Dr. Kate Vickery joined the Flint Animal Cancer Center faculty in January 2020. She completed her medical oncology residency at the cancer center in 2008 and is a board-certified medical oncologist. Dr. Vickery worked in private practice for 11 years before returning to the FACC and Colorado State University.

We asked Dr. Vickery a few questions to help FACC friends get to know her a little better.

When were you first introduced to the FACC? I was an extern at the FACC for one week during my senior year of vet school in 2003. I enjoyed my externship so much that I knew I wanted to do my residency here. I was a resident from 2005-2008 and had a wonderful residency experience. I’ve always held the FACC in a special place in my heart.

What have you been up to since you finished your residency?
I was always interested in academic medicine because I love to teach, but in 2008, due to the financial climate, there was a limited number of academic jobs. I positioned myself to work in private practices that provided excellent patient care and participated in cutting edge clinical research. I was in private practice from 2008-2019. During this time, I had the privilege to help hundreds to thousands of dogs and cats with cancer. In 2015 I became certified in veterinary acupuncture and started to integrate acupuncture treatment into the oncology treatment plan for patients.

Why have you dedicated your career to veterinary oncology?
I enjoy the science of oncology, translational research opportunities, and most importantly, the patient and client. Being there for the client to help guide them through the cancer diagnosis and treatment is really important, and I take pride in helping our clients through this difficult time.

Why did you want to return to the FACC?
While I loved my patients, clients, and colleagues in private practice, I missed teaching. When the faculty position developed at the FACC, I jumped at the chance.

What are you looking forward to the most? Teaching the residents and students practical approaches to medicine as well as providing support to help them navigate the various demands of their new careers.

What do you hope to contribute to the FACC team?
In addition to providing students and residents with “from the field” knowledge, I intend to research acupuncture in the oncology patient. I am interested in the possibility that acupuncture may help reduce side effects from the cancer treatment or the cancer itself – this is something that I would like to investigate further.

How would you describe yourself?
Compassionate, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, willing to help.

Cats or dogs?
I love both!

Anything else?
In my free time, I love to travel with my husband to our nation’s national parks to hike, camp, and explore. My hobbies are anything athletic, especially running, yoga, and weightlifting.

Learn more about Dr. Vickery.