Member Spotlight: Krista Gower, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Krista Gower, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) | Capital City Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
Dr. Krista Gower has dedicated her 15-year career to caring for pets in her hometown of Ottawa, Canada. After graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2009, she began her career as an emergency veterinarian at VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Her passion for oncology led her to complete a residency in medical oncology at the same hospital from 2012-2015. Since then, she has practiced as a veterinarian in oncology, first at VCA Canada Alta Vista until 2023 and now at Capital City Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital. In 2024, she achieved her Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, specializing in Oncology.
What inspired you to become a Board-certified veterinary specialist?
A summer job at the Ontario Veterinary College’s Oncology Department was the turning point that inspired my journey into specialty practice in oncology.
During that time, I was captivated by the incredible scope of diagnostics and treatments available for animal cancer patients. The idea that we could give cats and dogs with cancer meaningful extensions of high-quality life while creating cherished moments
for their families resonated deeply with me. Oncology offered a unique opportunity to combine science, compassion, and innovation, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
Are there any resources or pieces of advice that helped you along the way?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to ask for help—whether it’s for mental health, academic challenges,
or simply self-care. For much of my life, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, which made learning difficult. Once I recognized the importance of seeking support, my perspective shifted. Therapy and accommodations transformed how I approached
both life and exams. I also learned to prioritize my mental health, especially during difficult periods like my residency, my brain injury recovery, and parenting during COVID. Finally, self-care—though hard to fit in—has been essential
to maintaining balance. My advice to others: you don’t have to do it all alone. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Is there a story or experience that stands out in your mind that reaffirmed your decision to work in specialty veterinary medicine?
While working in emergency medicine, I often felt like a jack-of-all-trades. Although I loved the
fast pace and variety, I longed to dive deeply into one area and develop expertise. It was heartbreaking to euthanize patients I knew could be helped, simply because their families couldn’t afford treatment. That emotional weight became a driving
force behind my decision to pursue oncology. In my oncology practice, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families gain precious, quality time with their beloved pets, and the gratitude they express is truly humbling. Clients often share
how deeply meaningful that extra time is, creating cherished memories they wouldn’t have had otherwise. These moments reaffirm why I chose this specialty—it’s incredibly fulfilling to know I can make such a difference in both the
lives of pets and the people who love them.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My day is wonderfully diverse, and I love that it allows me to use a variety of skills. I work as both a medical oncologist and an ultrasonographer at a private practice specialty and
emergency animal hospital. About half of my day is spent performing ultrasounds and ultrasound-guided FNAs for my own patients, as well as those referred by my oncology colleagues, the emergency department, and the surgery team. The other half of
my day is devoted to oncology appointments, including one new consultation per day and a mix of recheck appointments and chemotherapy treatments. This blend of specialties keeps my work engaging and allows me to maintain a connection to emergency
medicine through imaging.
What do you consider one of your career successes? How did you achieve it?
One of my greatest achievements has been completing every stage of my education and finally becoming board-certified in oncology, despite facing undiagnosed
ADHD and dyslexia for most of my life. I often felt like I had to work harder than my peers, pulling all-nighters and pushing through self-doubt. Learning about my neurodivergence later in life—and receiving accommodations—helped me approach
challenges more effectively. Passing my boards in 2024, with the right support in place, was a hard-earned and deeply meaningful accomplishment.
What do you consider a challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
I’ve faced numerous challenges, including a traumatic brain injury, depression, raising an infant and a toddler during the COVID-19
pandemic, and the ongoing difficulties of ADHD and dyslexia. Each of these hurdles tested my resilience. After my brain injury, I was not able to work for 1.5 years. Once I was able to work again I could only work a few hours per week and it took
6 months to gradually return to full time. Therapy, medication, and my endlessly supportive partner helped me navigate depression and find balance as I juggled work and family life with two young children. Diagnosing my ADHD and dyslexia at age 40
was transformative, allowing me to understand myself better and implement strategies that helped me thrive personally and professionally. Overcoming these challenges has required perseverance, self-awareness, and an incredible support network.
What is something unique about your career, or career path?
My career path was anything but linear. From struggling in school as a child to facing multiple setbacks as an adult, my journey has been marked by persistence and resilience.
I’ve had to adapt and grow through every challenge, from improving my high school grades to gain university admission, to recovering from a brain injury, to parenting during a pandemic to studying for board exams 9 years after completing my
residency. Each twist and turn has shaped me into the specialist and person I am today.