Board

Jérôme Benoit

I am very honored to be leading our ESVONC executive committee and to be able to work together with a great team with the only goal to make ESVONC better and nicer for all of us. Over the past 11 years as a member of ESVONC, I have seen our community grow alongside Oncology in Europe. We learn so much from sharing our practices and experiences in a field where «state of the art» often means «we do not know better yet» and where «being creative», and «trying new things» is our daily routine. With its unique European diversity, and the increasing presence of non-Europeans colleagues, ESVONC gives us all a chance to think outside the box, to discuss our differences and common views , always with respect and kindness. And I love it ! I am very proud of what we do with the committee and the long hours we dedicate to ESVONC. After serving ESVONC as a Member-at-Large, and as Secretary, I have now a very good understanding of our institution. I wish to continue to contribute in my best capacity in this role and bring my experience and support to the team, while looking at the future and considering new options for our group: involving more members for different initiatives, developing educational activities, funding research projects, advertising towards other groups, and more. ESVONC can do more than just being a Congress organizer; and I believe we have the capacity and resources to do so. After studying in France (Lyon and Maisons-Alfort) until 2006, I completed an ACVR Residency at North Carolina State University and passed my certifying examination in Radiation Oncology in 2010. My activity has since been dedicated to oncology and radio-oncology in the UK first and now in France. I am a European at heart, and traveling is my favorite thing to do. Seeing new places, new faces, trying new food, making new friends is what I love doing as much as my schedule lets me. ESVONC is all about this. It is really unique in its diversity and I am really looking forward to meeting more of you.

Iain Grant

Vice President

Iain qualified from the University of Bristol in 1990 and worked for 4 years in mixed practice in rural Yorkshire before moving to live in New Zealand. For the following 7 years, Iain worked mainly in small animal practice but with an active interest in science and broadcast media, completed a 1-year Diploma in Natural History Filmmaking in 2002. He then moved to Sydney to take up a position as veterinary business manager for Nestlé Purina Petcare in their pet nutrition business. Iain moved to the USA in 2004, completing a residency in medical oncology at the Universities of California and Ohio. In 2008 he was appointed as a clinician teacher at The University of Liverpool before moving to The University of Glasgow in mid-2013, where he is currently a clinician teacher in the department of small animal oncology. Iain’s research interests are focused on quality of life considerations in veterinary cancer patients and the human animal bond. Iain holds the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diploma in small animal medical oncology and is a recognised specialist in this field.

Chiara Leo

Vice President
E: vp@esvonc.com

I graduated from Milan University (Italy) in 2003, and I spent my whole study time convinced to become an equine person. Well… it did not really go that way, and, after a cytology course, I thought that cells were awesome and from cells to oncology the step was short. I started looking for a training path which was just not possible in Italy at that time, so I embarked myself in a change of life, also geographically speaking: I completed an oncology internship at the Tierspital University of Zurich (Switzerland) and then I started an ACVIM residency in Oncology at the Animal Oncology and Imaging Center in Zug (Switzerland), that included externships at the Washington State University (US).From 2011 to 2016 I have been Lecturer in Oncology at the Royal Veterinary College (London, UK) and pointed “ad interim” Head of the Oncology service from 2015 to 2016 but, more importantly, I have become the proud owner of Arturo, a gentleman dog rescued from a London kennel, who has been with me ever since. Switzerland, America, England: after almost 10 years the call of the homeland and of my beloved Alps was strong, so in 2016 I moved back to Italy, where I have become head of the Oncology service at the Istituto Veterinario Novara and scientific director of UNISVET, an Italian continuing education society for vets. Both positions have given to me the possibility of facing new challenges, such as the creation of an oncology service from scratch, opening the first Italian 3-year oncology residency program in Italy and learning how to organize post-graduate education congresses for veterinarians. And, above everything, all these learning experiences have taught me the most important lesson: been part of a good team is always the best way to achieve success or to rise back from failures. ESVONC is a fantastic community and I wish I am have the chance to be useful for it.

Hanne Moberg

Secretary
E: secretary@esvonc.com

I graduated from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 2014, and knew from early on I wanted to specialize further but was not sure in which direction. During my rotating internship at the University of Pretoria I developed a wide interest for cytology, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and soft tissue surgery, which led me to consider oncology, as I at the time thought it a great blend of all my main interests. As we had very limited exposure to oncological patients as students back home in Norway, I decided to visit different hospitals to see if this could be something for me and I absolutely loved it. I also quickly realized that the field of oncology itself was so much more than the sum of other specialties. The interest and passion for oncology grew as I worked as a junior clinician in the oncology department at the University of Glasgow, and from there I got an internship and residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London (2017-2021). After obtaining my specialty degree (ECVIM- CA Oncology) in 2023 I moved back home to Norway and currently work at the University of Life Sciences as a senior lecturer. It was during my time as a resident I was introduced to the ESVONC community, which I found so including and welcoming. It was such a privilege to be elected secretary, and I want to spend my time contributing to the continued growth of this organization and advance oncological treatment of companion animals in Europe.

