Blake Marcum DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
Medical Oncology
DVM
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Internship
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Residency
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
From an early age, Dr. Blake Marcum has enjoyed learning about and working with animals. While at a summer externship at an aquarium, he started working with the aquarium veterinarian. After spending some time with him at his small animal clinic, he was hooked and decided to become a veterinarian.
Get to Know the Expertise, Skill, and Heart Behind VSC
How did you become interested in oncology?
I was working in general practice and was treating many patients with cancer. I decided that I wanted to get residency-trained so that I could help these patients. I love building close relationships with clients. Sometimes the relationships with cancer patients can be brief but the emotions and feelings during that time can be very intense. I love being able to reach clients and help them find the best options for their pets that prolong survival as much as possible while also ensuring an optimal quality of life.
What is your philosophy of patient care?
As veterinarians, it is our job to be an advocate for the patients. Patient care is based on a relationship between the client, the patient, and the referring veterinarian. The care in oncology often involves identifying a treatment route that is effective for the pet; that minimizes undue potential for side effects; and that works for the client from a convenience, economic, and emotional standpoint.
What are some of your biggest challenges in your area of expertise?
Words like “cancer” and “chemotherapy” have certain connotations from human medicine. It is important to debunk some of the concerns early on for clients to understand that the approach in veterinary medicine is very different. Quality of life for our patients is our number one goal.
What motivates you?
In oncology, we often discuss median survival times for certain diseases or conditions based on the current literature. I am always motivated to try to help my patients stay above the upper 50th percentile of that median.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife and kids. We love hitting up the local parks, lakes, and forest preserves. I also love to run, so you can find me running the roads and trails around town with my Weimaraner, Lolo.