Virginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center

10/08/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Dr. Tosh*tsugu Ishihara 🌟

This month, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Dr. Tosh*tsugu Ishihara, our Anesthesia and Pain Management Specialist. Dr. Ishihara works closely with our clinical teams to help keep patients safe, comfortable, and well cared for throughout their treatment journey. His expertise and commitment to patient well-being make him an invaluable member of our hospital family.

Get to know Dr. Ishihara:

1. What do you enjoy most about your speciality?
- The most interesting part of my field is working with all kinds of animals. Here at the ACCRC,
2. What's a hidden talent or fun fact about yourself that might surprise your coworkers?
-I've been playing volleyball for over 10 years. Back in high school, I competed at the Zone Championship level. Now, unfortunately, I can't jump becasue of back pain.
3. Do you prefer Summer or Winter? Why?
-Absolutely summer!! The beach in Destin is our family's favorite!
4. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what's the first thing you'd do?
-Move to South Korea to learn the language and culture.
5. What is your favorite animal?
-Black baby pug or yellow labrador.

Thank you Dr. Toshi for all you do for the ACCRC! We are so very thankful you are a part of our team.

09/15/2026

Clinical trials are so important to the future of cancer care. Thank you Marvel, for helping further our understanding!

09/14/2026

A $15 million gift from animal advocates Karen Waldron and Shawn Ricci marks the largest single non-estate donation in Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's history.

Split evenly between clinical and research support, the funds will endow three oncology professorships, add specialist staff, and expand patient care at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke.

The gift also accelerates translational cancer research, advancing therapies that directly benefit both pets and people. 🧡

09/08/2026

Thrilled to share that we had a celebrity in our center. 😉 🧡

Thanks to doctors at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, Mr. Affleck can get back to the red carpet--or taking a much preferred nap--with his owner, Daniel.

And before you ask, yes, he once had a feline housemate named Matt Damon! 🎬

🔗: https://f.mtr.cool/lrwp7q7nrf

08/31/2026

Come see the future of veterinary oncology in Southwest Virginia!

The Virginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center is opening its doors for an evening of exploration, conversation, and connection.

✨ Tour the facility
✨ Meet the clinicians
✨ Learn what's ahead
✨ Enjoy light food and drinks

📅 September 12 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.
📍 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016

Space is limited. Register here: https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/overnight-unit

see the future of veterinary oncology in Southwest Virginia!

08/27/2026

We're always thrilled when someone rings the bell! 🥰

06/11/2026

Cody is the sweetest boy. 🧡. He is still a star in our books!

Remember the Budweiser "Puppy Love" Super Bowl ad?

Cody, one of its puppy stars, is now 12 — and after nose cancer threatened his golden years, just three days of targeted radiation at theVirginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center has him back home and feeling like himself. 🧡

Read his story: https://f.mtr.cool/qabulsktnc

05/12/2026

We had an incredible day hosting a group of bright high school students from Botetourt County for an inside look at our Medical, Surgical, and Radiation Oncology services.

They got to see our LINAC up close, learn how our CT machine works, and explore the technology behind modern cancer care. Dr. Manning shared great insight into the benefits of radiation therapy, and Dr. Traverson even walked them through staining a surgical mass for pathology.

So much learning, curiosity, and excitement in one visit — we loved having them with us. ✨

04/23/2026

Employee spotlight for April: Caitlin

Meet Caitlin, our Administrative and Financial Coordinator. Caitlin keeps our business office running smoothly. From making sure billing is accurate to ordering inventory, she helps ensure everything behind the scenes is taken care of. Our team truly could not function without her support.
Get to Know Caitlin

1. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned from working in oncology?
- I was surprised to learn that oncology appointments can still include smiles, treats, silly nicknames, and hope. I believe these moments matter just as much as the medicine.

2. What is your go-to “pick-me-up” on a tough day?
- A good sense of humor. I find that laughter can usually make any day better.

3. If you had to describe your personality using an emoji, what would it be?
- A happy cat emoji 😺. This fits my personality because I am usually very happy and I also love cats!

4. What is a hobby or interest most people at work might not know about you?
- I really enjoy building and decorating miniature dollhouses. I have been working on one at home for the past three years and hope to finish it once I have a little more space.

Thank you Caitlin for all you do at the ACCRC!

04/03/2026

Piggy is in clinical remission! 🧡 We're so proud of this sweet boy and his incredibly dedicated mom — read his full story at the link below.

Piggy the cat is in clinical remission — and it took a village to get him there.

The 6-year-old tabby was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma and treated at the Virginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center using a combination of chemotherapy and half-body irradiation therapy. His owner drove more than 200 miles each way for every appointment.

Support from Petco Love helped make that commitment possible by covering a portion of his treatment.

Read Piggy's story: https://loom.ly/2SKAj8o