Alison graduated from Writtle College in 2005 with a BSc (hons) in Equine Science and qualified as a small animal VN in 2009 whilst working in mixed practice in Bristol. In 2010 she moved to Langford Vets to work as a surgical nurse. During this time she has achieved the Dip AVN (small animal). For a few years she worked as a clinical teaching nurse for the University of Bristol, teaching practicals and lectures to undergraduate VNs in the Veterinary Nursing and Bioveterinary degree course. She moved back into clinical nursing in 2018, returning to the theatre team, becoming Head Theatre Nurse in 2019.
I have been nursing for 21 years, starting in a mixed practice in country Victoria and 12 years in emergency nursing.
I love the variety of cases we get to see in emergency nursing. I love being able to make a difference to our patients especially when they often come in critically ill and being able to help stabilise them and seeing them get to go home or back to their regular vet for ongoing treatment. I enjoy the challenge of thinking outside the box when challenges arise, and am lucky to be able to have a hands on role, collecting bloods, placing IV’s, placing nasal lines, etc. This makes the role very fulfilling.
Outside of work I love going to the beach, road tripping around Australia, watching horror movies, hanging out with all my rescue animals I have collected over the years from work. This includes 6 cats, 8 budgies, 1 duck and 10 chickens.
Amy studied at and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2013 as a Veterinary Surgeon. After a short stint in first opinion practice, she developed a strong interest in Diagnostic Imaging. Amy completed a general rotating internship and worked in the Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Department of the University of Pretoria. In 2016 she moved to the United Kingdom and began a residency in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Liverpool.After completing her residency in 2019, Amy began working in private referral practice and is currently working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in the West Midlands. She successfully passed the European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in January 2020.When not at work, Amy loves spending time outdoors walking her dog and travelling around the country.
Amy qualified in 2008 and after some time in referral nursing, she returned to a head nurse/ clinical team leader role in a busy first opinion practice in Bristol. She is currently a Lecturer in Veterinary Practice (Anaesthesia), at Bristol University, Langford. She enjoys all aspects of nursing, but has a special interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, having completed the NCert(A&CC), followed by the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Veterinary Nursing through the Royal Veterinary College. Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia through Edinburgh University and is currently studying towards a second Master’s degree in the Clinical Management of Pain, again through Edinburgh University. Amy Holds a teaching qualification (Associate fellowship in higher education) and is also currently studying towards a post graduate certificate in academic practice.
I joined AES after moving up from Sydney.I have worked at specialist hospitals for almost 10 years, working in Surgery, Medicine and Emergency. ECC is where my heart lies - I enjoy the varied cases, crazy workload at times, and the opportunity for surgical/medicine and emergency cases. I like the rush of emergencies, and the outcome for our patients can be amazing.
I have so many memories from working in emergency! I nursed a dog that swallowed a steak knife, a dog that got shot in the face with a spear gun and met one of my favourite UFC fighters while nursing his frenchie with IVDD! But my favourite memories are the amazing people I have met along the way and all the adorable animals!
Outside of work I love spending time with my family, which includes two dogs, a cat, a turtle, a snake and a bird! I have a young child who is a total dreamboat and takes up a lot of my time! Beach days and bush walks are a favourite in our house.
Barbara graduated with an integrated Master’s in Veterinary Medicine from the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal in 2009. After graduation, she worked for a year in a small animal practice in Portugal. In 2011 Barbara moved to the United Kingdom to undertake a one-year rotating internship at a referral practice in Swindon followed by three years working in general practice. In 2015, she began a four-year senior clinical training scholarship in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital. During her residency, Barbara obtained the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Diagnostic Imaging in 2017 and a Master’s degree investigating canine oesophageal disease in 2019. After completing the residency Barbara moved to the northeast of England to work in a multidisciplinary small animal referral practice and gained a Diploma in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging in February 2020.
My parents are human doctors and I grew up in surf lifesaving where I learnt most of my first aid skills. I prefer animals though and after working with wildlife for 15 years I transitioned to vet nursing. I still work with wildlife but I love the challenges and contrast of emergency nursing.Outside of work I enjoy competing in triathlons and hanging out with my dogs.
Claire graduated from the University of Bristol in 2005 with a BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration. Following graduation, Claire joined a multidisciplinary referral hospital where she went onto lead various departments including surgery and medicine before becoming a head nurse and, finally, clinical nursing training manager. During this time Claire's passion for feline medicine and surgery grew and I 2015 Claire left to take up the role of a Lead Nurse primarily in Feline Medicine and to help set up another multidisciplinary hospital in Hampshire, where she was instrumental in obtaining gold Cat-Friendly Clinic status as well as obtaining her diploma in feline nursing. Claire's main interests are feline medicine/ surgery, and emergency and critical care.
Cristina graduated from the University of Parma (Italy) in 2013. After two enjoyable years in general practice, Cristina pursued her love for neurology undertaking two rotating internships first, followed by a three-year residency program in Neurology and Neurosurgery in a busy referral hospital in the UK. Her research focused on spinal surgery during her residency with a particular interest in 3D printed patient-specific drill guides. Cristina was awarded the diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2022.Cristina has been working at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service (UK) since March 2022 . Cristina enjoys all aspects of neurology and neurosurgery, particularly inflammatory diseases of the CNS, epilepsy, and spinal surgery.Cristina enjoys spending time with her two dachshunds, Tito and Theo and friends in her spare time.
Darren graduated from Cambridge University in 2006, spending a one year rotating small animal internship at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket thereafter. He then spent 5 years in general practice in Bishops Stortford whilst studying for the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery under the supervision and guidance of Dick White. He returned to Cambridge University as a Staff Surgeon for one year before completing a three year Surgery Residency training at Dick White referrals. He was awarded the Diploma in Small Animal Surgery by the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in February 2017 and continues to work as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery at Dick White Referrals.
Debbie is a registered veterinary nurse who qualified in 2005. She spent a few years in general practice and then moved to work for Cave Veterinary Specialists where she is Theatre Team Leader. Along with surgical nursing, she also has a keen interest in anaesthesia and critical care. Outside of work she is an avid gym-goer and has a cute little kitten called Mr Tibbs.
Alana graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 2005. After graduation, she worked at the UQ Veterinary Teaching Hospital at St. Lucia for several years in various roles, including emergency veterinarian, rotating small animal intern, and radiology intern. In 2009 she was awarded Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (Radiology). Alana moved to South Australia in 2010 to take up a position as Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Adelaide, during which time she expanded her teaching and research experience.In July 2012, Alana began a 3-year residency program in Diagnostic Imaging at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, New York, and passed her certifying board examinations to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2015. Alana is excited to be returning home to Australia, and to be re-joining the team at UQ. Alana enjoys all aspects of diagnostic imaging in all species, but has particular interests in diagnostic ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT).
Alasdair Hotston Moore is Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Veterinary Referrals.He qualified from Cambridge in 1990. Following graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as Intern in Small Animal Medicine and subsequently as CSTF Resident in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery. He was Lecturer and latterly Senior Clinical Fellow in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at Langford from 1997 until leaving in 2009.Alasdair accepts cases in all areas of Soft Tissue Surgery. He speaks on his subject area nationally and internationally and has published widely in academic and professional journals.
Alessandra graduated from the University of Perugia (Italy) in 2003, after which she worked in general veterinary practice in Italy for three years. During this period Alessandra really enjoyed the challenge of facing a variety of cases every day, but soon became keen on anaesthesia and felt that she wanted to specialise in the subject.Alessandra decided to visit Anaesthesia departments in a number of veterinary institutions, mostly in North America. Alessandra then undertook an Anaesthesia Internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London followed by a three s Residency in Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the Royal Veterinary College during which she gained her RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia. Alessandra then joined Willows Veterinary Referrals in 2011 and became a Diplomate of the European College of Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2012.Alessandra is particularly interested in the anaesthesia of the critically ill patient and of the patient with cardiac disease. She enjoys working as part of the team of highly qualified and dedicated specialists at Willows and helping to keep the veterinary and clinical support staff up to date with the latest anaesthetic and intensive care techniques.Alessandra is the daughter of a dog breeder and a diplomat. She grew up mostly in Italy, but also lived in Australia and Switzerland and always with several dogs and cats.In her spare time, Alessandra loves to spend time with her ‘boys’ Sheldon and Hector, her two miniature wired haired dachshunds. Lately Alessandra has the new passion for running but mainly ‘social running’ with her friends. Although Alessandra misses the Italian sun and food, her family and Italian friends, she feels as though she has gained a second family at Willows!
Dr Amelia Allen is an emergency Veterinarian in at our Underwood practice in Brisbane’s south-east. Amelia is driven by her passion for helping sick animals to get better and finds her fascination in the science behind vet medicine to be a key driver in her dedication to her career. Her pathway to emergency medicine was a result of her thirst to learn more.Amelia has some memorable stories from the emergency room. Her most unusual case to come through was a cat whose misadventure involved swallowing a $2 coin. Amelia loves her job and is often amazed at an animal’s ability to recover. She recalls one patient that was close to death – suffering from severe shock and electrolyte abnormalities. Within a few hours under the care of AES staff, the patient was up and about and walking – for Amelia it was an incredible recovery to witness.
Ana graduated in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Las Palmas, Canary Islands (ULPGC), Spain in 1998 and obtained accreditation of her academic degree (DVM) by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA, ECFVG,) in 2007.Ana completed a PhD about platelet function in dogs with cancer at ULPGC between 1999-2003. She continued her studies with as a Master's degree in Small Animal Medicine, internship in oncology and residency in hematology and oncology between 2003 and 2007 at The Ohio State University (OSU), Columbus, OH, USA. Ana is the first Spanish veterinarian to hold a diploma in oncology from both, the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM and ECVIM-CA) since 2008.After working for a year as a clinical instructor at the Teaching University Hospital she moved to London, UK where she became senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) of London. She combined teaching with the development of the RVC Oncology Service at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, for which she was responsible between 2009 and 2014. She also founded and directed the ACVIM Oncology residency program from 2009 to 2017. Since 2018 she works as Oncology consultant at IDEXX UK and in 2021 this work has expanded to IDEXX Spain. She combines consultancy with part-time clinical work at AUNA Veterinary Specialties (Valencia, Spain).Ana was for 10 years member of the Executive Committee of the European Society of Veterinary Oncology (ESVONC), holding differnt roles, including president from 2017 to 2021. She has been a member of the Examining Committee for the ECVIM-CA Diploma in Oncology and currently is the director of the ECVIM-CA Oncology Residency Program at AUNA Veterinary Specialties (Valencia, Spain).Her main research interests are new anticancer therapies in pets, diagnosis and treatment of lymphoproliferative diseases, quality of life and clinical reasoning in veterinary oncology. She has numerous publications at international scientific journals https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3672-5460 and has presented her research at International Scientific Meetings. Ana has been an invited speaker in numerous Veterinary Meetings in Europe and enjoys transmitting her passion for oncology through teaching postgraduate courses and continuing education.
