Origin Stories - Renee Alsarraf: Veterinary Oncologist, Cancer Survivor, Author

Renee Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist and cancer survivor.  Her book entitled, “Sit, Stay Heal.  What Dogs can teach us about living well,” will be out October 18 2022.  Like so many veterinarians I’ve interviewed, Dr. Renee Alsarraf’s desire to become a veterinarian was in her DNA.  But beyond that, an externship at the AMC (Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in NYC) was a life changing experience that made her want to be a veterinary oncologist.  As you read her book, her warmth as a person will be evident.  She is a hugger.  This warmth and compassionate approach toward her craft is also a life lesson she learned as a veterinary student.  After a difficult euthanasia, a senior student told her that she will harden up as these experiences become more common.   Her viewpoint on that and any patient, doctor, family interaction is, “What will that family remember?  They will remember that we cared and we tried.”