Jennifer Pierro DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM
Education
- Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
- Residency in Medical Oncology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Internship, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, Lafayette, IN
- PhD, Psychology (dissertation not defended), Brown University, Providence, RI
- Masters of Science, Psychology, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Best Part of My Job:
There are so many things I love about my job! The most exciting aspect of veterinary oncology is how rapidly the field is evolving. We are now realizing the promise of personalized medicine, similar to advancements in human healthcare. I love the challenge of looking for the specific mutations that drive tumor progression in a patient and then locating the precise drugs that can inhibit those pathways. From predictive drug modeling for lymphoma to immunotherapy for osteosarcoma, there are a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment modalities at my disposal that I can utilize to help benefit my patients. It is rewarding to offer options that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.
Special Talent:
My background in human medical research and experience with novel drugs sets my practice apart. I often take part in multi-institutional clinical trials investigating everything from novel drugs formulations to Immunotherapy protocols for various types of cancers. This first-hand experience allows me to look beyond standard protocols and offer my patients access to the cutting edge of veterinary science. Whenever possible, I hope to offer the type of personalized medicine approach that is becoming the cornerstone of practice in human oncology.
One Surprising Thing About Veterinary Oncology:
It is a surprisingly uplifting specialty. While we cannot always cure cancer, we can often manage it effectively with a strict focus on Quality of Life. In fact, most of our pet patients are really excited to come in, eager for treats and attention. We tailor every plan to the individual; if a treatment isn’t improving your pet’s life, we pivot. My goal is to ensure that every patient lives well and that every family feels supported.
One Thing People May Not Know About Me:
I have a creative approach to teaching veterinary students. I enjoy writing songs about diseases and “oncology haikus” to help students retain complex information—I even recently wrote a song about Tanovea being on backorder to keep learning fun.
My Pet Family:
I am the proud parent of Stella, a Pit Bull who absolutely adores her two feline siblings. My cats, Charlene & Wolfgang are quite the adventurers too—they are “frequent fliers” who travel with me often!