
What We Believe.
From our experienced oncologists to our highly trained
technicians to our dedicated client care specialists, every member
of Veterinary Cancer Group shares and supports our core
philosophy:
We strive to take the fear out of the diagnosis of cancer, by
providing our patients' families with an empathetic, compassionate
and nurturing environment filled with the prospect of providing a
better quality of life for your pet. We pledge to attend to our
patients' every need surpassing the expectations of even our most
demanding clientele. Our staff welcomes each new day as an exciting
opportunity to contribute individually and as a team to the lives
and well-being of the patients and families we serve.
At Veterinary Cancer Group that's exactly what our patients receive - the very best care, at the hands of the area's most qualified, experienced and compassionate veterinary oncologists. In addition to holding veterinary degrees, our oncologists have completed two to three years of additional specialized oncology training in an approved program. Our board-certified oncologists have passed comprehensive and rigorous exams, and regularly contribute to oncology publications. Veterinary Cancer Group is one of the few oncology groups in the country to offer a private practice ACVIM Accredited Oncology Residency Program, which allows us to continue to attract highly motivated and qualified veterinarians. While meeting the stringent requirements of recognized veterinary associations, our oncologists also meet the high standards of our patients and families.
Mona Rosenberg,
DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
The owner, CEO and Chief of Staff of Veterinary Cancer Group, Dr.
Rosenberg brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the
practice. After receiving her DVM degree from the University of
California, Davis, Dr. Rosenberg completed her internship and
residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York. A diplomate of
the ACVIM in Oncology since 1992, Dr. Rosenberg is also an active
member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and SCVMA. As the
head of the oncology residency program at Veterinary Cancer Group,
Dr. Rosenberg plays a hands-on role in preparing the next
generation of brilliant, skilled and dedicated veterinary
oncologists. Dr. Rosenberg enjoys kayaking, skiing,
rooting her son on in little league, and spending time with
family.
Jarred Lyons,
DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
Dr. Lyons received his DVM degree from the University of
California at Davis and completed an internship at VCA West Los
Angeles. After completing his residency in Radiation Oncology at
North Carolina State University in conjunction with Duke University
and the University of North Carolina, Dr. Lyons joined Veterinary
Cancer Group in January of 2007. His special interests include
medical oncology and palliative radiation therapy to improve the
quality of life for end-stage cancer patients.
Avenelle
I. Turner, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Veterinary Cancer Group is proud to announce that
on March 16, 2010, we will be welcoming a
highly-experienced and dynamic Board-Certified Oncologist to our
team. Relocating from New York City, Dr. Avenelle Turner has
chosen to join VCG due to the fact that being the sole oncologist
in a multi-specialty setting was no longer meeting her needs.
She is excited about our unique "Power of the Group" philosophy,
and is looking forward to participating in weekly journal club and
morning rounds, as well a sharing her knowledge with our residents,
staff, and the veterinary community. Dr. Turner received her
DVM Degree from Colorado State University and completed her
internship at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls,
New Jersey. She completed a three-year residency in Medical
Oncology at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston,
Texas. Dr. Turner has extensive training in oncologic
emergencies, clinical pathology, exotic animal oncology, and grief
counseling. The focus of her approach to the practice of
oncology is compassionate care and strengthening the human-animal
bond. She has many personal interests including traveling
abroad, reading, baking, and personal fitness. She is the
proud parent of two tortoiseshell cats and a Dachshund named
Sookie.
Mary Davis, DVM
(Practice Limited to Oncology)
Dr. Davis entered the oncology residency program at Veterinary
Cancer Group as our first resident in 2004 and completed her
residency in 2006. Prior to joining the team, Dr. Davis received
her DVM degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine
and had a special interest in small animal and emergency medicine
for 10 years. Through working with cancer patients and their
families, Dr. Davis has refocused her career to provide quality of
life to these patients. In June 2008, Mary passed her certifying
exam with the ACVIM. Following acceptance of her publication, she
will be awarded diplomate status.
Autumn
Dutelle, DVM (Practice Limited to Oncology)
Dr. Dutelle graduated from Colorado State University with her DVM
degree in 2003. Following her studies in Colorado, she was
accepted into a rotating internship program at Florida Veterinary
Specialists in Tampa Florida from 2003 - 2004. After her
internship, she spent a year in private practice in the Pacific
Northwest before pursuing her true passion, oncology. Autumn
completed her residency at the Veterinary Cancer Group in January
2008. In June 2009, Autumn passed her certifying exam with the
ACVIM. Following acceptance of her publication, she will be awarded
diplomate status. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her dogs,
kayaking, rock climbing and
kickboxing.
