Dr. Elise Martens, D.V.M.
Medical Oncology Intern
I grew up in Troy, Michigan, a suburb of metro-Detroit, and have always had a love for animals. As the neighborhood animal-lover growing up, I accompanied friends and family members to the veterinarian, dog-sat while owners were out of town, and performed physical exams on all of the animals. In high school, I worked at a veterinary hospital and spent time shadowing appointments and surgeries, confirming my desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in zoology from Michigan State University, and then, much to my family’s dismay, as they are all MSU Spartan fans, I was accepted into veterinary school at The Ohio State University. During vet school, I worked for a local specialty practice, and it was at this time that I learned about the field of veterinary oncology. This experience helped me realize that oncology provides a unique chance for veterinarians to bond with their patients and clients. I also learned the goal of cancer treatment in animals, which is to preserve their quality of life for as long as possible.
As I continued through veterinary school, I realized that my interest always piqued when learning about cancer biology and discussing different treatments. From a personal standpoint, I have witnessed the powerful effect of cancer on the lives of family and friends. As I continued my training and concentrated my interest in oncology, I learned the potential impact that veterinary oncology can have on the human world through research and collaborative medicine.
After graduating from OSU, I completed a small animal rotating internship at the University of Missouri. My time there allowed me to sharpen my diagnostic and clinical skills. I was also fortunate enough to spend several weeks in the oncology service, which confirmed my desire to pursue a career in oncology.
Following my rotating internship, I was privileged to match for a clinical oncology internship at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. As a veterinary student, I had the opportunity to complete a two-week externship at the FACC. During this time, I witnessed the strong collaboration between the medical, radiation, and surgical aspects of oncology and how everyone came together to determine the best treatment recommendations for each patient. I’m excited to be a part of this team for the next year.
When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, camping, and other outdoor activities. I also enjoy traveling as frequently as possible, as well as cooking or exploring new restaurants. I have two perfect cats named Louie and Theo, who have moved with me from Ohio to Missouri and now Colorado.