The Master’s Degree in Veterinary Oncology offers freelance veterinarians the opportunity to:
a) improve their knowledge of oncological cases;
b) refine the skills required to manage companion animal patients with neoplastic diseases;
c) develop an appropriate diagnostic algorithm necessary for accurate diagnosis of animal tumors;
d) select “gold standard” therapies for the most common tumors in veterinary practice and, where appropriate, determine when to refer more complex cases.
The Master also provides the knowledge needed to establish effective communication with pet owners regarding their animals’ conditions, including the frequent need to initiate long-term therapies that take into account the animal’s quality of life, and the ability to support both patient and owner through to the end of the animal’s life.
The Master’s Degree in Veterinary Oncology is an advanced training program designed for veterinarians who wish to acquire solid and up-to-date clinical skills in the management of oncology patients. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, adopting an approach focused on clinical reasoning and decision-making in real-world settings.
Through a hybrid teaching model that combines online learning with in-person weeks dedicated to hands-on activities, the Master enables participants to follow a progressive pathway, starting from biological and diagnostic foundations and advancing to the therapeutic and multidisciplinary management of the most common tumors in companion animals.
Particular emphasis is placed on the development of structured diagnostic algorithms, the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic options, and the long-term management of the patient, including key aspects such as quality of life and communication with the owner.
The program responds to the growing demands of contemporary veterinary medicine, providing practical tools to enhance daily clinical practice and to facilitate collaboration with specialized centers in more complex cases.
The Master’s Degree in Veterinary Oncology aims to deepen and/or update the knowledge of veterinarians who are already working in private practice.
Throughout the two-year program, participants are guided in developing more advanced, specialized knowledge and in strengthening the skills needed to improve their ability to use and interpret the most common diagnostic techniques applied to the most frequent animal tumors, to select and administer the best currently available therapeutic options, and to effectively manage oncology patients.
Upon completion of the program, achieving the learning objectives will enable veterinarians to expand their career opportunities within the field of small animal oncology.
Module 1: Fundamentals of Veterinary Oncology
Cancer biology, mechanisms of metastasis, basics of immunology, and principles of evidence-based medicine, with an introduction to the main diagnostic tools.
Module 2: Oncologic Diagnostics and Sampling Techniques
Cytology, sampling techniques, sample evaluation, staging principles, and integration of different diagnostic methods.
Module 3: Chemotherapy and Oncologic Pharmacology
Principles of chemotherapy, pharmacology of the main antineoplastic agents, management of toxicities, and safety in drug preparation and administration.
Module 4: Oncologic Surgery and Reconstructive Techniques
Principles of oncologic surgery, margin planning, biopsy techniques, lymph node management, sentinel lymph node mapping, and basics of reconstructive surgery.
Modules 5–8: Clinical Approach to the Most Common Tumors
Management of the most common tumors in dogs and cats, integration of diagnosis and therapy, and development of decision-making algorithms.
The general ranking of merit will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.
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FAQ
The Master is distinguished by a strong practical component, developed through intensive in-person weeks. During these sessions, participants take part in guided exercises and wet labs focused on cytology, sampling techniques, safe chemotherapy handling, and basic oncologic surgery.
The practical activities are designed to promote experiential learning, enabling participants to develop hands-on skills and confidence in performing key procedures. This approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the acquired competencies immediately applicable in clinical settings.