Sara Fiocchi,
DVM (Practice Limited to Oncology)
Dr. Sara Fiocchi has been working in veterinary hospitals since
1998. She earned her DVM degree from the University of
Illinois and completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and
Surgery at Texas A&M. The personal loss of two of her own pets
to blood cell cancer (one to leukemia and the other to lymphoma)
drove Dr. Fiocchi to choose to specialize in oncology. More
recently, her beloved Great Dane had a cancerous mass removed and
is taking nutritional supplements and daily oral medication at
home. Dr. Fiocchi's main interests include preventative
medicine, nutrition / supplementation and improving the quality of
life of her patients and their families. She can be found at
many of the pet-related fundraisers in Orange County and Los
Angeles where she teaches pet owners about the importance of early
detection of cancer. Dr. Fiocchi is a member of the
Veterinary Cancer Society, the American and Southern California
Veterinary Medical Associations, and has volunteered with the Humane Society's Remote Area
Veterinary Services. She completed her residency in July 2008
after which she was hired as a full-time staff doctor. Dr.
Fiocchi had a scientific abstract accepted for presentation at the
annual Veterinary Cancer Society meeting and plans to soon
publish the results of one of the clinical trials offered by
Veterinary Cancer Group.
Birgitte
Tan-Coleman, DVM, Resident Medical Oncology
After obtaining a B.S. in Nutrition from Washington State
University, Dr. Tan-Coleman went on to receive her DVM degree from
the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. She has
been a primary care veterinarian since 1999 in both Wisconsin and
the greater Los Angeles area. While working with small animals in
private practice, Dr. Tan-Coleman developed a keen interest in
oncology. As a referring veterinarian, she created a mutually
beneficial relationship with the Veterinary Cancer Group. Selected
as the first oncology intern at City of Angels in 2006, Dr.
Tan-Coleman went on to become the first medical oncology resident
at the Culver City location in April 2007.
Jarrod Vancil, DVM, Resident Medical
Oncology
Dr. Vancil grew up on a large cattle ranch in Arkansas. He
attended Missouri State University where he graduated magna cum
laude in 2002 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He was
accepted into the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary
Medicine, and in May of 2006, graduated magna cum laude, with a
Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine! Dr. Vancil has a strong love for
large animal medicine, but was drawn to the fascinating aspects and
amazing opportunities that veterinary oncology presents. Following
completion of veterinary school, Dr. Vancil pursued this interest
by obtaining and completing an oncology specialty internship at the
University of Missouri. In July 2007, Dr. Vancil was accepted
into our medical oncology residency program. Dr. Vancil's
professional interests include alternative therapies for canine
osteosarcoma and the development of alternative chemotherapy
protocols. Moving toward Board Certification, Jarrod passed his
qualifying exam in June 2009, which allows him to sit for his
certifying exam in 2010. Jarrod has joined on as a staff
oncologist at our San Diego location.
Julie
Bulman-Fleming, DVM, Resident Medical Oncology
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Julie attended the
University of British Columbia for her bachelors degree in animal
biology. Following her bachelor's degree, Julie moved to Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan and attended the Western College of Veterinary
Medicine where she developed her interest in oncology. After
graduating in 2007 with her DVM degree with great distinction, she
moved east across Canada and did a rotating internship in small
animal medicine, surgery and critical/emergency care. Now Julie has
crossed the border back to the west coast and joined the Veterinary
Cancer Group as a medical oncology resident in August 2008. Her
areas of interest include client education, palliative care and the
role of the immune system in cancer development and treatment.
Julie's main interests are rock climbing, horseback riding, snow
boarding (but not well!) and travel.
JoAnn M. Boyer, DVM, CVA and
AVCA (acupuncture , chiropractic)
A specialist in alternative veterinary therapies, Dr.
Boyer is the driving force behind Veterinary Cancer Group's
innovative holistic medicine offerings including herbal medicine,
animal chiropractics and acupuncture. After graduating from
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, she
completed her internship in the South Bay area. There Dr. Boyer
practiced small animal general medicine and surgery before
completing her training with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
and her certification through the American
Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In her free time she
enjoys running, agility training with her dog and attending flea
markets.
Nicole Schiff, DVM, Certified Veterinary
Acupuncturist
Dr. Schiff received her undergraduate degree in Zoology from
UC Davis in 1997, and her doctorate in veterinary medicine from UC
Davis in 2002. From 2002 to 2008 she practiced small animal
medicine and surgery at a large veterinary hospital in West Los
Angeles. When her own dog was diagnosed with epilepsy and benefited
immensely from acupuncture treatments she was inspired to pursue an
understanding of how acupuncture can complement more traditional
western therapies. In 2008 she completed a certification in
veterinary medical acupuncture from Colorado State University. Dr.
Schiff is also dedicated to working with several Los Angeles based
non-profit groups that work to alleviate pet overpopulation.
In a collaborative and caring environment, our skilled veterinary oncologists are supported by a talented team of highly trained veterinary technicians specializing in oncology. Adept at using our state-of-the-art equipment and technology, our technicians provide an exceptional level of patient care, as well as emotional support to patients' families.
As the first point of contact for the client and patient, our Client Care Specialists are dedicated to making sure you feel comfortable and welcomed. Our Client Care Specialists are here to support you throughout the treatment process with prompt answers, straightforward information and compassionate respect.