Vet Class Notes Summer 2024
Veterinary alumnus to run an ultramarathon
Andrew O’Donnell (BVSc 2010) is running his first ultramarathon, in support of the Katie Piper Foundation.
Andrew, who now owns and manages two veterinary practices in the Welsh valleys, reflects on his time at Liverpool, how it shaped him, and what inspired him to take on an ultramarathon.
“I remember my time at Liverpool very fondly, it is a time in my life that means a lot to me. I spent a lot of my early life facing discrimination for my disabilities, and unfortunately also experienced this in my early career post-qualifying.
I experienced nothing of the sort at Liverpool Vet School and remember positively the support, understanding and kindness I saw through my time there.
I am especially grateful to the admissions staff who took the time to see and understand my individual background and make some allowances for the differences in my education and circumstances. Without their treatment of me as a person beyond my grades I would certainly not be where I am now. Liverpool is a beautiful and vibrant city, and I met my wife and made lifelong friends during my time there.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, my wife and I got into hiking and then trail running. My previous attempts at being a ‘runner’ had failed miserably, as some of my disabilities hinder my pace and ability to train. But trail and long-distance running proved different, as I can focus on completion rather than performance.
I received support for my disabilities from several charities when I was younger and deeply appreciate the work they did and know first-hand the impact they have. I am therefore fundraising for the Katie Piper Foundation, to give back to others who have suffered burn injuries like mine. If you can, please consider donating to my ultramarathon or follow my journey on Instagram.”
We wish Andrew the best of luck with his endeavour and look forward to following him on his training journey and the ultramarathon.
Updates from fellow alumni
Brian Aldridge (BVSc 1984) is the new Chair of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Brian will serve on the leadership team to lead, guide, mentor and develop faculty and staff as the CVM curriculum continues to develop. Brian has worked as an academic clinician, educator, and clinical researcher at universities in the United States and United Kingdom.
Ben Walton (BVSc 2002) received the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Simon Award 2024, presented annually to a vet for their contributions to the advancement of small animal surgery. The Award recognises Ben’s role in developing several new orthopaedic implants and techniques, his commitment to teaching and research, and for his leadership and mentorship in establishing a national network of advanced practitioner vets.
Danny Chambers (MSc 2006, BVSc 2008) is the new MP for Winchester, after his win in the General Election. A great reminder that the possibilities and destinations are endless with your “vet passport” – even the House of Commons!
Charlotte Cole (BVSc 2019) has received the Brian Hanson Award from the British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA). The award celebrates the best paper presented at a BVPA meeting, with Charlotte’s paper "The Great Yorkshire Beak Off" chosen. The paper explores a case of mycotoxin induced beak necrosis. Charlotte also won the Young Farm Vet of the Year Award at the National Egg and Poultry Awards 2022 and currently works as a veterinary surgeon with St David’s Poultry Team.
Esme Chapman (BVSc 2021) has won the Young Farm Vet of the Year Award at the National Egg and Poultry Awards 2024 and has also become the youngest poultry vet to ever achieve a CertAVP in poultry. Esme shared: “I am honoured to receive the 2024 Young Farm Vet of the Year Award. I am proud to be part of such a dynamic and innovative field in veterinary medicine. Looking forward, I am excited about the future of the industry, and I am committed to advancing performance and welfare standards across the UK poultry sector. Continuing to foster my ties with University of Liverpool, in July 2024 I graduated with my CertAVP; which I highly recommend to any vet seeking further education.”
Lois Kennedy has published findings from her INSPIRE Summer Studentship Project (co-supervised by: John Tulloch and Tamzin Furtado). Her survey explored reported zoonotic infections in UK and Irish vet students. Almost a third of students reported acquiring a zoonoses during their degree, accepted this risk, and were reluctant to take time off or report their illness. The research is published in BMC Public Health.
Two remarkable individuals from our community have featured in the 2024 RCVS Honours and Awards! Congratulations to Professor Diana Williams, recently retired Professor of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, for receiving an Honorary Associateship and to Mark Morton (BVSc 2006) for receiving an Impact Award.
Updates from the School of Veterinary Science
The School of Veterinary Science was delighted to welcome alumni among those who joined them for the Leahurst VetFest on Saturday 20th July. An 'open house' day of family fun was held at the Leahurst Campus including tours, demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages. It was a great success!
Have you got an update, a photograph, or a memory you would like to share with your fellow alumni and veterinary community? Send your updates to ulvaa@liverpool.ac.uk.