Dr. FitzPatrick joined California Veterinary Specialists as an oncologist at the Angel Care Cancer Center in February of 2013. His practice as an oncologist is the culmination of his longtime dream, beginning first with general veterinary medicine, adding to that a degree in pharmacological toxicology, and finally completing a residency in oncology. He is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in all animals, and it’s the reason he loves coming to work every day at Angel Care.

His love of animal care began in high school when he worked in a veterinary clinic. This experience developed his passion for animal care and led him to a bachelor’s degree with a double major in biology and Spanish from the University of New Mexico in 1993. He went on to receive a Master’s degree in toxicology from the UNM College of Pharmacy in 1995, where he was involved with cancer and pharmacologic drug studies in humans and animals, and also completed an industrial hygiene project to promote human health safety in the workplace. It was during this time while collaborating with other researchers, including veterinarians, that he developed a passion for oncology and decided to pursue his love for animals by becoming a veterinarian and using his graduate school background in toxicology to improve his practice.

Dr. FitzPatrick received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 1999 and subsequently completed a one-year internship in Connecticut at the New Haven Central Veterinary Hospital. He then spent five years practicing as a general veterinarian, providing medical, surgical and emergency medical care for his patients. This experience gave him a well-rounded background with experience that would benefit him in his dream to become an oncologist. He completed a 3-year oncology residency program in 2009 from Michigan State University, afterward practicing in Maryland and Massachusetts for three years.

Dr. FitzPatrick was happy to have the opportunity to join California Veterinary Specialists, in part, because as a native New Mexican, he and his family were able to return to the West and be closer to family and friends, while also enjoying the Southern Californian climate. He is very comfortable in the south of California as he is fluent in Spanish and has traveled abroad and stayed with host families in Spain and Mexico. One of his favorite trips was visiting the people of Ecuador and going to the Galapagos Islands where he saw the vast but unique diversity of plant and animal species.

He is a member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, American Veterinary Medical Association, Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Cancer Society and past member of the Rocky Mountain Society of Toxicology. He has been actively involved in teaching veterinary students as well as interns since his residency program and has been actively involved in clinical research and various cancer trials.

Dr. FitzPatrick enjoys spending time with his family, including his boxer/ridgeback dog and domestic shorthaired cat.  Additionally, he enjoys traveling, weight-lifting and has studied martial arts.