The aim of residency training is to promote aptitude and clinical proficiency in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of companion animals with neoplastic diseases.

The training programme and broad-based ECVIM-CA examinations ensure that a Specialist in Oncology has sound knowledge of basic sciences (anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pathology) of the physiology associated with neoplastic disease. Oncology Specialists work closely with other specialists and have a good understanding of surgical and radiation oncology. They typically see animals presenting with suspected or confirmed neoplastic diseases.

A Specialist in Oncology can:

• Perform physical and laboratory diagnosis, management and prognosis of neoplastic diseases of companion animals.
• Perform or interpret specialized laboratory studies used in the examination of internal medicine diseases. These include:
  • Specialised laboratory testing
  • Interpretation of diagnostic imaging findings
  • Tissue sampling and interpretation of surgical biopsy results
  • Staging of oncologic patients
  • Have in-depth knowledge of treatment methods including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hyperthermia, cryosurgery, immunotherapy, and be aware of important investigational methods of therapy (e.g. photodynamic therapy).
• Manage emergency medical cases