Ann graduated from the University of Queensland in 1997. After graduation she worked in general practice in Melbourne and the UK before returning to the University of Queensland Veterinary Teaching Hospital. While at UQ she obtained her membership in small animal internal medicine. Ann then briefly worked at Veterinary Specialist Services in 2003 before going to the United States to pursue a residency in small animal internal medicine at Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.Ann completed her Masters in veterinary medicine and passed her internal medicine exams at the end of her training program in 2006. She was awarded her Diplomate in Small Animal Internal Medicine by the American College of Veterinary Medicine in March 2007. During her residency, Ann was awarded the Katie McAllister Compassion Award for compassionate care of her patients. Ann returned to Australia in July 2006 to start working with the internal medicine team at Veterinary Specialist Services (Brisbane) where she spent almost 7 years treating many varied and interesting cases.Ann has a love of teaching and in 2013 she took on the role of starting up the small animal medicine referral service at UQ Veterinary Medical Centre Gatton.While at UQ Ann completed a teaching qualification (graduate certificate in higher education) and taught both veterinary technology and veterinary students in lectures and the clinic.Ann re-joined VSS in 2017 to take on the role of mentoring the VSS Residency Program. This program has strong links to UQ and is the perfect opportunity for Ann to shine.Ann's current areas of interest are; endocrinology, urinary tract disease, non-invasive diagnostics and veterinary education.
EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Diagnostic ImagingAudrey Petite graduated from Liege Veterinary School, Belgium, in 1999. After a couple of years in small animal practice and a one-year internship in radiology, she completed her residency program at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK. She became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in 2005. Following her residency, she worked for several years in large multi-disciplinary referral centres in the UK. She then started a mobile diagnostic imaging service in 2011 providing on-site imaging services to a large number of veterinary practices and zoological parks. She has provided an imaging service to Fitzpatrick Referrals (Oncology and Soft Tissue) since 2015. During all these years, she developed a particular interest in ultrasound and CT, particularly in the fields of oncology and medicine. She especially enjoys all aspects of imaging-guided techniques, ranging from challenging biopsies to assisting in interventional radiology procedures.
Becky is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She did her small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee and residency in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since finishing her residency in 2019, she has been teaching as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Mississippi State University. She is board certified and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Becky is particularly interested in ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and really enjoys corneal and cataract surgery. She really loves teaching and engaging with students as well as referring veterinarians.
I graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009 and went straight into mixed general practice in Lancashire, where I spent a lot of time on dairy farms and began to get excited about ophthalmology. In 2011 I moved to Newmarket and undertook a rotating internship position at the Animal Health Trust. Following the internship I embarked on a 3 year ECVO residency program with the comparative ophthalmology unit at the Animal Health Trust. Following my training, I moved to Dick White Referrals, a busy private referral hospital in Cambridgeshire, where I worked for 4 years. I joined the R(D)SVS in 2019 to establish a clinical ophthalmology service and where I hope to be able to help inspire the next generation of veterinary surgeons to find eyes as fascinating as I do! I am an RCVS and EBVS recognised specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology and I am a BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme panellist.
Dr Gavaghan graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of Queensland in 1985 and was accepted as Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Canine Medicine) in 1991. He then went on to complete a cardiology residency program at the University of California Davis, in 1998. Dr Gavaghan returned to Australia and was accepted by examination in 2000 as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Cardiology.He is a director of Veterinary Cardiology and Imaging (VCI) and operates a cardiology referral service at Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS).His research and clinical interests include advanced echo quanitification techniques and interventional cardiology. Dr Gavaghan has presented many hours of post-graduate lectures and has been published in Australia, North America and Asia.
Dr. Scansen is an ACVIM Diplomate in Veterinary Cardiology and is also fellowship-trained in Interventional Radiology. He is currently Service Head of the Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery Section at Colorado State University. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology and is a Founding Board Member of the Veterinary Interventional Radiology & Interventional Endoscopy Society. He has published over 200 original journal articles, book chapters, proceedings, and scientific abstracts related to cardiac disease in animals. He lectures internationally on congenital heart disease, advanced cardiac imaging with a particular emphasis on cardiac CT, and interventional cardiology.
Bruce is Professor emeritus at the University of Melbourne. He taught clinical pathology at the Melbourne Veterinary School for 3 decades, before 'pre-retirement' in 2013. His areas of interest include haematology, cytology, coagulation and transfusion medicine. He has a practical approach to the application of laboratory tests in the clinical setting and currently provides in-house tutorials for vets and nurses.
Charly Pignon graduated in 2005 from Alfort National Veterinary School (France) and wrote his veterinary thesis based on a wildlife conservation project in Cambodia. Following his studies, he worked in a wildlife rescue center in Alfort and in Paris Zoo (la Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes). In 2009 Charly Pignon completed an Exotic Medicine Internship at Tufts University and when he returned to France, he created the Exotic Medicine Service in Alfort National Veterinary School.Charly Pignon is a Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine (Small mammals), a board member of Yaboumba (French association for continuing education in exotic and wild animals), a past president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and a member of the executive committee of the ECZM. His current field of research is in ear and orthopedic surgeries in small mammals, and blood transfusions in ferrets.
EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Oncology RCVS Specialist in Veterinary OncologyChiara is an EBVS and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Oncology. In 2009, she was the first in Europe to be awarded, by examination, the title of European Specialist in Small Animal Oncology and was a member of the examination committee of the ECVIM college between 2011 and 2018. Chiara is currently a proud member of the oncology team at a large referral hospital in the UK midlands Willows Referral, and she is one of only a few experienced, certified UK oncologists in the use of electrochemotherapy for the treatment of cancer in pets.Alongside her referral clinical activity in small animal oncology, Chiara is passionate about teaching. She is an honorary lecturer at the University of Liverpool and is a multilingual specialist consultant and lecturer at events in the UK and across Europe. Her focus is on online education of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, pet owners and animal carers, to increase awareness of the treatment of cancer in pets.Chiara’s aims are “to provide vets and owners with the most up-to-date information on cancer diagnosis and treatment options, so that pets can spend more time with their families whilst protecting their quality-of-life and prevent suffering”.Chiara graduated cum laudem and achieved a PhD from the University of Padua (Italy). After a short spell training in the USA, Chiara lived in Scotland for nearly 9 years where she completed a small animal internship and an oncology residency at the University of Glasgow and Edinburgh (2005-2009). She went on to build and lead a busy, private referral oncology service in Glasgow from 2009-2013. Chiara currently lives in the midlands with her husband (also a vet), her two young boys and her wee dog, Tosca. Chiara is also a certified seasonal yoga teacher. In her free time, she is an active swimmer, runner and MTB cyclist. Chiara invites vets and owners to follow her on her Facebook page – Chiara Penzo Vet Oncology.
17 years of veterinary practice experience. 8 years of ultrasound experience, including several thousand abdominal exams and hundreds of cardiac exams. 3 years working exclusively in Internal Medicine referrals and second opinion practice in Hong Kong.
Dr. Christos is a European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. He graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and then earned a Master of Science in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln (UK). He then went on to complete a Residency for the European College of Behavioural Medicine in the Animal Behavioural Clinic at the University of Lincoln. He lectures at home and abroad on behavioral medicine topics and he runs the first veterinary behavior service for dogs and cats in Greece.
Claire is an Associate Professor in Emergency and Critical Care in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University and a Diplomate of the American College of Vet. Emergency & Critical Care. Claire enjoys working in the busy clinical ECC service at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, while teaching both undergrads and postgrads and pursuing clinical research. Claire is a much sought after expert in the ECC field and continuing education sector, and is actively involved in the Australian and international veterinary ECC communities.
Claudia acts a consultant in Ophthalmology at Rossdales Equine Hospital. She graduated from Bristol University in 1995, after which she spent 9 years in general practice in large animal, mixed, and small animal practices. Whilst in first opinion practice she gained the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology and undertook a scholarship at Cambridge University.In 2004, Claudia joined the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and successfully gained the European Diploma in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2007. She was head of ophthalmology at the AHT between 2009-2015.Claudia works with many charities worldwide, assisting with welfare and zoological ophthalmology cases. She has been an active committee member/chair, published several book chapters, lectured both nationally and internationally on veterinary ophthalmology. She was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2018. In March 2017 Claudia joined Langford Vets, part of the University of Bristol, as Head of Ophthalmology.
Despite a life-long love for our furry friends, Veterinary Science wasn’t Dr Huston’s first dream. As a young child, she dreamt of becoming a dancer. These dreams were [fortunately] shattered at around 11 years of age by her mother’s statement following a dance recital, “She looked like an elephant trumpeting across the stage”. From there on out, becoming a vet was it.Danielle graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2010. She had already been working for Animal Emergency Service in Underwood as a vet nurse for two and a half years at this point and was cunning enough to con the Veterinary Manager into keeping her on as a new graduate intern. She remained working at Underwood AES for three and a half years before making the sea change to the Sunshine Coast, where she works at the Tanawha practice.Danielle has graduated with a Masters in Small Animal Clinical Practice through Murdoch University and passed her Membership in Emergency and Critical Care.The Huston family consists of three cats, Delilah and Theodore, both of whom were strays through our clinics and remained unclaimed at the pound, as well as her latest edition to the family: Zachary – also a stray cat through work. There are also three dogs in the Huston household, Tallulah and Pippa, both mixed breeds from rescue organisations, and Penelope the dalmatian – who was a surprise of her husband! Their primary roles and responsibilities include keeping the bed warm, keeping the couch soft and comfy, eating anything they can get their paws on (occasionally resulting in trips to work with mum), occasionally donating blood, posing for ultrasound training and selfies, long walks along the beach for the dogs, and midnight acrobatics for the cats. Oh, and keeping dad company whilst mum works.Emergency and Critical Care is a passion for Dr Huston, and she is exceptionally proud to be a part of such an amazing team providing after hours care to the animals of the Sunshine Coast. The variety of cases we treat with the combination of medical and surgical management keeps things exciting, and us always on our toes.Travel is Danielle’s favourite past time – anything from 4wd-ing weekends away to international adventures. She believes the only way to fully experience any culture is through food and drink, and the success of any holiday can be measured in kilos gained. Moving to the Sunshine Coast has allowed her love of the great outdoors to blossom, with hiking adventures a favourite and a necessity to undo the damage done on previously mentioned holidays.
Specialist, Small Animal MedicineDarren Fry graduated from the University of Cambridge, England in 1990 and spent 10 years as a general practitioner in small animal, dairy and mixed practice in England, Hong Kong and New Zealand before embarking on a specialist career in small animal medicine.In 2001, he commenced a residency in small animal medicine at the University of Melbourne, Australia and became a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2004. He has been working full-time in private referral practice as a registered specialist in small animal medicine ever since.From 2004 to 2008 he worked at the Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland, New Zealand.From 2008 till the present day, he has been working at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre, Australia.
EBVS® European Specialist & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary DermatologyFollowing graduation from the R(D)SVS Edinburgh, Debbie completed a small animal rotating internship at Glasgow Vet School before returning to Edinburgh to undertake a PhD in immunology, followed by a residency in veterinary dermatology. After finishing her residency, Debbie remained at The University of Edinburgh as a senior dermatologist and senior lecturer, where she has worked for four years. Debbie gained her European Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology in 2020 ,allowing her to become a European Specialist and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.Debbie has published widely and has a particular interest in canine and feline allergic skin disease as well as genetic and immune-medicated skin disease. In 2022, Debbie joined VSS to lead the Dermatology service.Outside of work, Debbie is kept busy with her 2 young children, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and tropical fish, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family walking and running.
Edith Hampson is a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist with more than 20 years experience working in small animal and equine veterinary practice and in research centres. Edith is passionate about eyes and loves teaching ophthalmology. Edith is an Adjunct Associate Professor at The School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, where she continues to lecture undergraduate veterinary science and veterinary technical students. Edith also provides continuing education in ophthalmology to general practitioners and encourages young veterinarians to reach their potential in learning and advancement.
