Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Alvarez Berger.
Francisco, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I did not begin my career with a clear plan to specialize in oncology or to open my own practice. My path developed gradually, shaped by hands on clinical experience and a growing awareness of how complex and personal cancer care can be.
After earning my veterinary degree, I began working in general practice. Those early years were foundational. I saw a wide range of cases, but cancer stood out as especially challenging, both medically and emotionally. These patients often required more than standard protocols. They needed time, careful decision making, and honest conversations with their families. That realization pushed me toward advanced training.
I pursued additional education in pathology and oncology and later completed a residency in veterinary medical oncology at The Ohio State University. The combination of clinical intensity, research, and teaching confirmed that oncology was where I could make the greatest difference. I stayed on as a clinical instructor, working closely with students, interns, and residents while continuing clinical research.
In 2007, I moved into private specialty practice in South Florida at a multidisciplinary hospital, where I eventually became Chief of the Oncology Service. Over time, my role expanded beyond patient care to include mentoring clinicians, building collaborative relationships with referring veterinarians, and helping shape how oncology services were delivered within the practice.
Opening my own oncology practice in 2025 felt like a natural next step. I wanted to build something that reflected my values as both a clinician and a leader. My goal was to create a practice that is thoughtful, evidence based, and centered on quality of life, while also being a supportive place for clients and staff. The journey has not always been straightforward, but it has been deeply meaningful, and it continues to challenge and motivate me every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Like most meaningful careers, it has involved uncertainty, difficult decisions, and periods of self doubt.
Professionally, oncology is demanding in ways that go beyond medicine. You are constantly balancing complex science with very human emotions. There are days when outcomes are not what you hoped for, despite doing everything right. Learning how to sit with that, while still showing up fully for the next patient and family, takes time and emotional resilience.
There were also practical challenges along the way. Advanced training required long hours, geographic moves, and sacrifices that affected both personal life and work life balance. Later, as my role grew into leadership positions, I had to learn skills that are not taught in medical training, such as managing teams, navigating conflict, and making difficult operational decisions.
Opening my own practice brought a different set of challenges. Building something from the ground up means stepping outside your comfort zone. You are no longer focused only on medicine, but also on systems, finances, staffing, and culture. There is a constant tension between maintaining high clinical standards and making the business sustainable.
That said, each challenge has shaped how I practice and lead today. The road has not been easy, but it has been deeply instructive. The struggles forced me to slow down, reflect, and stay grounded in why I chose this work in the first place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers on veterinary cancer care, specifically medical oncology. I focus on diagnosing and treating cancer in dogs and cats, but just as importantly, on helping families understand what those diagnoses mean and how to make informed decisions. Oncology is rarely about a single right answer. It is about guiding people through complex options while keeping quality of life at the forefront.
Clinically, I am known for taking a thoughtful and individualized approach to each case. I place a strong emphasis on evidence based medicine, but I also recognize that every patient and every family is different. Treatment plans need to be realistic, adaptable, and aligned with the goals of the people who love the animal. I spend a significant amount of time communicating with clients and referring veterinarians to make sure everyone is on the same page.
What I am most proud of is not a specific accomplishment, but the trust that develops over time. Many clients come to oncology feeling overwhelmed or afraid, and being able to provide clarity, honesty, and support during that process is meaningful to me. I am also proud of the teams I have helped build and mentor, and of creating an environment where thoughtful medicine and compassion can coexist.
What sets me apart is a combination of clinical depth, teaching experience, and leadership. Having worked in academic settings, private specialty practice, and now as a practice owner, I have seen oncology from multiple perspectives. That allows me to approach problems with both rigor and practicality, and to build a practice that reflects not just how cancer can be treated, but how it should be experienced by patients, families, and staff.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I tend to keep things pretty practical. Professionally, I rely on clinical journals, primary research, and continuing education to stay current, especially in oncology where things change quickly. Conversations with colleagues are also a big part of how I learn and stay grounded.
At work, I use simple organizational tools to keep track of cases and responsibilities, but I am not very focused on apps or systems for their own sake. I have learned that clear communication and good routines matter more than any specific tool.
Outside of work, I try to disconnect when I can. Reading, spending time with family, and having some quiet time help me reset. Those moments of balance are just as important to me as staying informed professionally.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on diagnosis and treatment approach. Costs are discussed transparently with clients and tailored to each individual case.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vetcancerhealth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetcancerhealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetcancerhealth
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@vetcancerhealth
