Our Vet Team

Dr. Mark Brown, Medical Director

Dr. Mark Brown and Central Animal Hospital enjoy a long and happy history together. Born and raised in Florida, Dr. Brown began working in the Central Animal Hospital kennel in 1979 and quickly worked his way up to a veterinary technician position. He then left to earn his undergraduate and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Auburn University, after which Central Animal Hospital welcomed him back as an associate veterinarian. After eight years as an associate, Dr. Brown purchased the practice in 1998.

At age 18, Dr. Brown was inspired to become a veterinarian by the care and compassion displayed by his family's veterinarian when his beloved pet beagle with whom he'd shared his childhood had to be euthanized. Dr. Brown now strives to treat his patients and clients with the same concern and empathy he experienced as a client years ago.

His special interests lie in surgery (soft tissue, including minimally invasive surgery, and orthopedic), advanced dentistry, diagnostic medicine, regenerative therapy, and canine rehabilitation. In December 2005, he completed the education and examination requirements at the University of Tennesse College of Veterinary Medicine's Canine Rehabilitation program and become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. In an effort to bring Central Animal Hospital's clients the most up-to-date surgical techniques to increase recovery time with the least amount of pain, Dr. Brown performs a variety of knee surgical corrections for injured cranial cruciate ligament in dogs, including the gold standard, CBLO, as well as Tightrope, Knotless Swivel Lock, and TTA. He was also the first general practitioner in Pinellas County to perform laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical technique performed for ovariectomies (spays), gastropexies, biopsies, and other procedures where rigid endoscopy can be used.

Dr. Brown also is permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a wildlife rehabilitator. He is a three-time recipient of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Gold Star Award for outstanding contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. He counts his graduation from veterinary school and his first caesarian section as his most memorable experiences as a veterinarian.

A self-proclaimed "Florida country boy at heart," Dr. Brown likes to periodically get away to fish and hunt. He's also a beekeeper in his spare time and sells his pure local honey in both hospitals. He has two grown daughters, one granddaughter, and has been married to his wife, Nancy since 1981. They share their house with their five Boston Terriers.

In Dr. Brown's own words...

"I am very proud of our hospital and veterinary team. Through the American Animal Hospital Association accreditation of our practice, and by the continuous training of our doctors and certified staff, we consistently push ourselves to be the best and to offer the highest level of veterinary medicine and care available. Thank you for letting us serve you!"

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice/member

• American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) past board member

• American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) member

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) member

• Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) member

• FVMA Gold Star Award Winner 1996, 2002, & 2007

• Pinellas County Veterinary Medical Association (PCVMA) member

• PCVMA Board of Directors 1993-95 & 1998-2000

• PCVMA President 2000 & 2001

• International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science (IFATS) member

• Hillsborough Community College Steering Committee (certified vet tech program) member

• Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP)

• Pinellas Animal Foundation (Past Board Member)

• FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Rehab. Permit Holder

• Credentialed to administer stem cell therapy for dogs/cats

• Advanced training at UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and arthroscopy

• Advanced training in Tight Rope procedure, TTA, CBLO knee surgery procedures
  
  

Dr. Jessica Cosentino

Dr. Jessica Cosentino joined the clinician staff at Central Animal Hospital in July 2017. She earned a B.S from Virginia Tech in Biology with a minor in English Literature and Creative Writing: Fiction. Dr. Cosentino then went on to complete her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. After graduation, she worked as a general small animal practitioner in Northern Virginia for 4 years. Excited to escape the traffic and D.C. hustle and bustle, Dr. Cosentino then moved to St. Petersburg with her husband and two dogs: Lupin (a Schipperke) and Kage (a German Shorthaired Pointer.) Her veterinary interests include surgery (soft tissue), dentistry, cardiology, canine reproduction/neonatal care, and the human-animal bond. Outside of the office, Dr. Cosentino can be found spending quality time with her family, running, gardening, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Dr. Leslie Block

Dr. Leslie Block joined our team as Medical Director for Central Animal Hospital on Pinellas Point in May 2021. She was born and raised in Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Bellarmine University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2001. She moved to Florida in May 2021 because she wanted to be closer to her parents who live here. She shares her home with Lily, her Portuguese Water Dog, and enjoys cooking, reading, swimming, boating, horseback riding, and traveling to new places. Dr. Block is a seasoned veterinarian experienced in abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, surgery, radiographic and CT imaging. She will enjoy seeing Central Animal Hospital on Pinellas Point's clients' dogs, cats, reptiles, pocket pets, and exotic birds.