Who We Are

Welcome to Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center

At Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center, our goal is to assist the primary veterinarian in providing optimal care for the patient as efficiently and effectively as possible. We provide accurate, complete and timely reports for all imaging modalities. Mobile imaging services and interventional procedures are offered from Southern Pines to Fayetteville to Raleigh. Consultation services are available for management of sports medicine and rehabilitation cases.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr Mari McLean, DVM

Meghann Lustgarten, DVM, DACVR, DACVSMR (Equine), DACVR-EDI

  

Dr. Meghann Lustgarten is a board-certified veterinary radiologist and sports medicine specialist, renowned for her dedication to precise, innovative, and compassionate care. A native of Nebraska, Dr. Lustgarten’s educational journey began at Kansas State University, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008. She further honed her expertise through an orthopedic internship at Ocala Equine Hospital from 2008 to 2009, followed by a small animal imaging internship at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists from 2009 to 2010. 


Dr. Lustgarten completed her radiology residency at North Carolina State University from 2010 to 2013, during which she published several influential articles on equine musculoskeletal imaging, particularly advanced ultrasound techniques. Her contributions to the field led to her passing the board exam for the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) in 2017, focusing on equine sports medicine.

 

A pioneer in her field, Dr. Lustgarten is a founding member of the new Equine Diagnostic Imaging (EDI) specialty within the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR). She played a crucial role in creating the first exams for this specialty and passed the board exam for EDI in 2022. Her commitment to advancing veterinary medicine is evident through her service on various committees, including the ACVSMR and EDI exam committees, where she continues to contribute her expertise.

Beyond her clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Lustgarten is actively involved in the veterinary community. She volunteers for the Carolina Equine Sports Medicine and Education Foundation, and has served on the scientific research and education committee for the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). As an invited speaker at numerous prestigious conferences and a consultant for Animal Imaging in Texas, she shares her knowledge and passion for veterinary radiology and sports medicine.

Dr. Lustgarten also acknowledges the invaluable support of her uncle, Robert M. Buffum, DVM, whose guidance, support and encouragement have been instrumental in her career and the development of FVIC.

Dr. Lustgarten’s dedication to veterinary medicine and her community involvement make her an invaluable leader at Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center, where she continues to provide exceptional care and contribute to the advancement of veterinary radiology.

Dr Mari McLean, DVM

Jennifer Patterson, DVM

 

Dr. Jennifer Patterson, a lifelong North Carolina resident, earned her veterinary degree from North Carolina State University. Following graduation, she completed a rotating internship at NCSU, gaining valuable experience in equine medicine, surgery, and orthopedics. She then spent four years as an equine general practitioner, providing both routine and emergency care to horses and their owners. Now with Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center, Dr. Patterson continues her commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for horses while supporting the trusted relationship between owners and their primary care equine veterinarians.

Outside of work, Dr. Patterson stays active with her red Thoroughbred mare, competing in lower-level eventing. If you ask, she’ll gladly share pictures! Her two young boys, Max and Ford, keep her busy and bring endless joy to her life. In her downtime, she enjoys baking sourdough bread, tending to her garden, and getting lost in a good book.

Dr Mari McLean, DVM

Betsy Williams, DVM

 

Dr. Williams has practiced as a small animal veterinarian in North Carolina since graduating from NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012.

She has extensive experience in sedating, anesthetizing, and monitoring dogs and cats for various procedures. Each patient gets an individualized plan and dedicated attention to maximize safety and comfort.

A life-long learner, she has degrees in English literature and Geology as well as Veterinary Medicine. She has been an editor and a researcher, and is currently enjoying horse-back riding and glassblowing lessons. Reading, hiking, and caring for her small menagerie (1 dog, 1 cat, 2 guinea pigs, and a talking parakeet) are among the other activities that bring her joy.

Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center

6045 US-1, Vass, NC 28394

Phone: (910) 684-7111
Email: info@friendshipimaging.com

Hospital Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Small Animal After Hours Emergencies:
Points East Veterinary Emergency Hospital
1731 Convoy Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28303 | Phone: (910) 864-2844

Equine After Hours Emergencies:
NC State Equine & Farm Animal Veterinary Center
1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 | Phone: (919) 513-6630