Dr. Craig Clifford is just getting started

Loving what you do for work isn’t a requirement to have a successful career.

But it sure helps!

Luckily for Dr. Craig Clifford, the hours fly by when he is at work. That’s because for this veterinarian, medical oncology and improving the lives of pets is what he was made for.  

“I truly love what I do,” he says.

Dr. Clifford is a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and received an MS degree in Animal Science/Virology from the University of Delaware. Following an internship and a medical oncology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, he went on to later become a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2003. After that, it was off to Director of Clinical Studies and Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and Hope Veterinary Specialists, where he was their first medical oncologist and Director of Clinical Studies.

His more recent accomplishments are equally impressive!

From writing and co-authoring over 50 papers and book chapters to lecturing at major veterinary meetings in the USA and abroad, Dr. Craig truly embodies the saying, “Do what you love and love what you do.”

Vet Candy is delighted to have had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Craig Clifford recently. He shared the best career advice he ever received and explained the three qualities that got him where he is today. 

Introducing, the remarkable Dr. Craig Clifford!

Want more Dr. Craig? Check him out on Vet Candy CE

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

There are many words that can be used to describe residency.

For example, “demanding,” “exciting,” “interesting,” “exhausting,” and “eye-opening” are all adjectives we have heard from those enrolled in residency programs designed to prepare veterinarians for board certification through supervised clinical experience and training.

It was during his own residency that Dr. Craig Clifford was given two valuable pieces of advice.

The first being, “Keep your eyes on the prize.”

And the second, “Don’t get too high with highs or too low with lows.”

This advice has served him well. Since graduating, he has gone on to be on the VCS executive board, ACVIM Exam Rating Committee, Residency Training and Credentials Committee, Oncology Pathology Working Group, Co-chair of the Standards of Excellence in Residency Education Task Force and Examiner for the Australian Scientist’s Oncology Specialty Exam, and more.

So, to any young veterinarians out there just jumping into their first year of residency, Dr. Craig encourages you to stay focused and balanced.

Remember, always keep your eyes on the prize!

RELATED Dr. Craig Clifford spills the tea on on 21 questions with Dr. Jill

Ask Yourself: What Are My Strengths?

Additionally, those who are successful in their careers have learned how to utilize their strengths (also known as qualities or character traits). For Dr. Craig Clifford, there are three qualities he credits for getting him where he is today.

These include persistence, enthusiasm, and having a sense of humour.

Dr. Craig explains, “Oncology is tough and we need a somewhat morbid sense of humor.”

Indeed, the ability to see the light in all situations, laugh off stress, and find joy – even in dark moments – is an admirable quality for veterinarians to have. But when the weight of working with animal patients and clients piles up, Dr. Clifford also knows how important it is to clear his head after a stressful day.

His favorite way?

Star Wars!

Being a self declared “Star Wars nerd,” he plays a Star Wars video game on his phone. Recently, Dr. Clifford even met five people he’d never seen before in California to go on a wine tour at the famous Skywalker Ranch.

But as much as he enjoys space, aliens, and epic lightsabre battles, it is Dr. Clifford’s children who keep him grounded here on earth.

“My kids are showing me there is more to life than vet med,” he ends. “They are enough to keep me happy.”

A big thanks to Dr. Craig Clifford for joining us on Vet Candy!