James McCunn Memorial Fund
8 February 2012
On Wednesday the 8th of February, the Central Veterinary Society, the UK’s second oldest veterinary society, was invited by the Royal Veterinary College to their Camden Campus as part of an official hand over ceremony of the James McCunn Memorial Fund. The Charity Fund had been operated by the Central Vet Soc Council since 1967 when it was set up by veterinary surgeons in memory of the late Professor Major James McCunn FRCS, LRCP, MRCVS. The Memorial Charity Fund’s aim is to reward top anatomy students at the RVC and help towards their student costs. Staff of the Royal Veterinary College showed the Central Vet Society Council a plaque to name the anatomy demonstration room in memory of Professor James McCunn. Afterwards, staff, students and Council members of the Central Vet Society were treated to a very generous buffet in the anatomy museum at the RVC, and listened to lectures on past and present systems of teaching anatomy to students at the RVC and to some stories about Professor James McCunn himself.
Mr Andrew Crook MBE explains the Royal Veterinary College's anatomy lecturing and demonstration methods, past and present.
Professor Stuart Reid, the Principal of the RVC, noted in a brief address, “Professor James McCunn was a rare individual, having obtained his degree in both medicine and veterinary medicine. One might feel he was ahead of his time as the RCVS and BMA look to the future of ‘one medicine, one health’ irrespective of species.” Indeed, young veterinary students benefited immensely from Professor McCunn’s wide knowledge of animal and human comparative anatomy and disease at the RVC. He lectured from 1926 to 1962 and was himself a student at the RVC during the WW1 years. Professor Bleby recounted, on behalf of the Central Vet Society, some amusing anecdotes of being taught by James McCunn in the 1950’s, and his desire never to have to work again in private practice!
Professor Stuart Reid, Principal of the RVC with Stephen Barabas, Treasurer, Chris Laurence, President, Andrew Edney and Professor Bleby, members of the Central Veterinary Society Council.
The Central Veterinary Society would like to thank the RVC for organising the event and for taking on the administration of the James McCunn Memorial Fund. Under its stewardship the Fund will continue to help the students at the college and promote a thorough appreciation of anatomy in tomorrow’s veterinarians.
Further Information
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- Hannah Murray on 01727 737997
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The Royal Veterinary College
Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary college—with a proud heritage of innovation in veterinary science, clinical practice and education.