Dr. Philip J. Bergman stands at the pinnacle of veterinary oncology, having forged a distinguished career over 35 years marked by clinical brilliance, scientific innovation, and heartfelt commitment to the human–animal bond. As a board-certified veterinary medical oncologist, accomplished researcher, and widely respected industry advisor, Dr. Bergman has dedicated his life to enhancing cancer care for companion animals and translating those discoveries into therapies that bridge veterinary and human medicine. His work has reshaped the field of comparative oncology, leaving a legacy of improved outcomes, informed practitioners, and empowered pet families.
Dr. Bergman’s journey began with a dual passion for medicine and research. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University, he pursued an internship at Kansas State University and returned to CSU for a medical oncology residency and Master of Science in Veterinary Oncology. His insatiable curiosity and drive for scientific rigor led him to complete a PhD in Cancer Biology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading institutions in cancer research. There, he trained under luminaries like Dr. Catherine A. O’Brian and Dr. Isaiah J. Fidler, laying the foundation for a lifelong contribution to oncology innovation.
A career distinguished by leadership roles, Dr. Bergman has held senior positions at globally recognized veterinary institutions. He served as Chief Medical Officer for BrightHeart Veterinary Centers, Director of Clinical Studies for VCA Animal Hospitals, and most recently as Global Director of Clinical Studies for Mars Veterinary Health. His impact on the clinical research landscape is profound—overseeing large-scale therapeutic trials, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advancing safe, effective treatments for some of the most aggressive forms of cancer in animals.
As principal veterinary investigator behind the world’s first fully licensed DNA vaccine for canine melanoma (Oncept), Dr. Bergman’s pioneering work in cancer immunotherapy has garnered international acclaim. He is not only a trailblazer in vaccine-based treatments but also a staunch advocate for evidence-based medicine, translational research, and ethical innovation. His efforts have resulted in real-world therapies that enhance both quality and duration of life for countless patients—canine and human alike.
Dr. Bergman’s scholarly contributions are staggering in breadth and depth. With over 150 peer-reviewed journal publications, 40 book chapters, and hundreds of national and international lectures, he is widely recognized as a thought leader in veterinary oncology. His work has been cited globally, influencing clinical standards and shaping the curricula of veterinary programs. His reviewer roles with a variety of prestigious journals, including the American Journal of Veterinary Research and Veterinary & Comparative Oncology, further highlight his influence in advancing academic excellence within the profession.
Beyond research and academia, Dr. Bergman has played an integral role in shaping industry policy and clinical strategy. His advisory board involvement spans respected pharmaceutical and biotech firms such as Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, and Boehringer Ingelheim. He has also served on the Board of Regents for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and was President of the Veterinary Cancer Society. These leadership roles reflect not only his strategic acumen but also the trust he has earned across the veterinary and pharmaceutical communities.
What distinguishes Dr. Bergman is his deep-rooted belief in the power of mentorship and education. Over the course of his career, he has trained and inspired dozens of oncology residents and veterinary interns, many of whom have gone on to hold influential positions in clinical and academic settings. His educational philosophy centers around curiosity, compassion, and courage—values he instills in each emerging professional he mentors. He believes that nurturing the next generation is as important as the discoveries themselves.
Dr. Bergman’s international footprint is equally impressive. He has delivered lectures and keynote presentations in 29 countries, from Japan to Brazil to Italy, sharing insights on topics such as cancer immunotherapy, paraneoplastic syndromes, and vaccine-associated sarcomas. His global influence reinforces the universal relevance of his work and his commitment to advancing the veterinary profession on a worldwide scale. Fluent in the language of science and empathy, Dr. Bergman builds bridges across disciplines, geographies, and species.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Bergman is an avid supporter of the arts, an enthusiast of live blues music, and a passionate explorer of the outdoors. His personal interests complement his professional dedication, reflecting a life lived with balance, purpose, and enthusiasm. Whether attending a music festival, hiking through nature, or traveling internationally, he brings the same curiosity and openness that have defined his professional journey.
Today, as a Senior Advisor at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, Dr. Bergman continues to advance new frontiers in veterinary oncology, particularly in the area of non-invasive therapeutic modalities. His role underscores a lifelong commitment to innovation that not only prolongs life but improves the experience of care. Through every role, every lecture, and every therapeutic milestone, Dr. Bergman’s career is a living embodiment of compassionate science—one that continues to serve animals, caregivers, and clinicians around the world.
Character:
Dr. Bergman brings integrity and empathy to every professional encounter, consistently placing the well-being of both patients and colleagues at the heart of his work. His career reflects a sincere dedication to ethical innovation and mentorship, earned through decades of compassionate leadership. He leads not only with his mind but with his heart—valuing relationships as much as results.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees and board certification in oncology, Dr. Bergman possesses a rare depth of expertise spanning veterinary and human medicine. His prolific publication record and pioneering research underscore a mastery of both science and clinical application. He is a lifelong learner who continues to absorb, apply, and share knowledge with clarity and generosity.
Strategic:
Dr. Bergman is a visionary thinker with a proven ability to align clinical innovation with business goals across corporate, academic, and nonprofit sectors. His strategic advisory roles have helped organizations anticipate market needs, accelerate product development, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. He combines scientific foresight with operational practicality to create sustainable impact.
Communication:
A compelling speaker and gifted writer, Dr. Bergman excels at translating complex science into clear, actionable insights. Whether in a boardroom, classroom, or international conference, he communicates with authenticity and authority. His ability to engage diverse audiences—from peers to policymakers—has made him a trusted voice in the global oncology dialogue.
