Page 8 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2023

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
Pathology
PATHOLOGY SPECIALIST TAKES ON NEW
LEADERSHIP ROLE

imon Priestnall, Professor of the papers. I vividly remember the second alpacas, is keeping me on my toes. Seeing
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology, has time, waiting patiently for the result, alone the dedication of the people who work
S succeeded Ken Smith (who has in an airport hotel on my return to the UK. I there is incredible – blending a commercial
become head of the Graduate School) as opened the email with enormous trepidation, enterprise with an educational resource is
Head of the Department of Pathobiology but this was soon replaced by copious tears no easy task.
and Population Sciences (PPS). We of joy!
spoke to Simon about his new role and The second is being awarded the What developments in diagnostic
developments in Diagnostic Pathology. 2020 Achievement Award by the Royal pathology at the RVC might vets in the
College of Pathologists for Contribution to wider community like to hear about?
You were a vet student at Bristol, Education. This recognised my teaching Digital pathology has been accelerated by
which included an intercalated BSc in and mentorship in veterinary pathology the pandemic and has enabled many more
veterinary pathology at the RVC. You at both undergraduate and especially opportunities within our team. Digitised
then studied at Cornell before returning postgraduate level, through our highly (scanned) slides have not only enabled the
here for a PhD and residency. What drew successful anatomic pathology residency ability to work off site whilst on diagnostic
you back to the RVC? training program and work with a veterinary duty but also the sharing of cases amongst
The offer of a PhD to study a completely pathology education foundation. the team and with other pathologists or
new respiratory virus in dogs (discovered clinicians across the campus – or even
at the RVC in 2002) was too good to turn You’ve taken on a huge job – what are around the world – for rapid second
down. Having spent my intercalated year some of the key things on your horizon opinions/consultations.
at the RVC, I knew the facilities and people over the coming months? Diagnostic immunohistochemistry is
would provide the perfect environment to One of the biggest things I would like a service we provide with an automated
support my scientific curiosity. The virus, as to support is building and developing stainer, and we support not only our own in-
it happens, was a respiratory coronavirus, collaborations between researchers, house cases but also provide a service for
which at the time was of limited interest educators and diagnosticians within the other commercial laboratories through our
within the veterinary community, but in Department. We have a huge wealth and large array of markers for oncological cases.
recent years has become much more breath of talent, from epidemiology, animal
topical! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! welfare science, immunology, vaccinology, Can you still undertake research and
agribusiness, farm animal health and clinical work in your new role?
What have been most memorable points management, diagnostic and research This is a challenge, but I am continuing with
of your career so far? pathology, parasitology, bacteriology and clinical work on the surgical biopsy service – I
Two things come to mind. The first was virology. Although we have some great particularly enjoy gastrointestinal cases and
passing my specialist board exams in collaborations, these can be developed am part of an ACVIM consensus statement
anatomic pathology. This was exhausting further – for example taking diagnostic tests project on the topic. In terms of research
process involving travelling (with developed in the Department through to collaborations, this is principally as part of a
microscope) to Iowa State University where commercial application. small group of RVC pathologists providing
the exam was administered over three days. Aside from the more strategic things, specialist experimental histopathology
For me it involved two visits to the Mid- getting to understand our farm (Bolton’s consultancy to the Francis Crick Institute
West (fortunately the second time without Park Farm), which is home to a large flock of and the Medicines and Healthcare products
microscope!) as I missed by 2% on one of sheep, dairy cattle, laying hens, goats and Regulatory Agency (MHRA), part of the
Dept of Health.

The RVC has a great track record with
pathology residents' board certification.
What advice would you give to any vets
who are interested in making a shift into
pathology?
Go for it! I have never looked back once
– it is an exciting career with so many
possibilities and rewarding opportunities, oh
and no on call!

For the Diagnostic Pathology Service,
please call:01707 666 208
Email:
diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac.uk

8 Autumn 2023