Clifford received a DVM from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and an MS in animal science/virology from the University of Delaware. After completing an internship and medical oncology residency, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). He is a medical oncologist at BluePearl Malvern and the director of BluePearl Science. He is a member of the Anivive advisory board.