VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Kelsay Bratton
Kelsay Bratton
Lead Oncology Technician, Animal Cancer Care and Research Center
When did you join the veterinary college?
I first joined the college in 2011 as a Large Animal technician, and eventually a Surgical/Internal Med Tech at the Roanoke satellite campus. My career path went in another direction for a few years and I returned in 2023 as an Oncology Technician.
What is your role at the veterinary college?
Lead Oncology Technician at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center.
The best part of being at VMCVM...
I love the continuous opportunities for learning. I work with so many brilliant people from different backgrounds. There is always something new to pick up.
Best advice I've gotten...
Wisdom comes from observation.
How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline?
Improving pets lives through compassion and research.
My hidden talent...
I'm very proficient at sewing and make costumes.
A person who has inspired me...
Dr. Joanne Tuohy, she has helped me find my voice and learn to trust my instincts. I admire her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of our patients.
What do you find most inspiring or fulfilling about working with students and helping them pursue their careers?
I work mostly with Interns right now, and it's really rewarding to help these young doctors find their confidence.
If you could magically grant an animal the ability to talk, which one would you choose and what do you think it would say?
My cat Gwen. She would probably scold me for leaving her at home all day and ask "when's dinner?"
A cause I'm most passionate about...
Finding a cure for cancer. I myself am a survivor, so the work we do here is very important to me.
Favorite way to end the day...
Watching '90s TV shows with my family. My kids are obsessed with everything 90s, so we usually wrap up the night on the couch watching Rugrats or Are You Afraid of the Dark. My youngest still loves to snuggle, so I take advantage of that as much as I can.
Top of my bucket list...
To visit Ireland (even better if I could ride a horse while I'm there).
My favorite quote...
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better" — Maya Angelou
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have a beagle named Lana, and 3 cats; Sasha, Selina, and Gwen. Lana is a typical stubborn beagle, she's very sweet and cuddly, but will only listen if there is food involved. Sasha is a timid old girl who prefers to snuggle once my kids go to sleep. Selina and Gwen are my babies and both trouble makers. Selina starts fights and Gwen finishes them. We named Gwen after Spider Gwen because she literally climbs my walls.
