Page 3 - Eclipse - RVC Alumni Magazine - Autumn 2020

Another year, another Eclipse...but what a year it has been!
Eclipse, so named because of the solar event on the day of his birth, lends his name
to many things at the RVC, of which this organ is one shining example...and
therein lies a contradiction. Far from obscuring from view the many activities and achievements of our community, this publication of Eclipse truly wants to shine a light on the key events of
the last 12 months and highlight our people and their stories such that you, our alumni, friends and supporters might feel closer to, and part of,
life at the RVC.
That COVID-19 has had an enormous impact is beyond doubt, but as I
have recently been recounting to our newest students, the 229 years since we came into existence have seen a number of plagues ravage the planet and in each case life has gone on. Our staff and students have risen to the challenge and the RVC has emerged, often changed but ready to address the issues of a new generation. This time will be no different and the role
of our graduates in contributing to the future of our planet – from pandemics to climate change – should not be underestimated.
Life does go on, and I commend to you the contents of the pages that follow
– from the exciting and never-more- relevant theme of One Health and its manifestations in deed, word, bricks and mortar, to the commitment we have made as a community to ensure that we address racism wherever
we encounter it – at the RVC or in
the wider professions, in staff or student populations, on campus or on placement. The call to action and the leadership shown by our own students in the Animal Aspirations initiative require the RVC not just to condemn racism but to be anti-racist in all aspects of our lives.
Within the news items you will find accounts of individual excellence
as well as examples of how teams of our people have come together to go above and beyond and make real differences – and very many of the achievements are things that are not contained in a job description
or itemised in a curriculum. That, in itself, is a reminder that university life
is about so much more than a place
of work or study and that the real richness is to be found in the diversity of background, interest and expertise that each member of the RVC brings to the table. And, in our present situation, that can mean in person or via digital means – it is not just our teaching that is blended.... everything is!
I hope this edition of Eclipse finds you and yours coping with the rigours and stresses of this new world, wherever you might be and whatever your circumstances. Thank you for your interest and support throughout these times; never have they been more gratefully received.
I mentioned that we would emerge from the rigours of COVID-19 ready for new challenges, and I
did so in the certain knowledge
and first-hand experience of the resilience of our community. I take this opportunity to thank all our staff and students for their unending patience, understanding and efforts, not only stepping up to deal with the pandemic but also in bringing you the achievements that fill these pages. As you can see, nothing eclipses the RVC esprit de corps (as Vial de St Bel might say!)
With all best wishes,
Contents
Listing the sections in this jam-packed edition of Eclipse
Graduation 2020 2 Principal’s Welcome 3 One Health 4 General News 16 Clinical Services 26 Other Research News 30 Student News 32 RVC Clothing and Gifts 42 Movers and Shakers 44 Classnotes 51 Reunions 64 Supporting the RVC 66 Community 72 In Memoriam 74 Reconnecting with our Alumni 78 CPD Brochure and Discounts 79
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Photo: Veterinary Record, Mark Thomas