Dr. Ruth Rose, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVS
Research Scientist II, Clinical Instructor, Assistant Director Laboratory of Comparative Musculoskeletal Oncology and Traumatology
I was born on Long Island, New York but since then, life has taken me up and down the east coast, across the country, and around the world. I completed High School in Florida and then headed to New England to attend Providence College in Rhode Island. By chance, during undergrad, I attended a lecture on African elephants. That experience changed the course of my life and led me to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. I initially studied conservation medicine and the concept of One Health but fell in love with surgery during my clinical rotations. I completed a rotating internship at the MSPCA in Springfield, MA, followed by a surgical internship and residency at Animal Specialty Group, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA. I then worked as a general surgeon at VCA Veterinary Specialists of Northern, in Loveland, CO from 2009 until 2012.
While I enjoyed my job and felt great satisfaction at the practice in Loveland, I desired to do more in the field of surgical oncology. In 2012, I reached out to Drs. Withrow and Ehrhart at the Flint Animal Cancer Center (FACC) to investigate a Master’s or Ph.D. program in oncology. Dr. Ehrhart was hiring a research post-doc at that time. I applied for the position and gladly accepted it when the offer of employment was made. I spent the subsequent three years working in Dr. Ehrhart’s Laboratory of Comparative Musculoskeletal Oncology and Traumatology and also gave birth to me two amazing children. Along the way, I also had the opportunity to complete a surgical oncology fellowship while continuing to conduct research.
In November of 2018, I was appointed to a clinical instructorship in surgical oncology and was promoted to be the Assistant Director of the Laboratory of Comparative Musculoskeletal Oncology and Traumatology. In my new role, I dedicate 25 percent of my time to patient care and 75 percent of my time to research. I am truly honored to work at the FACC.
When those close to you (both humans and animals alike) have struggled through the journey of cancer, and you recognize that you might be in a position to make a positive difference in the future of those people and pets to improve their lives … it is almost as if there is only one choice … to join the fight. Every day presents an opportunity for collaboration, learning, personal growth, and scientific discovery here at the FACC. I hope to recognize these opportunities and advance the body of scientific work in my field.
Outside of work, I’m busy with my two dogs and two children. I am also the executive director of local non-profit that I co-founded to foster, train, and re-home American Mustangs. Life is full and beautiful!