Animal Cancer and Referral Center, TX

The oncology elective at Animal Cancer and Referral Center (ACRC) provides senior veterinary students with immersive exposure to a specialty small animal oncology practice. Students will work directly alongside board-certified medical and surgical oncologists in a referral-based hospital setting.

The elective is designed to provide hands-on clinical experience and deepen understanding of the diagnosis, staging, and management of neoplastic disease in companion animals. Students will participate in daily case rounds, treatment planning discussions, and client communication under direct supervision.

Learning objectives include:

• Diagnostic evaluation and staging of oncology patients (cytology, biopsy interpretation, advanced imaging including CT, ultrasound, and radiography)
• Chemotherapy calculations, preparation protocols, safety standards (USP <800> compliant handling), and administration techniques
• Radiation therapy case selection and coordination (if applicable during rotation)
• Surgical oncology principles, including tumor margins, biopsy techniques, and perioperative management
• Management of oncologic emergencies (tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia, hemorrhage, etc.)
• Pain management, palliative care, and quality-of-life discussions
• Client communication in complex and end-of-life scenarios
• Integration of Fear Free principles in oncology patient care

Students will be expected to actively participate in case discussions, review current literature when applicable, and present at least one brief case or topic review during the rotation.

The rotation emphasizes collaboration, advanced specialty workflow, and compassionate care for patients with complex oncologic conditions in a high-standard referral hospital environment.

Animal Cancer and Referral Center (ACRC) is a specialty referral hospital dedicated exclusively to small animal oncology. The student will be supervised directly by board-certified specialists and supported by a highly trained oncology team.

Specialty Staffing Includes:

• Board-Certified Medical Oncologists (DACVIM – Oncology)
• A double board-certified specialist in Medical Oncology (DACVIM – Oncology) and Surgical Oncology (ACVS)
• Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) with oncology-specific training
• Dedicated anesthesia support personnel
• Referral and client care coordination team
• Hospital leadership including a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)

This structure provides direct mentorship in both medical and surgical oncology within a collaborative, referral-based environment. Students will gain exposure to comprehensive cancer management, including systemic therapy, advanced surgical oncology techniques, and multimodal treatment planning.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Equipment Includes:

• 128-slice CT scanner for advanced staging and surgical planning
• Digital radiography
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• In-house laboratory capabilities (hematology, chemistry)
• Access to board-certified radiology interpretation
• USP <800>-compliant chemotherapy preparation area with closed-system drug transfer devices
• Advanced anesthesia monitoring systems
• Infusion and syringe pump technology for chemotherapy and CRI administration
• Surgical instrumentation for advanced oncologic procedures
• Electrochemotherapy (ECT) capabilities
• Cryotherapy for localized tumor treatment

The hospital maintains structured case rounds, standardized operating procedures, and evidence-based oncology protocols aligned with AAHA standards and Fear Free principles, providing a high-level specialty environment appropriate for advanced clinical veterinary education.

Students participating in the oncology elective at Animal Cancer and Referral Center (ACRC) are expected to maintain a professional demeanor and actively engage in all aspects of specialty oncology care under direct supervision.

Schedule Expectations:

• Typical hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Schedule may vary slightly depending on case load and procedures.
• Students are expected to attend daily case rounds and treatment planning discussions.
• Occasional extended hours may occur if observing advanced procedures or surgeries, but participation beyond standard hours is voluntary.

Clinical Participation:
Students will function in a supervised clinical learner role and may:

• Participate in patient evaluations and oncology consultations
• Assist with staging diagnostics (imaging review, cytology, biopsy discussions)
• Observe and assist with chemotherapy preparation and administration (in compliance with USP <800> standards)
• Observe and assist in surgical oncology procedures
• Participate in electrochemotherapy (ECT) and cryotherapy cases when available
• Monitor hospitalized oncology patients under technician and veterinarian supervision
• Assist with medical record review and case documentation as appropriate

Hands-on involvement will be determined based on student skill level, comfort, and direct supervising veterinarian approval. Students will not perform procedures independently.

Educational Expectations:

• Active participation in case discussions
• Review of relevant literature when applicable
• Presentation of at least one brief case or oncology topic during the rotation
• Engagement in multidisciplinary treatment planning conversations

This elective emphasizes advanced clinical reasoning, oncology-specific protocols, client communication in complex cases, and compassionate end-of-life discussions within a referral-based specialty hospital.

26215 Oak Ridge Drive
Spring, TX 77380
United States