Dr. Joyce E. Obradovich, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)

Dr. Obradovich earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University in 1977 in Microbiology and Public Health.  She worked as a research technician at Yale University’s School of Medicine for a short time in pulmonary cancer research.  This sparked her desire to return to pursue a medical career, however with her long time love of animals, she elected to pursue veterinary medicine.  At the onset of her veterinary training, her strong interest was in equine medicine (having owned horses since age 13), but when her own dog, Buff, a golden retriever, developed lymphoma while she was a junior veterinary student, her entire focus changed.  This personal experience, along with her past cancer research experience, led her to actively pursue a residency training program in oncology.  After graduation from MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 (DVM degree) she spent 2 years in private practice, then returned to MSU for a medical/surgical internship in 1987.  From there, she was accepted into Colorado State University’s prestigious oncology residency.  While at CSU Dr. Obradovich won two national awards through the Veterinary Cancer Society and the American College of Veterinary Medicine for her research with “granulocyte colony stimulating factor” or G-CSF.  G-CSF helps prevent and alleviate serious side effects to chemotherapy in patients. 

Since becoming board certified with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the subspecialty of oncology, Dr. Obradovich has been in private oncology practice in southeastern Michigan.  In July of 2000, she opened the Animal Cancer & Imaging Center (ACIC), which was the culmination of her career long dream to run a free-standing veterinary cancer clinic.  Dr. Obradovich is also an adjunct faculty member of the Michigan State Universities College of Veterinary Medicine, where for the past 7 years she has lectured in veterinary oncology and sponsored a clinical rotation at ACIC for senior veterinary students. Dr. Obradovich has numerous publications and book chapters to her credit. 

 Dr. Shay Bracha Resident in Oncology

We are pleased to announce the Animal Cancer & Imaging Center’s 2007-2010 medical oncology resident.  Dr. Bracha comes to us with an international background in oncology and veterinary medicine.  Dr. Bracha is originally from Tel Aviv, Israel.  He earned his veterinary degree in Budapest, Hungary and from there went on to complete an oncology internship at Michigan State University and a rotating medical and surgical internship at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.  He also completed a masters degree at Michigan State University, where his thesis project was “Potential prognostic indicators for canine hemangiosarcoma”.  He has also presented his work on “canine gastrointestinal perforation secondary to neoplasia” at the Veterinary Cancer Society’s Annual Meeting in 2006.  Dr. Bracha has completed and submitted for publication an article entitled, “Cardiac ectopic thyroid carcinoma in a dog: a case report”.  He is currently working on a grant project entitled “Thrombospondin in canine cancer patients” and has started several clinical trials at ACIC involving anti-angiogenic therapies.  We feel very fortunate to have someone so accomplished in the field of veterinary oncology join our staff! 

            Dr. Bracha’s residency program is a dual program with Michigan State University.  He will spend time at MSU attending cytology and surgical pathology rounds, oncology rounds, and internal medicine rounds.  He will also spend time at Colorado State University with Dr. Sue LaRue for his training in radiation oncology.   Dr. Bracha is also conducting bench research in cancer medicine at the University of Michigan on a previously unidentified receptor in canine osteosarcoma cells which appears to be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of this aggressive disease in dogs and in people. 

Rosanne Stepien, L.V.T

Rosanne has an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology at MCC.
She has worked in general practice from 1999-2001 until joining
the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center in 2001.
She has 2 cats Cleopatra, 11yrs old adopted as a kitten and Suchey, 10yrs
adopted from school. Her compassion, attention to detail and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine have made Rosanne a valued oncology technician. She enjoys spending weekends at her cottage with her husband and son.

Chris Fyock, L.V.T

Chris graduated from Wayne County Community College Vet tech program in 2005 with an associates in applied science. Chris has worked at different clinics for about 10 years as a vet assistant and kennel staff. She is very happy and excited about her position at ACIC and looks forward to learning about Oncology.

She lives at home with her husband and their 3 dogs, Madison, Takoda and Yoti and 3 cats, Stacha, Wylee, And Gingersnap, A rat Otis and 2 parakeets Sky and Breeze.

Christine Baker, L.V.T

Christine received her Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She has worked in  a general practice for approximately 3 years and feline specialty practice for one year.

Christine has 2 dogs ,Chloe and Sampson, 2 cats, Tyson and Duncan and a ferret Louie at home. Christine really loves her job and is excited to be a part of the wonderful team at Animal Cancer and Imaging Center.