Dr Bode graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2006. Following this she spent time in mixed practice before undertaking a rotating internship at the University of Cambridge. She then completed a PhD in heart failure and ageing at the University of Manchester, being awarded her Doctorate in 2014. In 2017 she became an RCVS and EBVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology following her residency at the University of Edinburgh. Liz has spent time in both academia and private practice. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She currently works as a Cardiologist at Chestergates Veterinary Specialists.
Ellie Leister is the lead Pet Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Veterinarian at Veterinary Specialist Services (VSS) & Animal Emergency Service (AES) in Brisbane.In 2004, Ellie commenced 4 years in mixed practice in country NSW before passing her ANZCVS Member exams and moving to England, where she developed her passion for emergency and critical care.Ellie has worked exclusively as a critical care veterinarian in the PICU in Brisbane since returning from England in 2011.Ellie obtained her Fellowship of ANZCVS in 2019, after completion of her residency in Emergency and Critical Care. She manages a team of 16 people and the PICU operates 24/7.It manages very complex cardiology, oncology, medical and surgical cases as well as every day emergencies.
Growing up with animals from a young age I always knew I wanted to be a vet - even from 6 years old! I spent a lot of my childhood on a beef cattle property and originally pictured myself making a career as a mixed practice vet. Graduating from JCU in 2014, I commenced working in mixed practice for 3 years in North Queensland before later feeling the need for my next challenge. This brought me back to JCU in 2018 where I commenced a medicine internship and found my passion for critical care, transferring into the Emergency and Critical Care department to commence life living on "the dark side." I obtained my Memberships in ECC in 2019 and soon relocated to Brisbane to commence working at Animal Emergency Service. I love the fast-paced, busy environment working in Emergency and have a hunger for knowledge, constantly wanting to improve to deliver the best possible care for my patients. With the challenge of both complex medical and surgical cases I officially live and breath everything ECC. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else!
Gerardo completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 2008, graduating with first-class honours and being awarded year valedictorian. He moved on to spend 3 years in small animal practice, transitioning into emergency and critical care with the Animal Emergency Service, where he is now an AES veterinary director.In 2012 Gerardo achieved Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care and for 3 years held position of head Membership examiner for ECC. He also completed his Masters of Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Practice through Murdoch University.Gerado’s interest in teaching saw him move into a clinical training role with AES, so he could help vets transition into emergency practice. He became the coordinator of the AES Internship Program and in collaboration with the clinical training team, the AES Accelerated Emergency Program was developed.Gerardo continues to have a strong interest in the management of critically ill patients, diagnostic imaging and emergency surgery and he works with Improve International Australia as the AEP curriculum developer and advisor.
Guillaume received his Veterinary degree (DEDV) from the Veterinary School of Toulouse, France, in 1998. He subsequently trained and worked at the Veterinary School of Lyon, France and at North Carolina State University, USA. He is presently a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery at the University of Bristol, School of Clinical Veterinary Sciences. He also serves as an Associate Editor (soft tissue surgery) for the Journal of Small Animal Practice and is a member of the Small Animal Examination Committee of the European College of Veterinary Surgery.Guillaume works as an academic surgeon and enjoys all aspects of soft tissue surgery. He particularly relishes the challenge of complex cases, such as cardiac operations, because of the potential long term benefit offered to the young animals affected with these conditions and also because of the multi-disciplinary approach these cases require. He likes working as part of a team and feels fortunate to work alongside other highly qualified specialists. Guillaume also enjoys the unusual cases that require ‘out of the box’ thinking and processes – and the adrenalin rush of having his carefully planned working day thrown out of the window because an emergency arrives. As a member of Bristol Heart Institute, he sometimes works alongside human surgeons, which he describes as a privilege. He aims to bring the best of what he learns from them to help his veterinary patients.A heavy metal fan in his younger days, he would listen to it while in theatre today if he wasn’t so worried about it scaring everybody else off. On reflection, he has decided that Herbie Hancock, Miles Davies and Gill Scott Heron are perhaps choices with a more general appeal.Guillaume describes his teaching style as visual, thought-provoking and engaging. He likes to respond quickly to delegate feedback and is keen that all delegates get the very best out of their time with him.
EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology, RCVS Specialist in Veterinary CardiologyHannah graduated from Glasgow in 2005 and after a short time in mixed practice, she undertook a rotating internship at the RVC. From here she moved to Liverpool, completing a year of research in to the genetics of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, followed by a residency in cardiology, leading to her obtaining the ECVIM Diploma in Cardiology in 2012. Hannah enjoys teaching (cardiology - she is less enthusiastic about home schooling), having been a lecturer for a time at Liverpool university, and regularly providing CPD across the country. Hannah now juggles life on a farm with 3 small children, with the demands of a busy, peripatetic cardiology referral service in the North West of England. When she has time she enjoys reading and growing, cooking and eating food.
Dr Spalla studied veterinary medicine at the University of Milan and attended her last university year at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) as an Erasmus exchange student.She received her veterinary degree from the University of Milan in 2010. She then enrolled in a one year internship program at the Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso, with Dr Claudio Bussadori as supervisor. She was offered a PhD in Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Milan, focused on advanced echocardiography and was awarded her PhD in 2014. She started an ACVIM residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London in London in 2015. She obtained board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) in 2018 and European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) in 2019. She also successfully completed a Master degree in Veterinary Medicine (MVetMed) by the University of London in 2018. She is currently working in a private specialty practice in Italy, whilst keeping awake her interest for clinical investigation as well as providing telemedicine support. When she is not working, Ilaria enjoys spending time with her family and friends, her two black cats Kina and Edvige. She loves travelling and immerse herself in different cultures, hiking, swimming and yoga practicing.
American Specialist in Veterinary Radiation Oncology European Specialist in Small Animal Oncology RCVS Specialist in Veterinary OncologyFollowing graduation, James worked in small animal practice for 2 years, prior to undertaking an internship and residency in oncology at the University of Liverpool. He earned the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine, the ECVIM diploma in oncology and became an RCVS-recognised specialist in veterinary oncology. After several years in private practice, James undertook a second residency at North Carolina State University to study radiation oncology. He received advanced training in all aspects of modern radiation therapy, including the planning and delivery of highly sophisticated modes of radiation treatment (intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic radiation therapy). He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, acted as associated editor for a veterinary journal and is the co-author of the neuro-oncology chapter in the BSAVA manual of Neurology. He has also served as an examiner for several years for both the RCVS and also for the ECVIM oncology diploma. He enjoys all aspects of clinical work, particularly using his skills in both medical and radiation oncology to design custom treatment plans. His goal is to try and improve the quality and length of life of his patients, with as few adverse effects as possible. Outside of work, James enjoys travelling, hiking and music.
After graduating from Murdoch University in 1990, James worked in general practice followed by a residency in Feline medicine and a PhD investigating feline thyroid disease, both at the University of Edinburgh.Upon returning to Australia, James acquired his specialist credentials in Feline Medicine in 2000 through the ANZCVS.James' specialty by examination is in feline medicine, however he is formally trained in both canine and feline medicine.James has spent the majority of his career in private referral practice working with both species.James has a specific interest in endocrinology, respiratory disease, cardiology, liver disease, nutrition, feline pancreatic disease, managing co-morbidities in geriatric animals and peculiarity of feline behaviour and the species-specific conditions they acquire.
James graduated from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and spent a few years in general practice before completing an internship and then a three-year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Queen Mother Hospital, RVC. During this time he obtained the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery. James was a lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at the RVC before moving to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2010. James is an ECVS Diplomate and Recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery as well as being recognised by the RCVS as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. In 2010 James obtained the Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Bedfordshire and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2019 James was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contributions to clinical practice. Fellowship is the highest status of membership of the College and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.
James is interested in the full range of musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions from acute trauma to elective surgery as well as the investigation and treatment of joint conditions. He has more specific interests in the role of physiotherapy in patient care, infection control and canine elbow disease (including elbow joint replacement) and feline orthopaedics. James is one of only a few specialist surgeons certified to perform canine total elbow replacement in the UK.
James continues to contribute to the profession through the provision of CPD courses, lectures, research projects and papers. James is an active member and course Chair for AOVET, an independent nonprofit organization that represents a global network of surgeons, scientists, and other professionals highly specialized in veterinary surgery of the musculoskeletal system.
Jane is a Royal College and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Over the last 15 years in addition to clinical work, she has focused on upper airway disease in dogs, particularly brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Whilst at the University of Cambridge, with Dr Nai-Chieh Liu, she devised a non-invasive method of assessing airway function and also introduced a clinical grading system for BOAS which is now available as The Kennel Club/ University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme that was launched in 2019 to facilitate the breeding of healthy dogs in bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs. The study also led to the validation of some new surgical techniques that had been introduced by Professor Oechtering (laser turbinectomy, laryngeal surgeries) for upper airway disease. Jane will be continuing the Cambridge research in 2021 by looking at some of the other brachycephalic breeds in addition to continuing clinical work at Hamilton Specialist Referrals.
Boarded Certified Small Animal SurgeonJayne graduated from the University of Queensland in 1994 and after graduation, worked in mixed private practice for 10 years throughout South East Queensland and New South Wales before returning to the University of Queensland (St Lucia) as a surgical registrar in 2005. During 2006/07, Jayne worked as a clinical instructor in small animal surgery at the University of California in Davis, CA before returning home to Australia to undertake specialty training in small animal surgery.Jayne was awarded membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (small animal surgery) in 2010 and completed her residency in small animal surgery at Murdoch University (Perth) in 2012. In February 2014, she passed the board examinations to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal) and joined the UQ VETS UQ VETS as a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery in July 2014 where she continues to be a Faculty member. Her current research is the overall health and breeding of working shepherd dogs, exploring their genetic profile and investigating the prevalence of canine degenerative myelopathy (degenerative disease of the spinal cord).
Jocelyn graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2014 and started out in general practice in Brighton before completing a rotating internship at Dick White Referrals followed by an oncology residency at the University of Edinburgh.Since gaining her European Diploma in Small Animal Medical Oncology, she divides her time between oncology clinics at the Hospital for Small Animals, University of Edinburgh and studying for a PhD researching human pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Dr John Angles graduated in 1988 with honours from the University of Sydney and worked for five years in small animal practice in Canberra, before completing a small animal medicine residency at the University of California at Davis. John obtained advanced training in veterinary immunology and genetics while at the University of California. He was awarded a PhD in Comparative Pathology in 2005 by the University of California at Davis, investigating causes for autoimmunity in dogs. John then spent four years as lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at University College Dublin prior to joining the Animal Referral Hospital in 2003, working in an advanced emergency and referral critical care facility. Caseload at the Animal Referral Hospital is diverse, and includes critical respiratory distress dogs and cats. John is a Diplomate of both the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM and ECVIM).
John graduated from the University of Queensland in 1988. He worked in general practice in Brisbane for 18 months before travelling to the UK in 1990, where he worked in small animal practice for the next 11 years. He was a clinical assistant in dermatology at the Animal Health Trust from 1998 to 2001. In 2001 John set up North Kent Referrals, a multi-disciplinary referral practice in the south of England, and he owned and ran the practice until its sale in 2012.John is a registered specialist in Veterinary Dermatology. He holds the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology, is a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (MANZCVS) by examination in small animal medicine, and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. John is a past President of the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group. He is Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, where he provides the dermatology referral service.Following his return to Brisbane in 2013, John joined the team at Dermatology for Animals. His clinical interests include the management of allergic skin disease in dogs, immune mediated skin disorders, and all aspects of feline and equine dermatology. John has regularly presented on the subject of veterinary dermatology to veterinary surgeons and nurses all over the world. Outside of work, John’s major interest is in English Literature and Creative Writing. He completed a Bachelor of Arts at the Open University in 2006, followed by an Honours year in Creative Writing in 2009. He completed a Master of Arts in Creative Writing in 2018.
