About Us

Veterinary Wellness Center of Surfside

We provide the latest and greatest expertise and technology to optimize your furry family member’s wellness thereby strengthening the ever-growing human-animal-bond.

Our philosophy is to provide cutting edge veterinary medicine in a relaxed family oriented environment.

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Our Staff

Dr. David Carmona

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Dr. Carmona moved to Surfside, Florida at the age of fourteen where he attended high school at Miami Beach Senior. After high school he graduated with honors with a Bachelor in Animal Science from the University of Florida College of Agriculture in 1999, and completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.

After graduation Dr. Carmona chose to obtain post-doctoral training through a national internship-matching program. He was accepted among a long list of candidates to join the emergency team at the prestigious Coral Springs Animal Hospital (coralspringsanimalhosp.com). It was there that Dr. Carmona gained vast experience in a 13-month rotating medicine and surgery program.

His direct communication and guidance by specialists in internal medicine, surgery, radiology, emergency and critical care, behavior, neurology, and cardiology helped hone his skills. Daily rounds ensured that all cases, not just Dr. Carmona’s, were discussed and shared further contributing to his knowledge base in a very accelerated manner.

After completing his internship Dr. Carmona has continued to pursue a full time career as a small animal primary general care practitioner. From 2006 through 2013 Dr. Carmona had the privilege of servicing the west Pembroke Pines community at Pines West Animal Hospital.

Dr. Carmona’s love and commitment to the community that he has proudly called home for the last 25 years was the main drive for bringing his expertise to the town of Surfside and the surrounding beach communities. Founding the Veterinary Wellness Center of Surfside is his longtime dream come true.

Outside of the professional realm Dr. Carmona enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and traveling. He lives with his wife Liza and his human kids Shae and Kai as well as his nutty barking son “Pop”!

Dr. Eliana Newman

Dr. Newman is a South Florida native who grew up in Boca Raton. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in 2013 and then went on to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. After graduating in 2017, she came back home to South Florida to accomplish her goals of providing excellent veterinary care and being close to her family.

Dr. Newman is passionate about providing high quality care and maintaining and strengthening the human-animal bond. She enjoys traveling when she can and of course spending time with her dog, Rocky.

Dr. Jeanette Basto

Dr. Basto was born in New York and raised in Hialeah, FL. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Florida International University and graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Dr. Basto is certified as a Veterinary Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapist from the Chi Institute. She is also certified as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

Ever since she was a child, Dr. Basto’s passion for veterinary medicine stemmed from her desire “to help those who could not help themselves.” Her favorite aspects of practice are Internal Medicine, Soft Tissue Surgery and enhancing a strong bond between pet and pet parent.

Daisy (CVT)

Daisy first graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She then pursued her degree at Miami Dade College for Veterinary Technology. She became a certified nurse (CVT) in the state of Florida in 2009 and has been working along side Dr. Carmona since 2008. She proceeded to teach at MDC in the Vet Tech Program overseeing student’s clinical experience and surgical nursing.

Daisy is a mother to her blind FIV positive cat Cheeto and her geriatric Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix Noodle. Erin is the newest member of her furry family with the help of the Surfside community.

Jennifer (CVT)

Jennifer is a Miami native whose love of animals led her to be a part of the VWCS team since our inauguration in 2014. She graduated from the Miami Dade College Veterinary Technology Program and became a certified nurse (CVT) in 2018.

She enjoys being outdoors and is always ready for an adventure. She is a proud cat and dog mom.

Alexis

Alexis attended William H. Turner Technical Arts High School as a student in the Academy of Veterinary Science & Agriculture Technology. She joined the VWCS team in 2016 and is always eager to greet our four legged friends and neighbors at our reception desk.

Alexis can be spotted around the coast as she loves outdoor activities and sport fishing. She is a dog mom to her Chihuahua mix Kai and her family pets.

Veterinarian’s Oath:

“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”