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September 2017
Edd Knowles (OA 1998)
I am an RCVS recognised specialist in equine internal medicine,
currently working at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, while completing
my PhD at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). I studied at
Cambridge University, and after graduating began work in small
animal practice. Realising I wanted to work as an equine vet, I
moved to Bell Equine in 2007.
I have worked as a house vet within the hospital, an ambulatory
vet working from my car, and completed my specialist training
through a joint program between the practice and RVC. My PhD
investigates how the risk of developing laminitis differs between
individual horses and ponies, such that improved prevention
strategies can be developed.
Career highlights have been obtaining my European Diploma in
Equine Internal Medicine which was a real milestone, and working
in the veterinary teams at the London and Rio Olympics were
great fun!
Abingdon fostered a real interest in biology that continues to
shape my career and research. I had some great teachers and
contemporaries who made Abingdon such a fun and productive
place. In particular Dr King’s knowledge and passion for biology
were inspiring and memorable, and I’m indebted to Mr Davies
who made me focus and work hard. Abingdon also taught me the
value of sport and the Other Half. I’m hopeless at rugby but loved
joining in and I continued rowing throughout university.
Jonny Hughes (OA 2007)
After graduating with honours from The Royal Veterinary College
London, I made the decision to work in small animal practice,
completing two years at a veterinary practice, followed by a 12
month small animal clinical training scholarship at the Queen
Mother Hospital for Animals. Here I developed an interest in
veterinary diagnostic imaging. The scope of technology available
for animals in 2017 is vastly increasing and has improved our
ability to diagnose problems with amazing accuracy, and in
the most non-invasive way possible, which is integral to animal
welfare.
Having pursued training in
this area, I am one of only
a handful of people who
are European recognised
specialists, and as a result
have taken up a position as
Junior Clinical Vet at Queen’s
Veterinary School Hospital at
the University of Cambridge.
I carry out and interpret
diagnostic images for the
multiple specialist services in
the hospital including surgery, medicine, oncology, orthopaedics,
cardiology and the equine referral centre, while also contributing
to undergraduate teaching of vet students coming through
Cambridge University.
Abingdon gave me a solid academic grounding in scientific
principles, anatomy, maths and logical problem solving skills that I
still use today. I also feel it has made me a well-rounded down-to-
earth individual equipped to deal with the emotions and stresses
of the pet-owning community I provide for. Without the guidance
of outstanding science teachers like Mr Middleton, I would not
have achieved everything I needed to get me to where I am. He
inspired me to bring the same level of diligence to my everyday
work to this day.
Laurie Barrow (OA 2009)
I initially attended Durham University studying Zoology which was
great fun and I learned a lot, but I was craving something more
active, so in my final year I applied for Veterinary Medicine and got
a place at Nottingham University where I have just completed my
course.
By far the best part of studying to be a vet is how practical
and hands on it is. From day one you are learning how to use
ultrasound machines, take blood samples, and perform various
medical procedures. Surgery is introduced early in the course so
you get a chance to put all that textbook learning into practical
use. In addition, the variety of working with everything from small
puppies to high-end racehorses is immensely rewarding.
Abingdon’s academic strengths need not be mentioned, but
something that is perhaps underrated is the competency in
verbal communication achieved from an Abingdon education. I
believe the high teacher to student ratio, along with approachable
teachers, led me to develop
effective communication
skills that have certainly
helped in my current course,
and will continue to help
throughout my employment.
A grounding in a variety of
sports through Abingdon’s
other half activities has
allowed me to join many
university societies, the
sporting and social aspects
of which are equally
important and enjoyable.
Abingdon
Old Abingdonians
Creatures Great and Small