Jonathan qualified from the University of Edinburgh R(D)SVS in 1997. After four years in small animal first opinion practice he went to work at Croft Veterinary Referrals in the north east of England. While there he obtained his Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2003 and completed his ECVS residency in 2007. He became an ECVS diplomate in 2009.
Kasia obtained her veterinary degree in 2014 in Warsaw, Poland after spending 4 years at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, one year at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a final year at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria.Following a rotating internship in small animals at the University hospital in Munich, Germany, she moved to the United Kingdom where she completed a specialised oncology internship at the Animal Health Trust referral hospital in Newmarket. She has completed her residency in medical oncology at the Royal Veterinary College in October 2019 and successfully passed the certifying examination of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Oncology in the same year becoming an American Veterinary Specialist in Oncology. She also completed master degree with the final research project on canine T cell lymphoma.Among busy clinical activities and providing excellent care to cancer patients, Kasia enjoys teaching interns, residents, general practitioners and veterinary nurses on all aspects of veterinary oncology. Kasia presented her research work at multiple conferences in Europe and US. She has lectured for veterinarians across the world, including Poland, UK, Austria and Hong Kong. She has published various papers for general practitioners in Poland and the UK.
Kelly graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2005 and after 18 months in small animal general practice, completed a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College and a three-year ECVS approved residency programme in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Bristol. Kelly joined the Animal Health Trust in 2011 and completed a PhD on the genetics of canine cancer metastasis in collaboration with the University of Liverpool. She joined the University of Edinburgh as a senior lecturer in soft tissue surgery in 2019 and is currently researching into canine oral melanoma and its translational applications. She is a member of the Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons (AVSTS), and an EBVS and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Her particular interests include minimally invasive surgery, trauma management and reconstructive/oncological surgery.
American Recognised Specialist in Emergency and Critical CareI graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 and spent several years as an emergency clinician in private practice in Sydney, Australia before completing an Emergency and Critical Care internship at the University of California, Davis. I then completed an Emergency and Critical Care Residency at the Royal Veterinary College in London. For the last four years I have worked in a private practice emergency and specialty hospital, currently based in Glasgow. In 2019, I became board certified as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine European Specialist in Companion Animal MedicineKerry graduated from Edinburgh University and worked in small animal practice for two years before returning to Edinburgh. She gained her certificate in Veterinary Cardiology and PhD in 2004 and in 2010, passed her Feline Medicine Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Fellowship examinations. Gaining this diploma level qualification made her eligible to apply for Specialist status with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2014 Kerry gained her European diploma in Companion Animal Medicine and became a European Specialist. She then worked at a private referral hospital in Bristol for 3 years before joining Ross University in January 2019. In 2020, Kerry was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Kerry Smith graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 1994. She spent the next nine years in general practice during which she obtained the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology. In 2003 she commenced a Residency at the Animal Health Trust, obtaining her European Diploma in 2007. She became a member of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Panel in 2008. Since 2006 she has been Senior Clinical Ophthalmologist at the multidisciplinary referral centre, Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire. Her interests are corneal surgery, intraocular neoplasia, and veterinary ophthalmology education.
Kieran is an American and European Diplomate and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology. He worked for 6 years in first opinion practice, during which time he completed a Certificate in cardiology, then undertook a residency and Masters degree at the Royal Veterinary College, London. He has given CPD to vets all over the world on cardiology, from Bulgaria to Singapore, and enjoys nothing more than chatting about cardiology to other vets. He is an experienced interventional surgeon, treating not only cardiovascular disease, but respiratory, urinary and oncological problems using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques.
Following graduation from the University of Queensland, Kieri spent 2 years in private practice in Australia before relocating to the United Kingdom. She initially worked for the PDSA animal charity before undertaking a residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Glasgow University Veterinary School. During her residency Kieri was awarded the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. She subsequently joined the faculty at North Carolina State University as Assistant Professor in Small Animal Surgery before returning to the United Kingdom, University of Edinburgh. Kieri is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal) and a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. She is a recognised European and Royal Veterinary College Specialist in Small Animal Surgery.In 2016, Kieri returned to Australia to join the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University. She is actively involved in translational and clinical surgical research, undergraduate and post graduate veterinary tuition and continues to provide clinical service support. Kieri contributes nationally to veterinary Continuing Professional Development programs and continues to serve on multiple committees within the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. Visser is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan and obtained a BS in 2007 and combined DVM/MS in 2010 from Michigan State University. He completed a small animal rotating internship at North Carolina State University in 2011 and a combined residency/MS program in Cardiology at The Ohio State University in 2014. Dr. Visser joined the University of California, Davis in 2014 and is currently an Associate Professor of Cardiology. His primary research interest is improving the noninvasive assessment of cardiac structure and function.
Leah is originally a University of Sydney graduate, who pursued her residency training in anaesthesia, analgesia and critical care at the University of Liverpool. In 2005 she was awarded the Royal College Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia and in 2008 became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. On her return to Australia, Leah worked at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital and also the Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Charles Stuart University, teaching and running clinical anaesthesia services. Leah remains an adjunct professor at CSU and also provides specialist consultancy and education to veterinarians and nurses via the business she founded in 2015,Veterinary Anaesthesia Specialists.
Even as a student at the Royal Veterinary College Lorraine had a real interest in Ophthalmology and completed an elective project on raptor eyes in her final year. After qualifying in 1990 she stayed on for a year as a small animal intern and then went to the University of Bristol for a year as Duphar Fellow in Feline Medicine. This was followed by a short spell in general practice before Lorraine embarked on becoming an Ophthalmologist.Lorraine spent 11 years at the Animal Health Trust, involved in clinical work, research and teaching. She gained her RCVS Certificate in Ophthalmology in 1994 and was awarded a Fellowship by the Institute of Ophthalmology for work on corneal wound healing. Lorraine has been a member of several committees, including the British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (Congress Scientific Programme).In 2004 Lorraine joined the team at Grove Referrals to start an Ophthalmology referral service. This worked well for 14 years, but the AHT called again and after 2 years working back there part-time, she took up the role of Head of Ophthalmology in 2017. Unfortunately, the AHT closed in 2020 but happily, Lorraine has now joined the great team at Dick White Referral, as a Consultant in Ophthalmology.Lorraine has also found time to have 2 children and acquire a house full of dogs and cats. Lorraine has a genuine love of her discipline and continues to teach other vets the joy of Ophthalmology on a regular basis.
Registered Specialist in Small Animal Internal MedicineLuke graduated from the University of Queensland in 2015 with a degree in Veterinary Science. With a passion for specialty training he completed a 6 month training program as a rotating intern at VSS and a further 12months internship training in the States. Shortly after he completed his residency training in Australia and his fellowship exams in 2021 and is now registered specialist in small animal internal medicine. He has worked in a multitude of hospitals to improve his expertise and knowledge including SASH (NSW) and VCA San Francisco (CA, USA). He is proud to be apart of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science as president of the Small Animal internal medicine chapter and an examiner for future specialists of the college. His interests include endocrinology, gastro-intestinal disease and neurological disease.
Lydia graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2002. After gaining experience in mixed, equine and small animal practice she commenced a residency in Small Animal Medicine at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre in 2009. Lydia passed her ANZCVS fellowship exams and became a registered specialist in Small Animal Medicine in 2012. Since then, she has worked in a Melbourne-based private referral practice. She also worked at the University of Melbourne as a Lecturer and Clinician between 2016-2020. Lydia has extensive experience examining for the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and she has been an active member of the Board of Examiners since 2019. Lydia believes that great communication skills coupled with sound logic and clinical reasoning are essential components of the diagnostic process. She thoroughly enjoys all facets of Small Animal Medicine but Lydia is particularly interested in cardiology, endocrinology, hepatobiliary disease, immunology, oncology and complex multi-disease management.
Dr. Burrows is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Veterinary Dermatology; a registered specialist in veterinary dermatology and Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine (Dermatology) at Murdoch University, Western Australia. She is the most experienced veterinary dermatologist in Western Australia with over 30 years working in University and clinical practice and teaching. She has trained the majority of veterinary dermatologists now working in veterinary specialty practice in Western Australia.
RCVS Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia European Specialist in Anaesthesia and AnalgesiaHaving graduated from the veterinary school of the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (Spain) in 1999, Maria Angeles spent a year working in Spain before moving to the United Kingdom, where she worked for two years before joining the Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC).From 2003-2007, Angie completed an anaesthesia internship and residency at the RVC. She then worked as a clinical instructor in anaesthesia at the RVC from June 2007 to August 2011.After that, she moved to the United States of America where she worked as an assistant professor in anaesthesiology at the University of Minnesota for two and a half years. In 2014 she returned to the United Kingdom to work as a clinical anaesthetist at the Animal Health Trust.In January 2015, Angie joined North Downs Specialist Referrals and is currently working as Specialist veterinary anaesthetist and Head of anaesthesia department. Her clinical interests are pain recognition and management, anaesthetic management of the compromised patient and artificial ventilation. Maria Angeles holds a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia (CertVA) and is a Board certified Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (DECVAA).
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
EBVS®️ European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
Mark qualified from the University of Cambridge and then worked in first opinion small animal practice. Following an internship at the RVC he moved to the University of Glasgow to complete a residency in veterinary neurology. He has a Master’s degree on steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs and has particular interest in involuntary muscle contractions, reflex epilepsy, inflammatory central nervous system disease and feline neurology. He is the Clinical Director at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital and is veterinary consultant to the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).
Martin graduated from the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic, in 1992.Martin moved to Australia in 1994 and worked with Advanced Anaesthesia Specialists from 1997 – 2000. He completed an internship in Small Animal Surgery at the Animal Referral Hospital in Strathfield in 2000 and was admitted to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists as a Member in Small Animal Surgery in the same year.Martin then worked in a private general practice and veterinary emergency centre in Brisbane, before taking up the position as a clinical instructor at the University of Queensland. In 2006, he completed his residency training in Small Animal Surgery at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre.During 2006 - 2007 he travelled to the UK, furthering his experience as a soft tissue and oncology surgeon at Wey Referrals and then the Animal Health Trust at Newmarket.Martin’s professional interests include Oncology and Soft Tissue surgery. He has a very special interest in oncology/reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive surgery. He is a member of the Veterinary Endoscopy Society, the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology and the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society.
Mary has over 20 years' experience in course development and teaching, in undergraduate / postgraduate veterinary medicine, evidence based practice and veterinary nursing. She is one of an elite group of vets who have been given Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and was delighted recently to be awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for her commitment to advancing veterinary and nursing education.She has lectured and published widely on evidence based medicine, clinical decision making, dermatology, nursing, ethics, communication skills, emergency nursing, mental health in the profession, conservation and has developed a training programme for clinicians working with Guide Dogs in practice.
