Elena completed her veterinary medicine degree at the University of Parma, Italy in 2003. Since then she has been dedicated to small animal medicine and developed a keen interest in dermatology, oncology and gastroenterology. In 2011 she completed a PhD in Immunology with a dissertation about the side effects of chemotherapy. During this period she worked in the Pathology Department at the University of Parma, diving deep into the field of cytology. Elena can give owner’s information about lumps that are commonly found on pets, and whether it is benign or malignant by looking at samples under the microscope. Cytology skills help her to implement her knowledge in dermatology and oncology too. Since September 2004 Elena has been working in Italy as clinician, in both first opinion and referral practices. In June 2015 she moved to England to learn English and new vet skills. Elena currently works in a busy first opinion practice in the North East area. In the near future she is planning to obtain a certificate in canine and feline nutrition to be able to give advice regarding the best way to feed your pet. She can not wait to offer her experience to help your little fur friends. In her spare time she loves walking on the Moor, reading books and spending time with her lovely crazy rabbit, Gino Pino. Elena joined FirstVet in May 2021.