Veterinary Heroes: Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology, SAIM)

Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology, SAIM), has dedicated her career to advancing veterinary medicine as a compassionate clinician, accomplished educator, and influential communicator. As the director of pet health information at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City, she not only provides expert care but also ensures that the public has access to reliable veterinary health information through her writings and podcast.

A third-generation veterinarian, Hohenhaus followed in the footsteps of her father, a mixed-animal solo practitioner, who inspired her commitment to community service. "The profession has given a lot to me and my family, [so] I could give back through my volunteer opportunities," she reflected, attributing her ethos to his example. Her service has included active roles with the American Veterinary Medical Association, the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, and the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City.

Hohenhaus’s career journey began at the Bender School of Veterinary Medicine, after which she spent a year in private practice before joining AMC as an intern. She remained to complete a residency and never left, captivated by the institution and its role in the city. Her clinical focus lies in oncology and small animal internal medicine, stemming from a longstanding fascination with cancer research. “In college, I took a seminar where my research topic was about genes related to the development of cancer. I found it fascinating and have focused on it ever since,” she explained.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Hohenhaus is a celebrated communicator. When AMC’s marketing team asked her to start a blog, she initially hesitated, unsure of what a blog entailed. However, the blog soon became a passion project, featuring stories about challenging cases, innovative treatments, and developments in veterinary medicine. Writing helped her develop a broader appreciation for the profession: “One day I might write about the latest virus, and another day about a puppy with heartworms. It’s helped me to appreciate what goes on in our field.”

Her dedication to sharing veterinary stories has earned her significant accolades, including the DeBakey Journalism Award in 2014 for her article "Dogs Go to Bat Against Lou Gehrig's Disease." She also hosts AMC’s monthly Ask the Vet podcast, continuing to connect with audiences far beyond the exam room.

When asked what she finds most rewarding in her career, Hohenhaus emphasized the human connection. “Veterinarians love animals, but the people are the most interesting thing about veterinary medicine. I’ve met taxi drivers who shared stories of their passengers and world travelers recounting their adventures. It’s the people, alongside their pets, that make this work truly meaningful.”

As a recipient of the prestigious Internal Medicine Veterinary Hero Award, Hohenhaus views the recognition as a tribute not only to her but to everyone she has encountered throughout her career. "It's a validation of what I love to do every single day."

For aspiring veterinarians, her advice is simple but profound: “Be passionate about science—it’s the foundation of our profession—but remember, you’ll deal with people every day. The ability to connect and communicate with clients is just as important as your medical knowledge.”

Hohenhaus’ lifelong dedication to veterinary medicine, education, and communication continues to make a lasting impact, inspiring her colleagues and the next generation of veterinarians alike.

In honor of Hohenhaus and 11 other Veterinary Heroes inductees, an award ceremony will be held during the 2024 Fetch dvm360 conference in Long Beach, California, where the winners will be recognized for their unwavering commitment and extraordinary efforts within the veterinary profession. The ceremony will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11:30 AM PST. All Fetch Long Beach registrants are invited to attend the award ceremony for no additional fee.

The 2024 Veterinary Heroes program is supported by corporate sponsor Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.