This week, the ACVIM is celebrating Dr. Linda Fineman's two-year anniversary as CEO. Though her steady guidance in times of change makes it feel like she has been at the helm for much longer, Linda spent many years as a practicing clinician before taking on this leadership role in our college. In recognition of her second anniversary, we asked Linda to share the reason she first decided to become a Veterinary Oncologist:

"I can recall the exact moment I first knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Oncologist."

"While I can’t remember not knowing that I wanted to be a veterinarian, I can recall the exact moment I first knew I wanted to become a Veterinary Oncologist. I was sitting with my beloved cat Albert, a previously stray kitten in my neighborhood, and now my best friend of more than 14 years. Albert had been diagnosed with mammary carcinoma after years of taking megestrol acetate for psychogenic alopecia. We had been to see a Veterinary Oncologist and had started chemotherapy after he was healed from surgery. Unfortunately, Albert was not tolerating therapy well and I felt completely alone as I considered discontinuing therapy. That experience motivated me to become an oncologist, with a specific goal of working in partnership with my clients. My loss of Albert heavily influenced my style with clients over the years of my clinical career and led me to a life-long passion about the role communication skills play in practicing veterinary medicine. Although I no longer work as a clinician, I still think about Albert nearly every day. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than veterinary oncology, and know that through my experience with Albert, I was able to help many clients through some of the hardest times in their lives."

Happy anniversary, Linda! We're grateful to have someone with your kindness, wisdom and expertise at the helm of the ACVIM.