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Profession saddened by the passing of Lord Soulsby
Prof Stuart Reid and Lord Soulsby
Former RCVS president Stuart Reid presenting Lord Soulsby with the Queen's Medal.

Inspiring vet has died at the age of 90

Tributes are being paid to Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, who has sadly passed away at the age of 90. Lord Soulsby’s career has been described as unique and “truly exceptional”, dedicated to bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine.

Lord Soulsby was the first veterinary surgeon to become a Life Peer of the House of Lords in 1990. He was also the first veterinary, non-medical president of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), where he served from 1998-2000.

The RSM and RCVS have expressed sadness at his passing. RCVS president Chris Tufnell said Lord Soulsby gave an “outstanding service” to the profession, veterinary science and animal welfare, and was known for his “endearing personality as much as his intellect”.

“He will be missed by many colleagues in the veterinary world but his legacy will live on through inspiring veterinary surgeons from all walks of life to work more closely with other healthcare and medical professionals and through his numerous published works and papers. Our sympathies are with his family and friends.”

A 1948 graduate of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Lord Soulsby was a professor of parasitology at the University of Pennsylvania, before moving to the University of Cambridge as dean and professor of animal pathology. He was also a visiting fellow or professor at institutions in Australia, Poland, Austria, Nigeria, Germany and the West Indies.

In 2015 he was awarded the Queen’s Medal, the highest award that the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon. It recognised his contribution to One Health, as well as his international work as a fellow and professor across the globe.

Judy MacArthur Clark, a friend of Lord Soulsby, is quoted by the BEVA as saying the family are in the process of setting up a charity - The Soulsby Foundation - in his honour. It will support fellowships in One World One Health. Details of a memorial service will be published at a later date, though it is expected to take place in London this autumn.

Image courtesy of the RCVS

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.