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, 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 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.
Avenelle Turner, DVM,
DACVIM (Oncology)
Veterinary Cancer Group's latest addition to the
team of dedicated veterinary professionals
is Board-Certified Oncologist Dr. Avenelle Turner.
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. 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 a very long
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. Dr. Davis enjoys and takes an active role
in educating the technical staff to help further their
knowledge in the field of oncology. 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)
The month of July 2010 has the staff saying "good bye" to
a veterinarian and friend, Dr. Autumn Dutelle. Dr.
Dutelle, ever the adventurous, free-spirited type, has moved
to Minnesota, where she accepted a position at a large
hospital and will be closer to family as well. We wish Dr.
Dutelle the best of luck in her future journeys, both veterinary
and otherwise.
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
(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.
Jarrod Vancil, DVM
(Practice Limited to 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,
follwed by his certifying exam in June 2010. Following
acceptance of his publication, he will be awarded diplomate
status. 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.
Jesse Grayton, DVM
Intern Medical Oncology
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jesse completed her Bachelor of
Science degree in Biology at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in
North Carolina with a full academic scholarship. Dr. Grayton
received her DVM degree from Kansas State University and completed
a broad internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at
Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City. Jesse
was a member of the varsity equestrian team at St. Andrews and
continues to be an avid equestrian. While not at work, Jesse also
enjoys traveling, boxing and reading (for fun!). Right now
she is searching for a standard poodle to be her new pet.
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.
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.
Technicians.
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.
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.