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Another year, another Eclipse...but what a year it has been!
With retained accreditations
and major capital developments on both campuses, it seems like the world has been spinning ever faster on its axis since I last wrote. There is no doubt that the pace with
which challenges present themselves is unrelenting and, like the rest of the country, political uncertainty has not made things any easier. However, I am pleased to report that you find the Royal Veterinary College in rude health, as the pages that follow will attest.
Amongst the many highlights of the
past twelve months, there has been the recognition of the RVC as number one globally in our sector. There are many league tables that assess university performance these days but what makes the #1 position in the QS World University ranking so pleasing is that it is, in part, a reflection of how our peers see us... and that our reputation is truly international. Of course, there is little to choose between the top schools – whether that is nationally or internationally – but there is no doubt
that the accolade is testament to all those who carry our name forward – staff and students, past and present. So, thank you.
With the latest phase of our Camden Campus renovations now complete –
a huge transformation – attention turns to Hawkshead. The 18-month build is now underway, and whilst I know that the old Main Clinical Block carries many happy memories, its demolition sees the RVC enter a new era and one where our capital stock matches our reputation and reflects our aspirations. Scarcely recognisable save for Hawkshead House, the investment brings a new heart to the whole campus and an east- west corridor that links the “themes” of our environment – social, learning and research, clinical – closer together.
With the national need for scientists growing and an acute shortage in the veterinary profession, we take our role as one of the largest providers of graduates in our sector very seriously. Ensuring those graduates are skilled and fit for their chosen careers is only the start of the journey and we are seeking ways of extending the support we can provide for all alumni, but most especially those
in the early years of their working life. We also seek to make our relationship career-long and it was a particular pleasure to welcome back the Class of 1979 to enjoy the graduation they never had by joining us and being properly “hooded” on a wonderful day at Royal Festival Hall this summer.
Please enjoy the stories in the pages of Eclipse that follow – our students and our staff, our science and our clinical care, our work and our play – and hopefully
the experience will paint a picture for you of an RVC community that is happy and successful and one of which you feel proud to be part – wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
As ever, please know how grateful we are for your interest in the RVC. Do stay in touch with us – on our website, through Facebook, via our tweets (@RoyalVetCollege, @RVCAlumni and @StuartReid_RVC) and, of course, you will be very welcome at both our campuses.
With all best wishes,
Contents Listing some of the articles in this jam packed edition of Eclipse
Campus News 4 Movers and Shakers 36
Clinical Services 18 Honours 40
Groundbreaking nerve Broadcaster and veterinary transplantation at the RVC 19 history expert among recipients
Reunions 58 RVC Annual Reunion Day 58 15 year anniversary celebrations
for our 2004 BVetMed graduates 58 Year of ’79 meet again in London 59
In Memoriam 60
RVC Clothing and Gifts 65
Supporting the RVC 66
How your donations are
supporting current RVC students 66 Thank you for our colic
simulator model 68 Dates for your diary 70 Alumni coming together across
the globe 72
Community 74
General News 9
New Chairman of RVC Council 9
RVC voted world’s leading Head of CSS 37 vet school 10 Celebrating achievements
Working for a more sustainable at the BSAVA Congress 38 future at the RVC 12 Prof. Peter Lees presented with a
LGBT History Month at the RVC 15 maquette of Sefton at Graduation 39
The Geriatric Cat Clinic 20 From Belgium to Hertfordshire
for exceptional care 21
of honorary doctorates 40 RVC honours Dr Michael Lairmore
with Honorary Fellowship 41
Research News 22 Classnotes 42 Sharing the latest Paul Crawford, AVSPNI president 42 brachycephalic research 22 Leading Women – closing of the
campaign at St James’s Palace 43 antimicrobial resistance 24 Celebrating graduation by cycling
Educating children on
from Hawkshead to...Hawkshead 46 horse, better for the dog 26 Wildlife expert Michael Kock
launches his book 47
Stem cell therapy: Good for the
Student News 28
Students’ Union 28 China on a very tight budget 49 Last day of lectures 32 Attending the Vets Go Wild course
Olympic skier to RVC student 35
shaped my vet nursing career 50 Staff and student wellbeing at the RVC 56
Dr Keith Howe retires from teaching
at the RVC 36 Prof. Dan Chan appointed as
Teaching Clinical Skills in
3
Photo: Veterinary Record, Mark Thomas