Neil Palmer

Treasurer & Membership Secretary
E: treasurer@esvonc.com

Neil is a bit of a late starter. He qualified in 1987 from Liverpool and worked in agricultural and mixed practice for the first 8 years of his professional life. After an extended time in small animal practice, where his interest in surgery and particularly surgical oncology could develop, he moved to a primary care and referral practice in Leeds in the north of England. In 2014 he graduated from Birmingham University School of Cancer Sciences with a Masters in Clinical oncology. He was fortunate, and honoured, to be asked to speak at ESVONC in Krakow on pain management in cancer. During his time in Leeds, Neil built a loyal following of referring practices. In 2021, at the age of 57 and when his contemporaries are looking to retire, he founded his own practice together with his committed nurse team, to provide a dedicated cancer referral service to neighbouring practices. Neil is passionate about the importance of team building in cancer care, and on the vital role that nurses play in caring for our patients. Managing cancer is about celebrating life, however short that may be, not managing a death. There is as much an emphasis on the mental wellness of the patient and care team and palliation of symptoms as there is on physical control of disease. Out of work he enjoys mountain biking and hiking the hills. March will usually find him on skis, touring in Norway or Sweden. He has been known to enter some mountain races with indifferent results.

Anca Cristea

Member-at-Large
E: mal1@esvonc.com

I am honored to serve as a Member at Large in the Executive Committee of the European Society of Veterinary Oncology (ESVONC). With a passion for oncology that has been burning within me since my early years in veterinary school, I am thrilled to contribute to the advancement of veterinary oncology on a broader scale. Thirteen years ago, I graduated from Bucharest, and it was during my fifth year in vet school that I had a transformative experience. My visit to a referral practice in the UK exposed me to the world of cancer treatment in veterinary medicine. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to helping cancer-bearing patients and improving their quality of life. Since then, I have dedicated nine years of my professional career to treating cancer patients, constantly striving to expand my knowledge and expertise. Attending numerous veterinary events, both nationally and internationally, has been an integral part of my journey. These events have provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn from esteemed professionals and share my own experiences as a speaker. In 2019, I took a significant step by founding the Romanian Society of Veterinary Oncology. Through this organization, my aim has been to raise awareness about cancer and promote the best practices in cancer care within the veterinary community in Romania. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in our digital age, I have learned the significance of social media and website content in disseminating knowledge and connecting with veterinary professionals worldwide. In my role as a Member at Large in the Executive Committee, I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the social media and website content for ESVONC. I am committed to utilizing these platforms to not only share valuable information but also engage with our members and the broader veterinary community. By leveraging the power of social media and a dynamic website, I believe we can amplify the impact of ESVONC's initiatives and foster meaningful collaborations among veterinary oncology professionals. I am excited to embrace this role and contribute to enhancing the online presence of ESVONC, ultimately furthering our mission of advancing veterinary oncology. I believe that by working together, we can make significant strides in advancing veterinary oncology, improving the lives of our patients, and offering hope to their owners. I look forward to collaborating with the esteemed members of ESVONC and driving positive change in our field.

Juan Francisco Borrego

Member-at-large
E: mal2@esvonc.com

I graduated from CEU Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia (Spain) in 2003. I practiced several years in private practice focusing from the very beginning in Oncology until I got the opportunity of starting an Internship in Medical Oncology at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston 2008, USA. I was lucky enough to be selected at the University of Wisconsin-Madison completing a residency in Medical Oncology between 2009-2012 obtaining the specialization by the American College of Internal Medicine in the specialty of oncology (DACVIM Oncology). I decided to come back to Spain and try to help developing and advancing the Oncology Specialty founding the Comparative Veterinary Oncology Institute. I was interested in comparative oncology and the development and application of new therapies in dogs and cats through clinical studies. I worked in two different Universities as a Professor (Cardenal Herrera CEU University and Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir). I also obtained a PhD in new targeted therapies in feline and canine mammary tumors at the Cardenal Herrera CEU University of Valencia in 2017 along with the laboratory of "Molecular Biology of Cancer". In 2015 I co-founded Aúna Veterinary Specialties Referral Hospital and became the Head of the Oncology Service. Since 2021 we joined IVC Evidensia becoming the Co-director of the Hospital. I have published in national and international scientific journals, different oncology book chapters, and lectured both nationally and internationally as well as being a reviewer for several international journals. I am really excited and humbled with my election and new role, co-leading the scientific section in our Society.

Partners in Congress Organisation

ESVONC secretariat
The team of Partners in Congress Organisation (PCO in short) take care of the ESVONC secretariat in a very professional manner. PCO has a wide experience in the organization of veterinary society secretariats and congresses (ECVIM, ESVD, EVDS...) The secretariat is the first contact for administrative issues. PCO takes care of all the financial aspects of the ESVONC membership and congress registrations. Contact persons: Susan Verkou & Lisanne Dirks
www.pcopartners.nl

Past board members

Arno Roos: Member-at-Large,
Irina Gramer: Member-at-Large,
Ana Lara Garcia: President, Secretary,
Joaquim Henriques: Secretary,
Tom Hendrickx: Treasurer & Membership Secretary (2012-2018), webmaster (2018-...),
Frédérique Ponce: President, Vice-President (2013-2018),
Janos Butinar: Member-at-Large (2008-2013),
Didier Lanore: Member-at-Large (2011-2016),
Malcolm Brearley: President (2008-2013),
Miriam Kleiter: Vice-President (2008-2013),
Lubna Nasir: Secretary (2008-2013),
Johan de Vos: Treasurer & Membership secretary (2004-2008),
Martin Kessler: Vice-President (2004-2008),
Juana Martin de las Mulas: Secretary (2004-2008),
Eva Hellmen: President (...-2008),
Gerard Rutteman: Secretary (1993-2004),
Wim Misdorp: President (1993-2004)