Dr. Melanie Benz has been a practicing medical oncologist in the San Diego area since 2013 and has over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. Originally from the east coast, she received her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Florida. Following graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship and medical oncology residency at Louisiana State University, becoming board certified in 2013. She joined the VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center in 2021. Her goals as an oncologist for animals are to make sure that pet parents are well informed of their treatment options, that they feel supported while making decisions regarding their pets care, and that they know that the Oncology Team at VCA will provide comprehensive and compassionate care for their pet. 

Outside of the hospital, she enjoys camping, reading historical fiction, cycling, and spending time with her husband, along with a 15 pound bossy Pug-Terrier, her 110 pound Pittie protector, and 9 demanding pond Goldfish.