Kellie Snider, DVM
Clinical Trials Intern
From a very young age, I knew a career in veterinary medicine would suit me. Between our family German Shepard with epilepsy and the hours upon hours I spent watching Animal Planet, especially Emergency Vets, I spent my youth caring for our dog and dreaming of becoming a vet.
I grew up in Visalia, California, and attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I earned my undergraduate degree in animal science. I then worked for two years as a vet nurse/boarding manager at an animal care clinic prior to vet school. I graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2020.
Following vet school, I completed a rotating internship at Pieper Memorial Vet Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, and then stayed for another year as an associate veterinarian in the urgent care/ER departments. With many family losses to cancer, I knew I wanted to pursue a specialty in veterinary oncology, which led me to the Flint Animal Cancer Center.
I am the Clinical Trials Intern for the One Cure program. I spend my days educating pet parents about the various cancer clinical trials opportunities available and what that will mean for their animal. I also follow enrolled trial patients for regular rechecks to see how their treatment is progressing.
My favorite part of my job is being able to provide information, treatment options, and support for owners during such a difficult time. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to extend the life of the pet to give the family more time together. I especially love seeing dogs who once had a painful bone tumor(s) thrive on three legs after amputation.
After losing a grandmother to brain cancer, one uncle to metastatic melanoma, and another to metastatic pancreatic cancer, I love being in a profession that is trying to find better ways to diagnose and treat cancer in both animals and people. It is my greatest hope that someday our work will discover one cure for all species – humans and animals alike.
I have two dogs – Quincy, an Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier Mix, and Kohl, a mixed breed, who lives in Rhode Island with my fiancé. When I’m not working, I love exploring with Quincy – specifically breweries and new hikes. I learned to knit as a child, and I still love to complete new projects, especially in the wintertime. I recently knit my first dog sweater and Quincy thinks it turned out great.
With my partner living on the other side of the country, we’ve been making our way through the series, Big Bang Theory, on Facetime. We also travel back and forth as often as our schedules allow.
Next year, I hope to land a position as an oncology resident. I plan to stay in academia if possible. My goal is to learn as much about cancer as I can and work to find innovative cures for all.