Clinical Connections spoke to Rina Nabeta, the RVC’s newest Clinical Pathologist, who joined us in April. As well as completing a clinical pathology residency after her veterinary training, and three years in practice, she also completed a PhD in novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for canine mesothelioma.     

What made you decide to specialise in clinical pathology and what made you choose to join the RVC?   

I've always loved animals (I’m a dog person, love sea otters as well!) and was initially most interested in small animal practice. However, during my internship I found myself increasingly drawn to the diagnostic, investigative side of medicine. Clinical pathology felt like solving a biological mystery – interpreting haematological changes, biochemical profiles, blood smears or cytological slides, to piece together a story that explains a patient’s illness.  

What especially appealed to me was how clinical pathology allows for real-time diagnostic input that can influence treatment decisions and help monitor disease progression over time. Training opportunities in clinical pathology were limited in Japan, but this challenge motivated me further.   

I’m drawn to the RVC because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, clinical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Clinical pathology is most meaningful when it is integrated with input from specialists from a wide range of disciplines, and when it contributes to innovation through research.
I value the RVC’s collaborative ethos. Working in such an environment will allow me to grow and continually improve, especially surrounded by kind and inspiring colleagues.

What was your background prior to coming here?   

I’m from a town near Tokyo and completed my veterinary degree at the University of Miyazaki in 2015. I then joined the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) as a rotating small animal intern for two years, followed by a year working in a first-opinion clinic. While I enjoyed the clinical work, I also encountered challenging situations – particularly caring for cancer patients and supporting owners through difficult decisions. These experiences highlighted the critical importance of early diagnosis in improving outcomes, which led to my growing interest in diagnostics and research.

Motivated by this, I returned to TUAT to pursue a PhD in canine oncology. During this time, I also undertook a clinical pathology residency at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, in Canada. Following ACVP board certification in 2022, I resumed my PhD studies while working as an independent contractor at two laboratories (one in Japan and the other in Canada).

What from your previous clinical experience and research do you hope to add to the service here?   

Working with cases and clients across different geographical regions has broadened my experience and deepened my understanding of how disease presentation and management can vary. This may be shaped by differences in disease prevalence, drug availability, legal frameworks, and cultural approaches to care. Recognising these differences could be a first step in addressing each disease effectively. I look forward to contributing a diverse perspective to this excellent team. 

What are your particular interests in your field? 

I am interested in enhancing the utility of minimally invasive diagnostic methods and establishing effective and accessible novel assays.

A major focus of my research has been identifying biomarkers and developing diagnostic tools for various diseases, primarily in canine and feline oncology. More recently, I’ve developed a growing interest in haematology and bone marrow disorders across species. One of the unique aspects of pathology that I truly value is its cross-species applicability – the opportunity to work with a diverse range of animal patients, including species I had never seen before!   

What are some of the most interesting things you have encountered in your career so far?   

One of the most fulfilling moments is when a complex case is solved through collaborative teamwork by bringing together insights from owners and a variety of disciplines. Those moments reaffirm the power of shared knowledge and remind me why I chose this path. Also, interacting with students and hearing their questions and perspectives often helps me to think more deeply and communicate complex ideas more clearly.

I’ve also found great value in the diversity I’ve encountered – in the species I’ve worked with and the people I’ve met. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with vets and veterinary students from North and South America, Asia, Middle East, and across Europe. These cultural and scientific exchanges have greatly enriched my perspective and deepened my appreciation for global veterinary medicine.   

What are the key challenges in the work?   

The most challenging aspect is the complexity and variability in how diseases present. Interpreting lab results across different species requires understanding a wide range of physiology and disease processes. Even within the same species and diagnosis, changes (haematology/chemistry data and cell morphologies) can vary significantly. Recognising and learning these nuances needs continuous learning.