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ACVIM Resident Research Award Eligible

Additional Fees May Be Required

By Invite Only

Capturing for On Demand

Cardiology Research Abstract Award Eligible

ERC Approved Lecture for ACVIM Residency

Poster

Livestream

One Health

Pre-Registration Required

Research Abstract

Specialty Symposium

ACVIM Resident Research Award Winner

Cardiology Research Abstract Award Winner

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Oncology

Navigating Oncology Cases Through a Spectrum of Care Lens

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

8:15 AM - 9:15 AM PT

Pending CE: 1.0 Medical Hours

Virtual Presenter(s)

Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DFNAP (she/her/hers)

Clinical Professor
University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Virtual Co-Presenter(s)

EE

Elizabeth E Alvarez, DVM, DABVP (she/her/hers)

Clinical Assistant Professor, Primary Care
UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Oregon, Wisconsin, United States

Disclosure(s):

Ruthanne Chun, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), DFNAP: No financial relationships to disclose

Presentation Description / Summary: Are you tired of turning clients away who don’t have enough financial resources for the care you recommend? You can’t give away services and it pains you to send them away without any other options to help their beloved pet. Veterinary professionals across all roles often experience moral stress when faced with clients who cannot afford recommended care. To combat this, participants will explore the concepts of Gold Standard, Spectrum of Care and Access to Care and how to reframe veterinary services to meet clients where they are—financially, logistically, and emotionally. This presentation will review the approach to the oncology patient and the oncology client, including practical tips on working with clients who have financial limitations. Specific cases will be discussed as examples.

Learning Objectives:

Define the concepts of Access to Care and Spectrum of Care and describe how the emotional and ethical challenges associated with turning away clients impacts veterinary teams and patient outcomes.
Define the principles of Spectrum of Care and Community Care, and how the AAVMC Spectrum of Care and AAHA Community Care Guidelines can serve as resources for the veterinary team.
Identify and prioritize use of cost-effective diagnostic and staging tests.
Refresh their cytology skills as specific cases are discussed.