Mellora graduated from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2003, spending time in small animal general practice before gaining further experience through clinical positions at the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland. She completed a clinical residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Murdoch University in Perth, becoming a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2012.Mellora moved to the UK in 2014, working first as maternity leave cover at the University of Glasgow for six months before joining the Animal Health Trust as a Senior Clinician in Small Animal Internal Medicine for five years, where she was involved with clinical research and resident training until the AHTs closure in 2020. She has since worked within the VetCT Team providing Teleconsulting services to general practice clients around the globe, and continues to regularly work clinical locums throughout the UK.As well as a keen interest in clinical research, Mellora continues to enjoy both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and further consolidated the teaching experience obtained through working within academic practice over many years with a Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education from the RVC. Mellora has a research Masters in Veterinary Medicine from Murdoch University for work on sinonasal aspergillosis, and a PhD from the University of Melbourne, for investigation of applications of the novel gastrointestinal endoscopic technique, confocal endomicroscopy. Mellora enjoys all aspects of internal medicine, but particularly enjoys infectious disease and gastroenterology.
Originally from Melbourne, Dr Hicks undertook specialist training at Melbourne and Murdoch Universities, as well as two years of advanced surgical training in the US. She successfully passed fellowship examinations through the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and became a registered specialist in 2012.Merrin has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, presented at conferences both in Australia and overseas, completed a Masters of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne, and taught both students and graduate veterinarians in universities in Australia and the US.For four years, Merrin was a founding director at the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE), now one of the largest specialist hospitals in Melbourne, before joining the Animal Referral Hospital in 2016. Merrin enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine and critical care, in particular surgical emergencies, trauma, and blood gas analysis.She lives with her partner, young daughter, two dogs and a cat and enjoys surfing in her spare time.
European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Clinical PathologyNic graduated from Bristol in 2007 and moved to Sri Lanka to work at the veterinary school in Perideniya. In 2008, he returned to the UK to work in mixed practice in North Wales. In 2015, Nic commenced a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Dick White Diagnostics. He gained fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2018, and his European Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2019. Nic continues to work at Dick White Diagnostics, and his professional interests include the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease and flow cytometry.
Nick Bexfield BVetMed PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA FSB MRCVS European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology After graduation, Nick Bexfield spent four years in practice before completing a residency in small animal medicine and oncology at the University of Cambridge. He gained both the RCVS and European Diplomas in Small Animal Medicine in 2006, and is a European Specialist. He remained at Cambridge as a medicine clinician for a further two years before undertaking a Wellcome Trust funded PhD. He was the Clinical Oncologist at Cambridge for a year, before moving to the University of Nottingham in December 2013 to become Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine and Oncology. He is the BSAVA Congress Programme Committee vice-chair and also co-author of the BSAVA Guide to Procedures in Small Animal Practice. He lectures widely in the UK and abroad in all areas of small animal internal medicine.
Dr Niek Beijerink graduated with veterinary degree from Utrecht University in The Netherlands. He completed a PhD (canine endocrinology and reproduction) in 2007 and then a residency in Small Animal Cardiology in 2010. He is a Diplomate of European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology). Dr Beijerink commenced working as a Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology at Sydney University in August 2011, and is responsible for the clinical service and teaching in this area. Some of his active research interests are heart failure therapy, cardiac CT imaging, and stem cell therapy for heart disease.
Dr. Oriana Leong is an Emergency Veterinarian at the Gold Coast practice of the Animal Emergency Service. She discovered her passion for Emergency and Critical Care during the early years of her veterinary study. Oriana graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013. She started working in an emergency practice as a new graduate and has gained essential clinical experience through these years within the industry. Oriana attained her memberships in Emergency and Critical Care in 2017 and became part of the AES family. She has a keen interest in all things critical care as well as diagnostic imaging, particularly ultrasonography. She loves the collaboration between the different departments in a multi-disciplinary specialist hospital as well as general practices to attain the best possible outcome for a patient. In 2018, Oriana spoke at the annual ANZCVS Science Week conference regarding her publication on “Severe acute pulmonary haemorrhage and haemoptysis in 10 dogs following Eastern Brown Snake envenomation” in Toxicon.Outside of work, Oriana spends her free time with her two feline friends, Popcorn and Pancake, enjoying some couch and TV time. She is a self-declared “Foodie” and enjoys exploring all kinds of cuisines.
Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zaragoza in 2012. After working for 5 years in a small animal general practice and completing a twelve-month rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the veterinary teaching hospital of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) during 2017/2018, he began a three-year residency (2019-2022) program as a resident of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP Resident) at the same institution. Immediately after residency, he spent 1 year as a clinical pathologist Batt Laboratories (Coventry, UK) and obtained the diploma in October 2023. He currently works as a clinical pathologist for Zoetis Global Dx (Virtual Laboratory), focusing on cytological and hematological diagnostics.He is author of several scientific articles and book chapters and has also participated in congresses/courses focused on veterinary clinical pathology.
Owen is an RCVS and American recognized specialist in veterinary oncology. Before his residency at the Royal Veterinary College he spent 9 years in general practice, including mixed, small animal, private and charity work. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (chapter of small animal medicine), a diplomat of the ACVIM(oncology) and holds a Master’s degree based on research into canine lymphoma. Owen currently works at Highcroft Veterinary Referrals in Bristol.
Pedro has an interest in eyes and ocular diseases in a variety of animal species. After graduating from UTAD Vila Real, Portugal, Pedro underwent a rotating internship. Pedro successfully completed the Certificat d'Études Supérieures en Ophtalmologie Vétérinaire at École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse–France in 2007/08 followed by an eighteen-month Ophthalmology Internship at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK.In 2010 Pedro started a European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists approved residency program at the Animal Health Trust where he was appointed Ophthalmology Clinician after finishing his training. Pedro joined the Ophthalmology team at Pride Veterinary Centre in October 2014.Pedro lectures frequently at national and international veterinary ophthalmology congresses and he is involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.Pedro is also the course director for Improve Internationals GPCert/PgC Small Animal Ophthalmology Online learning programme.
Pedro qualified from Porto University (Portugal) in 2005 and obtained the ECVIM-CA cardiology diploma in 2012. He worked in a number of European referral centres before joining Davies Veterinary Specialists (DVS) in October 2012 where he established an electrophysiology laboratory for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias. He also works as a consultant for IDEXX Telemedicine in the US and Virtual Veterinary Specialists in the UK. He authored the book Guide to Canine and Feline Electrocardiography, published by Wiley in 2018.
Philip H Brain graduated from the University of Sydney in 1985 and after 13 years in general practice, completed a residency program in small animal medicine at the Veterinary Specialist Centre, North Ryde, NSW and gained his Fellowship in Small Animal Medicine from the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in 2007. Previously Phil has been an examiner for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal and canine medicine and continues to be a mentor and supervisor for candidates.Phil served on ASAVA executive for 19 years including a Presidential term, two terms as Honorary Secretary and ASAVA scientific convener for 10 years. He was recognized with an AVA Meritorious Service Award in 1999, the ASAVA Distinguished Service Award in 2005 and a special ASAVA outstanding service award in 2010. He became the first veterinarian to receive a Chartered Membership (CMAVA) of the AVA in 2004. Phil was scientific convener for FASAVA Congress held in Beijing in 2014 and for the 2017 congress held on the Gold Coast. He was recognized with a service to veterinary nursing award in 1997 and was the first veterinarian to be awarded honorary membership of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia in 2003. He was awarded a fellowship from the AVA in 2007 in recognition of his service to the profession.In 2016, he received the ASAVA’s Small Animal Practitioner of the Year, a national award. In 2017, he received the Federation of Asian Small Animal Veterinary Associations- Hills Small Animal Practitioner of the Year, an international award honouring veterinarians in the Asian Pacific region and was the first Australian to receive this award. In 2024, he received a NSW Vet Practitioners Board Centenary Medal.Phil is a registered specialist in small animal medicine and is currently practicing at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in North Ryde, Sydney and clinical interests include cardiology, endoscopy and interventional techniques. He also owns a small CE business (Brainwaves http://pbrain5.wixsite.com/website) offering speaking, writing, conference-organising and consultancy work. He has been proud to have been speaking for Improve since 2014.
Dr Philomena Kwong is an emergency vet based at Animal Emergency Service in Underwood, just 30 minutes from Brisbane in Queensland. Having always gravitated to animals for as long as she can remember, Philomena sent her early years in Hong Kong – a concrete jungle where wildlife in most parts of the city was limited to sparrows, pigeons and rats. Philomena used to escape reality by immersing herself in endless animal documentaries.
Philomena’s first real encounter with animals was at her grandmother’s house, who lived in one of the few remaining villages in Hong Kong. It was commonplace for these households to keep cats to keep the mice/ rat population down, and since neutering and spaying wasn’t common practice back then, there was always a lot of unwanted kittens. Cat flu was rampant due to the high level of stress as a result of scarcity of resources and the dense population. Young kittens would often succumb to cat flu and the mortality rate was high. As a child, Philomena felt helpless not being able to do anything. After hearing of veterinarians treating sick animals, she was determined to be a vet one day. At the time, Philomena was six years old.
Originally wanting to volunteer at the University of Queensland Veterinary clinic (St Lucia) when she was a third year vet student, Philomena wasn’t able to do this due to her study workload – mostly during the day. Instead, Philomena started volunteering at an emergency clinic that operated from the same building after hours. When she saw the type of critical and challenging cases, Philomena knew she could never settle for anything less than working in emergency veterinary care.
When asked about her most meaningful case, Philomena was quick to tell us of a cat that presented to her with third degree chemical burns to almost 50% of its body, including some first degree burns to his tongue and a chemical induced pneumonia. “To this day he was one of the most critical patients I have treated; everything was touch and go for the first couple of weeks, not knowing whether he would pull through. It really highlighted to me the importance of practicing gold standard emergency and critical medicine to give our patients the best outcome possible. It took him a little over 8 weeks to recover, including repeat surgeries to remove the devitalised skin. But he made it, and has an impressive scar to tell the tale. Seeing the smile on the owner’s face when this cat finally went home is the reason why I’ll always be an emergency and critical care vet.”
After graduating in Veterinary Medicine with honors at the University of Ghent in 2001, Dr. Pieter Nelissen completed his internship in Small Animal Surgery, which reinforced his interest in this field. In 2003 he joined a small animal private practice, where he worked as a surgeon for 3 years. Dr. Nelissen gained his RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery during this period.In February 2007, he joined Dick White Referrals as an Intern, prior to commencing a three-year residency training in Small Animal Surgery in this institution. Dr. Nelissen was appointed as a consultant in small animal surgery in 2011 and he gained his diplomate status in 2012. Since then he has been working as a soft tissue surgeon and embraced a new role as a lecturer in several training programs, which consolidated his passion and skills as a continuing education speaker.At the beginning of 2018, after 10 years as an important member of DW Referrals surgical team and several important professional achievements, Pieter became the head of soft tissue surgery at the referral hospital, Tierklinik Haar, in Munich, Germany, position that he occupies currently.Pieter Nelissen is a world-renown speaker in the veterinary field. He has led several continuing education programs in Europe, the United States, and Japan with different CE providers. He is also a head speaker at Improve International, where he has held sessions on both certificate and advanced certificate courses.Dr. Nelissen has also produced impressive work in the field of veterinary investigation. He is author and co-author of several articles published in international peer-reviewed journals, with a particular interest in small animal surgery, and of many book chapters in this area.After 17 years of intensive experience in veterinary practice and educational programs, Pieter Nelissen is now one of the most proficient veterinary surgeons. His particular field of expertise is Soft Tissue Surgery, with a particular focus on wound management, thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery.
