Training the next generation of scientists and clinicians to lead the future of comparative neuro-oncology.
The Translational Brain Tumor Center at UC Davis is not only advancing research and clinical care—it is also training the next generation of scientists and clinicians to lead the future of comparative neuro-oncology. Rooted in the One Health philosophy, our educational mission emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and species, preparing trainees to translate discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic for both human and animal patients.
Our program provides hands-on learning experiences for veterinary students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate researchers, offering exposure to advanced neuroimaging, molecular biology, neurosurgery, oncology, and radiation therapy. Through partnerships with the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, and national collaborators, trainees gain a unique, cross-species perspective on cancer biology, clinical trials, and translational research.
Through mentorship and collaboration, the Translational Brain Tumor Center is building a community of skilled clinicians and researchers equipped to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and expand the impact of comparative medicine worldwide.
Students and trainees participate in ongoing projects that explore tumor genomics, immune microenvironments, and therapeutic response—working side-by-side with faculty who are shaping the field of comparative oncology. This immersive environment cultivates scientific curiosity, clinical excellence, and a deep understanding of how naturally occurring diseases in animals can accelerate progress in human medicine.
Through mentorship and collaboration, the Translational Brain Tumor Center is building a community of skilled clinicians and researchers equipped to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and expand the impact of comparative medicine worldwide.
Comparative Neuro-Oncology Tumor Boards
The Comparative Neuro-Oncology Tumor Boards brings together specialists from across veterinary disciplines to ensure every patient receives the most informed and comprehensive care possible. This multidisciplinary team includes experts in veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, and comparative genomics, as well as collaborators from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and School of Medicine.
Each case reviewed by the Brain Tumor Board benefits from collective expertise and evidence-based discussion. The team evaluates diagnostic findings, imaging results, and treatment options to develop personalized care plans that balance the latest research with each patient’s individual needs. This collaborative process enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves patient safety, and promotes the highest standard of clinical decision-making.
Beyond clinical care, the Comparative Neuro-Oncology Tumor Boards also serves as a hub for translational discovery—linking patient cases to ongoing research and clinical trials. By connecting the veterinary hospital with UC Davis’s broader scientific community, the board helps transform clinical insights into new therapeutic strategies that advance both animal and human neuro-oncology.
To learn more about education and training opportunities with the program, contact us.