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, ACVIM, 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.
Sue Downing, DVM, ACVIM, Oncology
After earning her BA from Arizona State University and her DVM degree from Colorado State University, Dr. Downing completed her small animal internship at Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Arizona. She completed her residency in comparative oncology from Purdue University before joining the stellar oncology team at Veterinary Cancer Group. In 2007 Dr. Downing celebrated her tenth anniversary at Veterinary Cancer Group.In the Spring of 2008, Sue was appointed the Medical Director of the Culver City Facility. She is a charter member of the ACVIM Foundation and received recognition on the Veterinary Honor Role by the Morris Animal Foundation. In her free time, Dr. Downing volunteers her services at Best Friends Catnippers, a free high-volume spay-neuter clinic for feral cats currently hosted at the City of Angels Veterinary Speciality Center.
Jarred Lyons, DVM, ACVR, 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.
Mary Davis, DVM
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 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, Staff Oncologist
Dr. Dutelle graduated from Colorado State University with her DVM 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. Autumn completed her residency at Veterinary Cancer Group in January 2008. In June 2008, Autumn passed her qualifying exam, allowing her to sit for her certifying exam next year. Due to her overwhelming positive experience with us, we are pleased to say she will stay with us as a staff oncologist.
Sara Fiocchi, DVM, Resident Medical Oncology
Dr. Sara Fiocchi has been working in veterinary hospitals since 1998. A doctoral graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, she completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Texas A&M University. 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 the specialty of oncology. Her main interests include preserving the human-animal bond and improving the quality of life of her patients and their families. 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.
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 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 a small rural town in northeast 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 represents. Following completion of veterinary school, Dr. Vancil pursued this interest by obtaining and completing an oncology speciality internship at the University of Missouri. In July 2007, Dr. Vancil was accepted into the medical oncology residency program at the Veterinary Cancer Group. Dr. Vancil's professional interests include alternative therapies for canine osteosarcoma and the development of alternative chemotherapy protocols.
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 honours 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 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.
JoAnn Boyer, DVM, CVA
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.
Nicole Schiff, DVM, CVA
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