Dr Rachel Burrow qualified in 1991 from the RVC, London. After several years working in mixed practice, Dr Rachel Burrow returned to the RCV and completed a 3 year residency in soft tissue surgery. After this Rachel went back into practice for a few years and also spent some time at University College Dublin working as a soft tissue surgeon. Rachel completed RCVS certificates in Small Animal Surgery and Radiology before taking up a temporary soft tissue surgery lectureship at the University of Liverpool, that was over 19 years ago. Other than one year spent in a private referral practice, Rachel has remained working at the University of Liverpool where she teaches 4th and 5th year vet students alongside working in a busy soft tissue surgical referral service. Whilst at Liverpool Rachel has gained the European Diploma in Small Animal Surgery and a Masters in Clinical Oncology from Birmingham University . Despite being in the business for a long time Rachel is still not bored with surgery!
Dr Randi Drees graduated from the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany in 2001. Randi spent time in private practice before pursuing her Diagnostic Imaging residency at the University of Wiconsin-Madison, USA. She became board certified with the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and American College of Veterinary Radiology in 2008. Randi then pursued an alternative training program in Veterinary Radiation Oncology at the University of Wiconsin-Madison, USA and became board certified with the American College of Veterinary Radiology (Radiation Oncology) in 2012.She held a clinical assitant professorship and was section head of the diagnostic imaging section at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wiconsin-Madison, USA before relocating to the RVC in London where she is leading the small animal diagnostic imaging section.She is a member at large of the board of the ECVDI and member of the radiation oncology education and credentials committee establishing an add-on Training program in Radiation Oncology for Diplomates of the ECVDI and ECVIM colleges.
RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (Mammalian) European Specialist in Zoological Medicine (ZHM)Richard Saunders is a Staff Veterinarian at Bristol Zoo Gardens and Clinical Teacher at the University of Bristol. Additionally, he sees referral exotic pets at Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Bristol, and is the veterinary adviser to the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund. He qualified in 1994, obtaining his DZooMed (Mammalian) in 2010. He has authored numerous articles on rabbits, rodents and other wild and exotic species, and has contributed to a number of textbooks, including co-authoring "Notes on Rabbit Internal Medicine", as well as several chapters for the new editions of the BSAVA Rabbit Manuals, and has co-authored "Rabbit behaviour and Welfare".
CEO Animal Emergency AustraliaRob graduated from University of Queensland in 2000, went into emergency medicine and never left. He is a founding partner of the Animal Emergency Service (2005). He commenced residency training (2006-2012) in emergency and critical care under the supervision of Professor Steve Haskins, attaining FANZCVS qualifications in 2014. Rob is a registered specialist and one of only 5 Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Emergency and Critical Care.Rob works with multiple business partners to develop Animal Emergency Service into an organisation which helps veterinary professionals fulfill their dreams. The group has 6 emergency and critical care hospitals and a dedicated intensive care unit (Pet ICU). The company partnered with Improve International in 2018 with a shared aim of delivering exceptional veterinary education and training.As well as veterinary business, Rob continues to work as an emergency veterinarian, supervises a resident training program in emergency and critical care, participates in collaborative research projects, and teaches EMCC to veterinarians and veterinary students across Australia.Rob’s dreams are to see tick paralysis eliminated as a cause of death of dogs and cats in Australia, and for Animal Emergency Service to be the place emergency vets come to save the sickest pets and build the future of emergency medicine and critical care.
Rosario Cerundolo graduated from the Veterinary School, Naples (Italy) in 1987. In 1995 he started a Residency at the Royal Veterinary College (London, UK). In 1997 he gained the Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology; in 1998 the European Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology; in 2000 the RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology. Until 2009 he was Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Currently works at Dick White Referrals in Six Mile Bottom, just outside Cambridge, and also as a consultant at Bayswater Referral Clinic in west London. He is a Honorary Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology at the University of Nottingham. He has been the former President of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology, the Chair of the Scientific Organising Committee of two of the past Annual Congress of the ESVD-ECVD. He has been the treasurer of the WCVD7 (Vancouver July 2012) and the WCVD8 (Bordeaux June 2016).His areas of interest are: Canine and feline dermatology
Roser graduated from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in 2006. After graduation, she completed a Master in Veterinary Science and a rotating internship in the same University. In 2010, she moved to the UK to complete an ophthalmology internship and specialist training at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket. In 2016, Roser moved to the Royal Veterinary College where she is now Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthalmology and Co-head of the Ophthalmology Service.
Samantha graduated from the University of Liege (Belgium) in 2011, after which she completed a rotating internship in that same institution. She then took a research position at the University of Brussels (Belgium) in cardiovascular science.Samantha was awarded a PhD for her research on the effect of leptin (the satiety hormone) on the cardiovascular system. In 2016, she joined Langford Vet as a cardiology intern and in 2018 she started an ACVIM cardiology residency, which she completed in July 2021. She became a Diplomate in 2022. Samantha has a particular interest in interventional cardiology and arrhythmias.
Sam graduated from the Royal Vet College in 2002 and completed internships in private referral practice before starting a Feline Advisory Bureau Residency at Bristol University. She was awarded the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2006 and the European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009. In 2011 she became an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine and in 2019 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She was recently appointed to the RCVS Fellowship Credentials Panel.Sam is the Feline Specialist Advisor for ISFM, and the Head of the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners. She also works in clinical referral practice at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists in Hampshire, is editor of the BSAVA journal ‘Companion’ and is a tutor on the University of Sydney Feline Medicine course as well as an examiner for the Membership of the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Feline Medicine). She is an editorial board member for The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and has authored 2 books and numerous book chapters as well as publishing a number of papers on both canine and feline internal medicine.
Dr Sara has always had a love for animals and science, so a career in veterinary science was the perfect way to combine these two loves into a career. She graduated from a Veterinary technology degree in 2007 and worked as a veterinary nurse before starting her Veterinary science degree.During her Veterinary degree she was able to work as an emergency nurse which really cemented her passion for the field. After graduating Veterinary Science she spent almost 2 years in small animal general practice before coming back to the field of Emergency and critical care where her true passion lies.“The team at AES are amazing, as both friends and colleagues. Continuing education is prioritised and gold standard medicine is expected. There is always someone there for you when you need them. We are like a very big family. Emergency can be incredibly emotional and stressful. We see pets and owners at their greatest time of need and we have to be there for both of them. It is comforting to know that I can rely on my team to do their absolute best to get our beautiful patients healthy and well and back home to their pet parents.”Her level of knowledge is admired by her peers and she is able to think on her feet when managing complex medical cases. Her love of surgery is clear and her skills are what excellent. She is also not afraid to ask for help when a confusing case walks through the door and she cares so much for her patients and her clients. Sara’s communication skills are valued by clients and other medical staff – she is fearless and calm in the face of difficult clients and explains what is required in each consult well. As a person, she is a joy to work with and brings the humour to tough situations and is a rock to rely on during a tough shift.
Sid graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in general practice before specialising in Cardiology. In November 2020 he completed his cardiology residency at the University of Liverpool, and in March 2021 he passed his European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine certifying examinations to achieve Diplomate status.Sid is particularly interesting in minimally-invasive interventional radiology procedures for the management and treatment of both congenital and acquired cardiac diseases.He is also interested in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and in April 2020 he successfully submitted a portfolio to achieve the Associate of the Higher Education Authority qualification. Sid’s research interests include canine pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease.
Dr Simon Lemin graduated from University of Queensland in 1990 and after 7 years in general practice, switched to the challenges and stimulation of emergency practice. He joined forces with Rob Webster to establish Animal Emergency Service in 2005.Dr Lemin is President of the Emergency and Critical Care Chapter of the ANZCVS and is continually striving to improve medicine and surgical capabilities. “Animal Emergency Service gives me the ability to work at the highest clinical standard available. Never compromised by lack of resources, with the most talented team of vets, nurses and admin staff.” Simon’s interests are emergency surgical intervention and ventilator medicine.
Dr Simon Swift graduated from Cambridge University and started working in mixed animal practice before moving to exclusive small animal practice. He rapidly developed a fascination for cardiology and passed the RCVS Certificate in Cardiology in 1990. He became the cardiologist for the UK cavalier King Charles spaniel club advising them on degenerative valve disease from 1990 to 2014 when he moved to the USA. He became a partner in large small animal practice in Manchester accepting referrals in cardiology. He obtained his European diploma in cardiology after and alternative residency program at Liverpool University before moving into private referral practice in the UK.By 2013, he wanted to move back into academia to teach and an opportunity arose at the University of Florida where he was chief of cardiology, associate editor of JVIM and a medical director. He returned to the UK in 2014, joining Willows in Solihull where he is head of cardiology.He enjoys teaching veterinary surgeons and helping clients and referring veterinarians.
Sofia is an Oncology specialist, board-certified from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (Oncology).She completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London in 2016 and obtained her ACVIM (Oncology) diploma that same year. During her time at the RVC Sofia completed a Master in Veterinary Medicine and was involved with various research projects, including clinical trials in small animal oncology.Sofia has worked in several referral hospitals in the United Kingdom and currently she combines clinical referral work and specialist medical oncology telemedicine.Recently Sofia completed an integrative oncology and a food therapy course at the Chi University and she is very interested in the combination of conventional oncological therapies and traditional Chinese medicine.Sofia is interested in all aspects of veterinary medical oncology. Her main interests are quality of life of cancer patients, veterinary integrative oncology, translational medicine, development of new anti-cancer therapies and canine renal cell carcinomas.
Dr Stacey completed her veterinary degree at the University of Sydney in 2011. She has worked in both small animal general practice and specialist practice, and has a Masters in Animal Welfare and Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh.Since finishing her residency training in neurology & neurosurgery (University of Melbourne) and gaining specialist qualification as a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology (DipECVN), Stacey has practiced as a specialist neurologist in both the UK (University of Cambridge) and in Australia.She currently works as a specialist in veterinary neurology at SASH in Sydney where she treats a variety of medical and surgical conditions.Outside of work, Stacey enjoys walking and spending time with her dog, Larry.
Stephanie Sorrell graduated from the RVC and undertook her residency in Internal Medicine at Edinburgh University. She is a European Internal Medicine Specialist and RCVS Feline Specialist. She is currently a Senior Consultant at Virtual Veterinary Specialists and also provides locum internal medicine and feline medicine cover to private and university-based referral practices.
She has a passion for teaching and has lectured internationally as well as publishing original research papers in journals. She is also an examiner for the Australian and New Zealand Membership exams in Feline Medicine. She is interested in all aspects of internal medicine, particularly feline geriatric medicine and infectious diseases.
European Specialist in Veterinary Small Animal MedicineSusana graduated from the University of Porto (Portugal) in 2001 and, after working a few years in first opinion practice, I started an internship in a private practice in Essex.Susana obtained her Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Certificate (CertSAM) in 2007 and finished her residency training program at the University of Bristol in 2009.In 2010 Susana obtained the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine (DipECVIM-CA)After finishing her residency, Susana worked in several referral centres in the south of England. Susana is an internal medicine consultant for IDEXX Laboratories and also works as a consultant for Virtual Veterinary Specialists (VVS).Susana is a regular lecturer for Improve International and has also been an examiner for the International School for Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISPVS).
