What is a Veterinary Oncologist?

A veterinary oncologist is a veterinarian with a minimum of 2 years of specialty training beyond veterinary school. Most veterinary oncologists have completed a 1 year small animal internship followed by a 2 or 3 year residency training program in medical oncology. In addition to residency training, certification as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, subspecialty of Oncology, requires satisfactory completion of a 2-part examination and publication of a research project in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Hershey, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)    

Dr. Hershey received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Minnesota in 1996. She then completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and a 3 year residency in medical oncology at the University of Wisconsin in 2000. She became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, subspecialty Oncology in 2001. Dr. Hershey worked for Arizona Veterinary Specialists in Gilbert, AZ for 3 years before opening Integrative Veterinary Oncology in Phoenix, AZ in 2005.

Dr. Hershey is currently completing certification in both veterinary acupuncture and Tui-na (Chinese bodywork and massage) and is beginning training in both western and Chinese herbal medicine. Dr. Hershey has won numerous awards for her research on inhalation chemotherapy and vaccine sarcomas in cats and has recently been inducted into the Manchester Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals for her professional accolades and achievements. She is also a featured consultant with the Veterinary Information Network, an online information/consulting resource for veterinarians.

Dr. Hershey is available for consultation Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. A consultation may be scheduled by calling 602.841.0626.