Editor’s Note: In their fourth and final year of veterinary school, students are required to complete a series of two-week clinical rotations in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. This article is one in a series that highlights those rotations.
The oncology rotation recently completed by a trio of Iowa State fourth-year veterinary students was unlike any they had previously taken.
Because of that, the fourth-year students approached the rotation from an entirely different perspective.
“There is an heightened awareness of the emotional challenges faced by pet owners in this rotation,” said Valerie Henry. “I was mindful of adapting my communication style, tone, and level of empathy to better support clients during a difficult time, ensuring that our interactions were both compassionate and informative.”
The Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital Oncology Service is the only veterinary clinic in Iowa to offer radiation and chemotherapy for dog and cat cancer patients. That distinction brings in patients within and beyond the state’s borders.
“I spent extra time listening to concerns and goals for owners to gauge how they wanted to proceed as well as really focusing on palpation during my exams,” said Kimberly Bierbaum.
A typical day during the two-week oncology rotation begins with the students assessing patients scheduled for radiation therapy that day. Re-checks on previous patients and chemotherapy appointments are also part of their daily schedule.
The vet students will give a physical exam of each patient prior to any diagnostics or treatments.
“This rotation really emphasized the importance of physical exams,” said Riley Timp. “One aspect that stood out was how subtle physical exam findings often guided further diagnostics and treatment decisions.”
After conducting the exams and meeting with the owners, the students will then discuss the individual cases with oncology residents, learning about differential diagnoses, diagnostics and treatments.
Students also accompanied their patients for diagnostic imaging, including ultrasounds and CT scans.
“In a way, I approached this rotation the same as any other – making sure I prepped for my cases, gathered pertinent information from clients, did physical exams and participated in case discussions,” Timp said. “However, since many of the patients on this rotation are dealing with serious disease, I focused on being especially thoughtful in my communication and taking the time to listen and support owners as they made difficult decisions.”
Those difficult decisions ultimately include the patient’s quality of life during treatment.
“Although it is an emotionally challenging area of veterinary medicine, it is incredibly meaningful,” Henry said. “This rotation highlighted the importance of providing compassionate care that allows both pets and their owners to maximize their remaining time together while ensuring the animal’s comfort and well-being.”
That compassion directed to their animals was not lost on the owners according to Bierbaum.
“The one thing that will stick with me is how grateful the owners are, many of them are hoping for more time with their loved one but selfless about keeping their quality of life in mind,” she said. “One owner was thankful for everything we’ve done even though their animal was nearing the end of their life.
“It felt really great to have that kind of appreciation and acknowledgement from an owner despite only being on the case a short period of time.”
April 2026