Dr Thurid Johnstone graduated in Veterinary Science from Leipzig University, Germany. She completed a PhD with focus on canine and feline urinary tract infections at Massey University in New Zealand and specialist training in small animal internal medicine in Auckland, NZ and Dublin, Ireland. She became a board-certified specialist (DECVIM-CA) in 2010. Thurid worked in Ireland, Sweden and at Melbourne University (Australia) before starting her current position at the Animal Referral Hospital in Essendon Fields (Melbourne, Australia). Her research interests are in small animal endocrinology, urology, uromicrobiology and bacterial antimicrobial resistance. Thurid strives to deliver continuing education that is mind-stimulating, up-to-date and reflective of her passion to provide the best possible care to dogs and cats.
Dr Trudi McAlees is a New Zealand veterinarian and Massey graduate who after starting her career in a mainly dairy practice, headed off to the UK for the obligatory period of locum work and travel. After a short period in small animal practice in Auckland, Trudi then moved to Melbourne to pursue a 2-year position in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at the University of Melbourne teaching hospital but stayed for 10 years before returning to private practice.Trudi is committed to post-graduate education. She is passionate about improving the ability of practitioners to deal with emergencies, and hopes to decrease the anxiety that can accompany these cases when they present. Trudi has a particular interest in analgesia, ventilation and multi-trauma cases.Trudi has memberships of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, and in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care and was the first person to achieve Fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care in 2008.
Valentina graduated from the University of Milan, Italy, in 2006, where she then completed a PhD in Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Small Animal Cardiology) in 2010. From 2008-2009 she performed externships at the Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre in Kenilworth, UK. She joined the Hospital for Small Animals of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in November 2010, as a Boehringer-Ingelheim Resident in Cardiopulmonary Medicine. After completion of her residency in 2014 she worked at the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Glasgow as a Cardiopulmonary Clinician until October 2015.She joined Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in January 2016 and became a European Specialist in Small Animal Cardiology in April 2016. Valentina particularly enjoys canine and feline cardiomyopathies, congenital diseases and cardiac interventional procedures.
Dr Vanessa Grose was schooled in Brisbane with school holidays spent on a sheep and cattle property near Dirranbandi. Animals have always been a huge part of her life. “We had a big hobby farm with every animal imaginable over the years.”Dr Grose always wanted to be a vet but at the end of high school she felt it was unattainable and started a Bachelor of Science. It soon became evident there was nothing else she wanted to do so after completing her Science degree, she enrolled in to vet school.“During vet school I worked with a General Practice and as an Emergency Nurse at AES. Working as a nurse was invaluable and set me up well for graduation.” Vanessa went on to work in general practice for a few years and in 2014, she commenced with Animal Emergency Service.“The stars aligned and I have not looked back. I love emergency medicine, being at the forefront of best practice medicine and continually learning. Saving lives gives me purpose.”When not at work, Vanessa likes sleeping “my most favourite past time”, training and studying.
Dr Veronika Langova graduated in Brno, Czech Republic in 1992. She was admitted to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists as a Member in Small Animal Medicine in 2000. In 2005, she attained Fellowship in Small Animal Oncology after completing her residency at Animal Cancer Care in Brisbane. During 2006-2007, she joined the team of oncologists at the Colorado State University as an Associate Professor. She then spent 12 months working at the Queensland Veterinary Specialists and Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane, then the Veterinary Specialist Centre in Sydney. Dr Veronika Langova is currently working as head of oncology at SASH Sydney for the past 14 years. Veronika is a member of Veterinary Cancer society, the Postgraduate Foundation, the Australian Veterinary Association and European Society of Veterinary Oncology ESVONC. She is interested in cancer research and has devoted time to Engeneic Pty Ltd as a clinical trial coordinator, researching on multi-drug resistance and targeted chemotherapy delivery. In her spare time, Veronika enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, swimming and windsurfing.
Vicki graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007 and then completed a rotating internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists and an ophthalmology internship and residency at Animal Eye Services in Brisbane. During this time she worked weekends in general practice and emergency medicine and obtained her membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in emergency medicine and critical care. Following her residency she has worked between Animal Eye Services, Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre and the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Sydney. She is currently studying for fellowship examination in ophthalmology in 2015 and particularly enjoys ophthalmic emergencies and a corneal surgical challenge.
Yaiza graduated in 2002 at the University of Madrid. After a short time in private practice, she moved to the United Kingdom, where she undertook a Small Animal Internship at the Royal Veterinary College. She then accepted a residency in Feline Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and she gained her Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2008. Following this, she returned to the Royal Veterinary College to do a PhD about the genetics and pathophysiology of Feline Diabetes. She discovered the first gene associated with feline diabetes. Although she enjoyed her research years, Yaiza always wanted to return to clinical practice, where she could interact with students, fellow clinicians and patients. After her PhD, she became a Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at The Royal Veterinary College. Most recently, Yaiza has moved to The Netherlands with her family and is now The Director of Veterinary Specialist Consultations, a service that provides specialist help and support for veterinary clinicians. Yaiza is also an integral part of the Internal Medicine Team at de Medisch Centrum voor Dieren in Amsterdam, where she is the director of the residency program and enjoys seeing patients and training residents while providing high-level clinical care to her patients. Yaiza likes all aspects of internal medicine, although she has a passion for endocrinology, gastroenterology and all aspects related to feline medicine.
Dr Yenny Indrawirawan is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. She graduated in 2004 from the University of Melbourne. She has been working in various small animal emergency and critical care hospitals in Australia since graduation. She undertook emergency and critical care residency at Animal Accident and Emergency in Melbourne, and spent her externship at various institutions in the USA. She is now working at the Veterinary Referral Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.Yenny has been mentoring general practitioners that are sitting their Membership of the ANZCVS in Emergency and Critical Care. She is actively involved in the Membership and Fellowship examination process with the ANZCVS. She is currently supervising a ANZCVS residency program in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
Yolanda obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1998 in Spain and after a period in general practice she completed an internship in cardiology obtaining the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Cardiology (2004). From 2005-2008 she completed a residency in Cardiopulmonary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a year in the Cardiology Service at the University of Liverpool as a Clinician/Teacher. During 2009-2012, she joined Borders Veterinary Cardiology Ltd, providing mobile cardiology referral service in Scotland. She returned to the Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies in 2013 as a lecturer in Cardiopulmonary Medicine, heading the service. She obtained her European Diploma in Veterinary Cardiology in 2009 and became RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology in 2011.
Emili graduated in 2011 from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), in Catalonia. Already as a student and thank to the great neuroanatomy and neuropathology lecturers he had in vet school, he developed a special interest in neurology. After graduation, he undertook a rotating internship in the UAB Teaching Hospital, after which he did some externships in referrals hospitals in the UK and USA. He then worked for over two years as an out-of-hours first-opinion vet in Mataró, next to Barcelona.In 2016, Emili moved to England to work in a busy first opinion practice in Liverpool. He then joined the Animal Health Trust as a Neurology Intern and completed a three-year residency in Veterinary Neurology at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital (University of Liverpool). In 2020, Emili joined ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists as a Neurology Clinician, and became a European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology in 2021.
Emma graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2016. She then went on to qualify as a Veterinary Physiotherapist from Harper Adams in 2018. She spent two years working in small animal practice in the Midlands, before joining Willows Referral Service and Veterinary Centre in 2019.Emma has a clinical interest in neurology, chronic pain management and the enablers and barriers to Veterinary Physiotherapy referral. Emma is an active member of The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). She is currently undertaking specialist rehabilitation training at the University of Tennessee, to achieve the Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification.Emma feels privileged to do a job she loves and finds supporting pets and their owners down the long and winding road of rehabilitation extremely rewarding. Seeing neurology patients taking their first steps during their rehabilitation will always be the highlight of Emma’s role.Outside of work, Emma has two mischievous rescue cats called Rocket and Ringo. She is a keen runner and enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband.
Emma graduated from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School in July 2000 and completed a residency in veterinary anaesthesia at the University of Bristol.
She holds RCVS and European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Diplomas and is an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia.
Emma completed a PhD in 2009 Advances in the Objective
Evaluation of Pain and Analgesic Efficacy in Horses and her clinical and research interests include pain assessment and analgesia in animals.
Emma is currently a Senior Teaching Fellow in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Bristol.
Grainne graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Nursing from University College Dublin in 2013. After working in the University Vet Hospital in Dublin, Grainne moved to Davies Veterinary Specialists where she spent 4 years as a rotating Veterinary Nurse and gained her ECC certificate in 2017. In 2018, she became patient care supervisor with her primary interests being emergency and critical care patients. In 2019, Grainne moved to Northern Ireland to help set up Northern Ireland Veterinary Specialists as Head Veterinary Nurse. In 2023 she gained her post graduate certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia from Edinburgh University. Most recently, Grainne has returned to university to study biomedical engineering. Her main interests include post operative care of critically ill surgical patients, including septic abdomens and thoracotomy patients. She also enjoys emergency work including patient triage, stabilisation, and blood gas interpretation.
I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1996 and have worked in referral practice and as a veterinary nursing lecturer. I immediately developed an interest in emergency and critical care and transfusion medicine, enjoying the fast pace and intense nursing input of these cases. I love the visible and profound transformation of some patients following a transfusion and I believe it to be a great area to be nurse-led.I currently work one day a week for Vets Now in the role of Vets Now Clinical Support to the hospitals which involves creating and developing many business-critical projects with the organisation’s Veterinary and Nursing Standards group. The remaining 4 days I work as the Training and Induction Manager for Pet Blood Bank UK. My department organises all induction and internal and external training and education for our staff, supporters, the public and the profession, including ensuring compliance with the regulations of our licensing body. I remain active clinically in both roles, working on the hospital floor for Vets Now and as a trained phlebotomist for PBB. Importantly I can fully appreciate the challenges of maintaining a healthy blood stock for veterinary practices to ensure blood products are available when they are needed to treat emergency and critically ill patients.
Holly started her veterinary nurse training at a small animal practice in Staffordshire in 2004 and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2008 from Bottle Green Training LTD. Post qualifying, Holly went on to work in a busy tier 3 veterinary hospital for 2 years. Holly joined Langford Vets in 2011, where she began her role as a night nurse and went on to work within the ICU. In 2013 she gained her certificate in emergency and critical care (CertVNECC) and stepped into the head ICU nurse role at Langford vets. Holly achieved the veterinary technician specialist status in emergency and critical care (VTS(ECC)) in 2015 and in 2021 was awarded the diploma in advanced veterinary nursing (DipAVN) from Harper Adams University. Holly stepped down as head ICU nurse in 2020 to enjoy a more clinical role within the ICU team. In 2021 Holly was elected on to the RCVS VN council.
James grew up in the Cheshire countryside before moving to London to study at the Royal Veterinary College in 2003. He graduated in 2008 and moved back to Cheshire to work in a mixed animal practice where he quickly learnt that his strengths were focussed in small animal practice. From here James moved to a small animal hospital before moving to the referral setting to complete a rotating internship at Willows Referral Service in 2011. The following year James started a neurology residency, culminating in being awarded with a European diploma in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery. It was during his residency he developed a passion for the gym. James is a lover of the outdoors and is the adoring dad to a German Wire Haired Pointer, Bodi.
Jessica is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in emergency and critical care. Jessica’s main areas of interest include stabilisation of the emergency patient, to include management of the respiratory patient, patients in shock, anaesthesia for the critical patient & CPCR. Jessica also has an interest in human factors within veterinary medicine.When Jessica is not working, she enjoys spending time on her parent’s farm looking after their many animals, walking in the mountains and shopping!
