries and is a major foodie.

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Gie, RVT, Internal Medicine

Gie is originally from North Carolina and moved to Los Angeles in 2010. Gie has been working in the veterinary field since 2016. He has worked in reception and has been a veterinary technician assistant in general practice. He is currently in school to become an RVT, and his goal is to get a VTS or to become a veterinarian. Gie has two cats, a domestic shorthair and Siamese. In his free time, he likes to listen to music (classical, Jazz, R&B), workout, watch movies, and practice classical piano.

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Gaby, Veterinary Assistant, Internal Medicine

Gaby has lived in South Central Los Angeles her whole life. She has worked as a VA in general practice for almost one year and hopes to become an RVT one day. She will be joining the Internal Medicine Department as our newest VA! She has an English Bulldog named Chata and a Pug named Peaches. When she isn't working she likes to explore new things.

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Jacky, Technician Assistant, Internal Medicine

Jacky was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2014. She started out in reception and worked her way up to be a doctor’s assistant/technician assistant. She joined MASH’s internal medicine team February 2019. Her goal is to become an RVT and she is currently in school to get her veterinary technician associates. In her free time, she like to practice guitar and drums, go to concerts, check out new brewers, watch sports (especially LA Kings), watch movies, go to Disneyland and play video games.

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Max, Doctor Assistant Lead, Internal Medicine

Max was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2016. Max started out in reception but found that she wanted to be more hands on with the animals, so she moved up to be a doctor’s assistant. Max joined MASH’s internal medicine team in March 2019. She has a 3-year-old Schnauzer mix named Cerberus (Cerbi for short), and a 1.5-year-old Havanese named Anubis. When not working, she likes to be in nature. She likes to hike, go for walks and drive around looking at nature.

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Sandra, Technician's Assistant, Internal Medicine

Sandra was born and raised in Los Angeles and has worked in the veterinary field since 2015. She has worked as a receptionist, Doctor’s Assistant, Technician Assistant, and kennel assistant – all at general practice. She is currently going to Pierce College to earn her RVT! Sandra will be joining the MASH team as Doctor’s Assistant in Internal Medicine. She has 1 dog, Princess (Lab mix), and 4 cats, Xena (Torti), Caramel (Torti), Beetlejuice (DMH), Blackpanther (DSH). She loves spending time with her family, husband, and two children – an 11-month-old and a 13-year-old. She also loves going to the movies and being outdoors.

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Mary, Doctor's Assistant, Internal Medicine

Mary is from Illinois and moved to Los Angeles six years ago. During her seven years of experience in the veterinary field, she has worked as a Doctor's Assistant in internal medicine and as an assistant in rehabilitation. She has an A.A. degree from El Camino College and is interested in getting certified as an RVT. Mary joined MASH's Internal Medicine department in 2021 as Doctor's Assistant. She has a DSH cat named Salem and in her free time likes to read and hike.

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Jessika, Doctor's Assistant, Internal Medicine

Jessika is a Southern California native. She has been working in the veterinary field since 2017. She has worked as a receptionist and a technician assistant at general practice prior to working at MASH. Jessika joined the MASH emergency team in October 2019. Jessika’s has an Associates in Psychology and is currently working on her Bachelors. Her goal is to become a psychiatric technician. She has a Husky mix named Bruno, a German Shephard named Chubs, a Siberian Husky named Balto, and a cat named Tiger. When not working, Jessika enjoys hiking with her dogs, bike riding and binge-watching documentaries.