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.
Your Pet Deserves The Very Best Care.
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.
Veterinarians and Oncologists.
Mona Rosenberg, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Owner, CEO and Veterinary Cancer Group's Chief of Staff Dr.
Rosenberg brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the
practice. After receiving her DVM degree from the University of
California at 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 and an associate faculty member at Western University. As the head of the
oncology residency program at Veterinary Cancer Group, Dr.
Rosenberg has played a hands-on role in preparing the next
generation of brilliant, skilled and dedicated veterinary
oncologists. She is excited about taking the reins at our newest location in Mission Viejo, where she
sees patients every Wedneday, as of April 2012. Dr. Rosenberg
enjoys kayaking, skiing, rooting her son on in little
league, and spending time with family.
Mary Davis, DVM,
Diplomate ACVIM (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. Dr. Davis enjoys and takes an
active role in educating the technical staff to help further their
knowledge in the field of oncology and enjoys community service. In June 2008, Dr.
Davis passed her certifying exam with the ACVIM and became board certified
in oncology with the ACVIM in December 2011.
Jarred Lyons, DVM
Diplomate ACVR (Radiation Oncology)
Dr. Lyons received his DVM degree from the University of
California at Davis and completed a surgical and internal medicine
internship in the Los Angeles area. 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. Dr. Lyons has worked hard to cultivate the
collaborative efforts of Veterinary Cancer Group's radiation
department whose teamwork ensures our patients receive the high
quality care they deserve. In spare time, Dr. Lyons enjoys
writing both fiction and articles for veterinary medical
publications.
Sara
Fiocchi, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (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. In early
2011, Dr. Sara Fiocchi authored an article accepted for publication
which includes results of one of clinical trials offered by
Veterinary Cancer Group. She passed the last of her required
examinations in July 2011, after which she was awarded board
certification in medical oncology with the ACVIM.
Jarrod Vancil, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (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, 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. Jarrod joined on as a staff oncologist at our San Diego location in 2009 and was
awarded board certification from the American College of Veterinary
Internal Medicine in February 2011.
Julie
Bulman-Fleming, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Julie attended the
University of British Columbia for her bachelor's degree in animal
biology. Next it was on to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where she
attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and
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. Julie crossed the border back to the West
Coast and joined Veterinary Cancer Group as a medical oncology
resident in August 2008. The three-year program was completed early
August 2011. Dr. Bulman-Fleming had fulfilled the requirements of
the board certification one month earlier by passing her
examination with the ACVIM and as such has now been
awarded diplomate status in medical oncology. Her areas of interest
include client education, palliative care and the role of the
immune system in cancer development and treatment. Julie's personal
interests are rock climbing, mountain biking, snow boarding and
travel.
Avenelle
Turner, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Board-Certified Oncologist Dr. Avenelle Turner joined
the team in early 2010, making a big move from the East Coast
to the West. 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 and was subsequently awarded board certification
with the ACVIM. She was most recently practicing at a progressive
multi-specialty practice in New York City for the past few
years. 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 two Dachshunds - Sookie & Romo.
David Bommarito, DVM, MS
Diplomate ACVR (Radiation Oncology)
Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Early September welcomes our newest associate
veterinarian, Dr. David Bommarito. His addition to the team gives
Veterinary Cancer Group's Tustin location the distinction of having
the only full-time, on-site Veterinary Radiation Oncologist
in Orange County. Dr. Bommarito grew up in Southern
California and attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate
education. He graduated from Berkeley in 2001 and began his
veterinary education at UC Davis. He earned his doctorate in
veterinary medicine in 2005 and was subsequently accepted into a
one year internship at Cornell University. In 2006, Dr. Bommarito
began his radiation oncology residency training at the University
of Missouri and in 2008 he became board certified with the American College of Veterinary
Radiology in radiation oncology. He continued his
education at the University of Missouri with a three year medical
oncology residency and masters degree program which was completed
in 2011. While in Missouri, Dr. Bommarito had a hobby farm and
enjoyed working with his goats, chickens, cows and horse. Now back
in Southern California with his wife and newborn baby girl, he is
excited to begin his career as a double boarded oncologist with the
Veterinary Cancer Group.
Birgitte Tan-Coleman,
DVM
(Practice Limited to 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 ~ a program which she
completed in May 2010. Dr. Tan-Coleman has taken the reigns at our
San Fernando Valley location in Woodland
Hills, where she is available for appointments every Monday
and Thursday. In July 2011, Dr. Tan-Coleman passed her certifying
exam with the ACVIM. Following acceptance of her publication,
she will be awarded diplomate status.
JoAnn M. Boyer, DVM, CVA, 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.
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA
(acupuncture, holistic supplements)
Having joined Veterinary Cancer Group Los Angeles in
December 2010, Dr. Mahaney is our newest addition. A University of
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine alumni, Dr. Mahaney
then went on to become Certified in Veterinary
Acupuncture. His experience combining
traditional veterinary practice with Eastern wisdom
and treatment modalities over the years made him a natural fit
for many of Veterinary Cancer Group's patients. Pets afflicted
with cancer often benefit from holistic supplements to help
strengthen the system; as well acupuncture has been a staple for
patients dealing with any discomfort or other conditions that may
develop as diseases progress. Dr. Mahaney strongly
believes that many canine and feline ailments can be better
managed by incorporating both Western and Eastern
treatments. In addition to caring for our cancer patients, Dr.
Mahaney is available at our Culver City office to tend to patients
needing acupuncture for non-cancer related ailments. Dr. Mahaney
resides in West Hollywood with his Welsh terrier, Cardiff (who even
has his own blog!) They
both enjoy canyon hiking and running on the beach.
Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants.
In a collaborative and caring environment, our skilled veterinary oncologists are supported by a talented team of highly trained individuals specializing in oncology. Adept at using our state-of-the-art equipment and technology, our staff provides an exceptional level of patient care, as well as emotional support to patients' families.
Client Care Specialists.
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.