I have been nursing for 11 years in general practice and emergency. I have been at Animal Emergency Service Tanawah for two years and love the fast-paced emergency environment, the crazy cool medicine and getting fur kids back home at the end of the day. At home I am pet mum to two (slightly naughty) dogs, one cat, a spotted python and four chickens, as well as three human children.
I’ve been lucky enough to call AES my home since the day of graduation. From my very first day of study, I knew it was emergency and critical care medicine that I wanted to practice. Something about the fast paced, adrenaline filled environment and the mind boggling cases just really caught my attention. Doing placement at Australia’s leading veterinary emergency hospital, AES, really solidified my love for this particular field and I now can’t picture myself doing anything else.
I have been a Veterinary Nurse for almost 20 years, and have spent time in general practice and working for a registered training organisation, however the majority of my career has been spent in an Emergency hospital setting.I currently work for Animal Emergency Services at Tanawah in Queensland, and enjoy the fast pace and unpredictability of emergency -we get to see the sickest and most injured pets andto be able to help them, and see them get better and go home is the most rewarding experience.I enjoy staying up to date by regularly undertaking continuing education.Myinterests include transfusion medicine, toxicities, neonate care and mechanical ventilation. I live with my husband, 2 human kids, 3 Devon Rex's, a bull arab and horses and cattle.
Lluís graduated from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 2012. The following year he performed a rotating internship at the Small Animal Hospital Babenhausen Dr Susanne Medl, in Germany, followed by a one-year Neurology internship in the same hospital.He then moved to the UK, where he performed a one-year Neurology internship and a three-year residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust from 2015 to 2019. During the following six months, Lluís worked as a Neurologist in the same institution, as well as at the Small Animal Hospital Babenhausen Dr Susanne Medl.Lluís was awarded the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2020.His special interests include idiopathic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous syste and advanced neuro-imaging.In his spare time, Lluís enjoys travelling with family and friends.
I graduated in 2008 from the Veterinary School of Lyon in 2008, I then continued my training by performing a rotating internship at the same place and stayed for a further three years working in the ICU as a clinical instructor. After this period, I spent two years in various private practices working as an emergency doctor and travelled for three months in the United States to perform externships. From March 2014 to June 2015, I completed an emergency and critical care internship at the University of California UC Davis and then an ECC residency at the University of Pennsylvania UPenn from 2015 to 2018. After successfully completing my board exam in September 2018, I moved to UK to work in Birmingham, as an ECC specialist and head of service and internship director of Willows Referral Centre. Since August 2021, I am finally back home, working in the South of France as the head of the ECC service in a Referral centre in ‘Centre Hospitalier Languedocia’.
Mark Lowrie is an RCVS and European specialist in veterinary neurology. He graduated from Cambridge and has worked in small animal practice. Following an internship at the Royal Veterinary College he moved to Glasgow to complete a residency in neurology. He has a Masters degree on meningitis in dogs and currently works at Davies Veterinary Specialists.
Dr. Longo graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Milan in 2011. After a rotating and Imaging internship at the Istituto Veterinario di Novara, he was enrolled in a PhD program on soft tissue sarcomas, completed in 2016 (Doctor Europaeus).Maurizio did a residency in Diagnostic Imaging at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies – University of Edinburgh and is now a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. He has a strong interest in research especially focused on the urinary tract, neurodegenerative, oncological and cardiovascular diseases.
Nicki graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2000, and stayed on to undertake an internship and then residency in veterinary anaesthesia. In 2005, she moved to Liverpool Vet School to undertake a three year lectureship post, becoming head of division in 2007.After leaving Liverpool, Nicki locumed at the Animal Health Trust, the Royal Veterinary College, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her PhD in analgesia at Bristol University and holds the RCVS Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia, and is also a European Diplomate in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. She ran the anaesthesia service at Cave Veterinary Specialists for 8 years and is now an independent anaesthesia consultant.
Pamela Murison is Professor of Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine, where she is head of the anaesthesia service. After working in practice, Pamela has worked in veterinary schools since 1996 so has many years of teaching experience both with veterinary and veterinary nursing students. Her research interests include assessing efficacy of novel analgesics and factors which might affect ventilation during anaesthesia.
Prof. Simon Girling is currently Head of Veterinary Services to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland based at Edinburgh Zoo. He also runs a referral service in exotic species and has been appointed as a Professor by the University of Highlands and Islands. He gained his European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) and European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) status in 2012; his RCVS Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2002 and his RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine status in 2003.Simon is:
Prof.Stephen Divers graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1994. He obtained his Certificate and Diploma in Zoological Medicine from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), and is a recognized Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine as well as a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He is a Diplomate of both the American and European Colleges of Zoological Medicine (Herpetology and Zoo Health Management). He is a past-president of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, scientific editor of the Journal of Herpetological Medicine & Surgery and an associate editor for the Journal of Zoo & Wildlife Medicine. He has served on the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in the small mammal and reptile/amphibian specialties, and was involved with the establishment of the zoological companion animal (exotic pet) examination of the American College of Zoological Medicine, as well as the European College of Zoological Medicine, herpetology and zoo health management subspecialties.Dr Divers has lectured at over 80 national or international conferences across the Americas,Europe and Australasia, and provided practical training and workshops in more than 12 countries. He has twice received the Best Speaker Award at the North American Veterinary (VMX) Conference and the International Conference on Exotics, and was voted “Exotic DVM of the Year” in 2006. Stephen is a tenured professor of zoological medicine, heads the Zoological Medicine Service, and supervises the zoological residency program (currently at 4 residents) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, USA. He has over 150 publications to his name comprising various editorships, book chapters, and scientific journal papers, including in Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery; BSAVA Manual of Reptiles; Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents Clinical Medicine and Surgery; Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery; Clinical Guide to Fish Medicine; and various issues of Veterinary Clinics of North America Exotic Pet Medicine.
Rachel qualified in 2012 with a First-class honours degree in Veterinary Nursing, from Middlesex University. She has since worked in a range of practices, including general practice, charity, referral and university, including a year abroad in Australia. It was here, working in the intensive care unit of Melbourne University Hospital, that she discovered her interest in emergency and critical care. In 2018, Rachel joined the Intensive Care team at Langford Vets Small Animal Hospital.Rachel passed the Vets Now Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care in 2019, with 3 distinctions. In September 2023, Rachel gained specialist status as an AVECCTN (Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses) board-certified Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care (VTS ECC).Outside work, Rachel enjoys travel, being outdoors and walking in the mountains. She has a black and white long-haired cat called Arthur.
Sebastien graduated from the Veterinary School of Toulouse, France in 2001. The same year he presented a veterinary thesis on 'Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins in the Dog', awarded by the French Companion Animal Veterinary Association and the University of Medicine Paul Sabatier of Toulouse.He then performed an internship the following year in Fregis small animal hospital in Paris, the largest private small animal hospital in France. Sebastien then undertook and completed a three years residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery in the same hospital from 2002 to 2005. During his residency, he focused his research on the topic of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and inflammatory non-infectious diseases of the central nervous system. Sebastien was awarded the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 2006 and the following year he was recognised as an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.He moved to the United Kingdom in 2005 to join the multidisciplinary team at Davies Veterinary Specialists where he worked as a neurologist and neurosurgeon before joining Willows Referral Services as a senior clinician in March 2010. Sebastien has a special interest in idiopathic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, advanced neuro-imaging and spinal surgery.He is the past associate editor for neurology of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and a member of the Examination Committee of the European College in Veterinary Neurology.RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology.
After graduating from the University of Milano, Italy, with a dissertation on epilepsy in cats, Simona completed a neurology internship at the University of Athens, Georgia, United States. She then did a residency in Veterinary Neurology at the University of Hannover, Germany. Simona obtained the European Diploma in Veterinary Neurology (DipECVN) in 2005. Simona has also a PhD from the University of Milano, Italy, on Neuronal dysplasia as cause of refractory seizures in dogs and cats. In 2005 She then moved to the United Kingdom to work as specialist in Veterinary Neurology in referral hospitals and, more recently, as telemedicine specialist in Neurology. She has also been teaching on veterinary nursing and animal behavior and welfare courses, from level 3 Diploma to level 6 BSc. Simona has a passion for hiking on the Alps, scuba diving and more recently surfing and playing squash. She has two cats, more than twenty orchids and she loves cooking for family and friends.
Tom Towey, BVMS CertAVP(ECC) MRCVS Advanced Practitioner in Emergency & Critical Care, graduated from The University of Glasgow in 2011 and began working in emergency practice at Petmedics, Manchester. He gained his Advanced Practioner status in 2018 and now works as an ECC clinician at Vets Now Referrals Manchester. Tom delivered CPD at conferences around the UK.
Tobias Schwarz was an Associate Professor of Radiology at the Universities of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin-Madison. Since 2009 he has been Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. He holds an RCVS Diploma in Radiology. He is also a Diplomate from the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging.Most recently he was co-editor of the BSAVA manual on imaging diagnostics in dogs and cats. He is the author and co-author of more than 40 peer-reviewed original and review papers in his field.
ECC/ICU NurseTom qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2004. In 2011 he began his role at Langford Vets as a rotational nurse and went on to become a core emergency and critical care/Intensive care nurse. He gained his Cert VN ECC (Certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency & Critical Care) in 2014.In 2017 Tom gained status as an AVECCTN (Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians & Nurses) board certified VTS ECC (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency & Critical Care). Since board certification Tom has mentored many AVECCTN certification candidates. Tom enjoys working in the intensive care unit providing high standard
Tori achieved a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Veterinary Technology and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2015 from the University of Queensland. Upon graduation she was lucky enough to be offered a position as an emergency technician at Animal Emergency Services (AES), Gold Coast. After developing her skills as a new graduate nursing medical and surgical patients throughout a mixed specialist and emergency practice, Tori began to work in the ICU at AES Gold Coast and quickly developed an immense passion for critical care nursing. In 2018 she made the leap to Pet ICU, Underwood as a Core Critical Care Nurse where, along with nursing the most critical patients in south east Queensland, she is now involved with training and education of the nursing team. Tori achieved her Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency & Critical Care through The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses in 2023 and hopes to inspire other Veterinary Nurses & Technicians to undertake specialty training. Some of her favourite cases to manage are ventilator, septic, endocrine and cardiology patients, as well as pain management.
Tristan qualified in France (ONIRIS, Nantes) in 2013 before moving over to the UK in 2015, where he completed a residency in Anaesthesia and Analgesia (Royal Veterinary College). Following this, he started the anaesthesia department at Eastcott Referrals (Swindon) and led the team there until 2021. He became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia that same year.Tristan has lectured both nationally and internationally, and published several scientific and research articles.
I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1996 and continued to work at the PDSA before moving to a mixed practice as Head Nurse and Clinical Coach in Worcestershire. In 2001, I took some time out to raise two fantastic children. I missed the buzz of the veterinary practice and returned full circle to my original training practice, where I undertook the Diploma in Clinical Veterinary Nursing and an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.Joining Willows in 2011 I worked as a lead medicine nurse and quickly developed a strong interest in blood transfusions and endocrine disorders, this inspired me to undertake a BSc (Hons) Clinical Veterinary Nursing achieving a first class honours degree. In 2015 I gained my VTS (SAIM) and then undertook the Veterinary Nursing Certificate in Emergency Critical Care in 2017. More recently I have gained PGCert Veterinary Education.
