Page 10 - RVC Clinical Connections - Summer 2025

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
Pathology

MEETING OUR NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGIST

We spoke to Rina Nabeta, the RVC’s What was your background prior to across species. One of the unique aspects
newest Clinical Pathologist, who joined coming here? of pathology that I truly value is its cross-
us in April. As well as completing a clinical species applicability – the opportunity to
pathology residency after her veterinary I’m from a town near Tokyo and completed work with a diverse range of animal patients,
training, and three years in practice, she my veterinary degree at the University of including species I had never seen before!
also completed a PhD in novel diagnostic Miyazaki in 2015. I then joined the Tokyo
markers and therapeutic strategies for University of Agriculture and Technology What are some of the most interesting
canine mesothelioma. (TUAT) as a rotating small animal intern things you have encountered in your
for two years, followed by a year working career so far?
What made you decide to specialise in in a first-opinion clinic. While I enjoyed the
clinical pathology and what made you clinical work, I also encountered challenging One of the most fulfilling moments is when a
choose to join the RVC? situations – particularly caring for cancer complex case is solved through collaborative
patients and supporting owners through teamwork by bringing together insights from
I've always loved animals (I’m a dog person difficult decisions. These experiences owners and a variety of disciplines. Those
and also love sea otters!) and was initially highlighted the critical importance of early moments reaffirm the power of shared
most interested in small animal practice. diagnosis in improving outcomes, which led knowledge and remind me why I chose this
However, during my internship I found to my growing interest in diagnostics and path. Also, interacting with students and
myself increasingly drawn to the diagnostic, research. hearing their questions and perspectives
investigative side of medicine. Clinical Motivated by this, I returned to TUAT often helps me to think more deeply and
pathology felt like solving a biological to pursue a PhD in canine oncology. communicate complex ideas more clearly.
mystery – interpreting haematological During this time, I also undertook a clinical I’ve also found great value in the diversity
changes, biochemical profiles, blood smears pathology residency at the Western I’ve encountered – in the species I’ve
or cytological slides, to piece together a College of Veterinary Medicine, University worked with and the people I’ve met. I’ve
story that explains a patient’s illness. of Saskatchewan, in Canada. Following had the opportunity to connect with vets
ACVP board certification in 2022, I resumed and veterinary students from North and
my PhD studies while working as an South America, Asia, Middle East, and
independent contractor at two laboratories across Europe. These cultural and scientific
(one in Japan and the other in Canada). exchanges have greatly enriched my
perspective and deepened my appreciation
What from your previous clinical for global veterinary medicine.
experience and research do you hope to
add to the service here? What are the key challenges in the work?

Working with cases and clients across The most challenging aspect is the
different geographical regions has complexity and variability in how diseases
broadened my experience and deepened present. Interpreting lab results across
my understanding of how disease different species requires understanding
presentation and management can vary. a wide range of physiology and disease
This may be shaped by differences in processes. Even within the same species
disease prevalence, drug availability, legal and diagnosis, changes (haematology/
What especially appealed to me was frameworks, and cultural approaches to chemistry data and cell morphologies) can
how clinical pathology allows for real-time care. Recognising these differences could vary significantly. Recognising and learning
diagnostic input that can influence treatment be a first step in addressing each disease these nuances needs continuous learning.
decisions and help monitor disease effectively. I look forward to contributing a
progression over time. Training opportunities diverse perspective to this excellent team.
in clinical pathology were limited in Japan,
but this challenge motivated me further. What are your particular interests in
I’m drawn to the RVC because of its strong your field?
reputation for academic excellence, clinical
training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I am interested in enhancing the utility of
Clinical pathology is most meaningful when minimally invasive diagnostic methods and
it is integrated with input from specialists establishing effective and accessible novel
from a wide range of disciplines, and when it assays.
contributes to innovation through research. A major focus of my research has been Rina at the RVC's Boltons Park Farm
I value the RVC’s collaborative ethos. identifying biomarkers and developing
Working in such an environment will allow diagnostic tools for various diseases,
me to grow and continually improve, primarily in canine and feline oncology. More For the Diagnostic Pathology Service,
please call:01707 666 208
especially surrounded by kind and inspiring recently, I’ve developed a growing interest Email:
colleagues. in haematology and bone marrow disorders diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac.uk

10 Summer 2025