Q: Can you share with us the highlights of your career journey leading up to your role as the RCVS Specialist in small animal clinical nutrition as well as a speaker at BVA Live 2024?

A: In the early days when I had my own practice, I primarily focused on surgery, particularly orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. I also obtained a Certificates in Small Animal Orthopaedics and Veterinary Radiology. Later on, while running courses for the BSAVA North West Region, I had an encounter with a speaker from America who introduced me to the concept of clinical nutrition. This sparked my interest, especially as it was a relatively new field in the UK at the time. Despite initial challenges with product availability, I became increasingly involved in clinical nutrition and was eventually approached to work as a consultant for a company expanding into Europe. This was the beginning of my full-time involvement in the field.

Then, I pursued a diploma in clinical nutrition, which allowed me to further specialise in the field. Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to clinical nutrition, incorporating it into my practice and lectures. At Royal Veterinary College in London, where I was a director of a teaching hospital, I ensured that students were exposed to clinical nutrition during clinical sessions. Additionally, I have published extensively on nutrition and related topics, including geriatrics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of nutrition.

As an independent consultant, I continue to contribute to the field through project work and lectures, focusing on evidence-based practices. My interests span a wide range of topics within nutrition, and I actively engage with emerging developments in the field to stay at the forefront of knowledge and practice. My recent efforts have involved addressing public health concerns related to certain feeding practices, such as raw pet food, advocating for evidence-based approaches to safeguard both animal and human health.

Q: Reflecting on your career thus far, what achievements or milestones are you most proud of?

A: One significant highlight in my career journey was obtaining the veterinary degree. Everything else is just icing on the cake. I must admit, ending up as a specialist was never something I envisioned. My journey led me to roles in pet food manufacturing companies and pharmaceutical industries, experiences that broadened my perspective and expertise in veterinary medicine.

Moreover, I've had the privilege of contributing to groundbreaking developments in clinical nutrition. One standout accomplishment was my involvement in the development and evaluation of innovative products aimed at addressing obesity in pets. Despite the challenges faced, witnessing the positive impact of these interventions on the health and well-being of animals has been incredibly rewarding.

However, perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of my career has been the opportunity to continuously learn and evolve. Whether it's staying up to date with emerging research in nutrition or adapting to the dynamic development of veterinary medicine. This commitment to lifelong learning has not only enriched my professional journey but also enabled me to make meaningful contributions to the field. It's the journey of growth, innovation, and adaptation that I am most proud of in my veterinary career.

Q: Your upcoming lecture at BVA Live 2024, titled ‘Pet Foods - Is Sustainability Really Possible?' delves into the balance between nutrition and sustainability, and includes a call to action for achieving sustainability in the pet food industry. Why do you consider this topic crucial for both the veterinary community and the broader public?

A: In today's world, the concept of sustainability has gained widespread attention, with organisations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations emphasising the need for environmentally friendly practices. There is a growing consensus that reducing our reliance on animal-based nutrition and sourcing food sustainably are essential steps towards safeguarding our planet.

However, while the idea of sustainability is widely discussed, proving its efficacy remains a challenge. For instance, the emergence of insect-based pet foods presents a promising alternative, but assessing their sustainability involves complex considerations. Factors such as the source of substrates used to feed growing insects and the potential contamination risks need careful evaluation. Despite the potential benefits, certifying the sustainability of pet foods requires a comprehensive understanding of their entire production process, which is currently lacking.

While the journey towards achieving sustainability in the pet food industry may be lengthy, it is a goal that all companies should strive towards. Although the ability to certify products as sustainable may be difficult right now, it is imperative that manufacturers prioritize environmentally conscious practices. Ultimately, fostering a culture of sustainability within the pet food industry will require ongoing commitment and collaboration to minimise our ecological footprint and ensure a healthier future for all.

Q: Could you provide a brief summary of your lecture's content and learning outcomes?

A: My lecture aims to cater to a diverse audience, ranging from those well-informed in nutrition to newcomers to the subject. Regardless of their level of familiarity, my goal is to share important insights and offer a balanced perspective on the topic. I'll delve into various aspects related to sustainability in the pet food industry, including the shift towards plant-based foods and other emerging trends.

During the lecture, I'll provide foundational information on these topics, aiming to challenge some commonly held beliefs. For instance, recent studies have shown surprising findings regarding the digestibility of vegetable-derived proteins compared to animal-derived proteins in cats and dogs. These insights underscore the evolving nature of nutritional research and may reshape our understanding of dietary principles.

Ultimately, I hope attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of current market dynamics and the potential future directions of pet food development. By sharing research findings and shedding light on emerging trends, my aim is to inspire a collective reflection on how we can drive positive change within the industry.

Q: What piece of advice would you like to give individuals at the start of their veterinary career?

A: Firstly, don’t limit yourself to just one career path. Secondly, I’d like to advocate for young professionals to become local vets and return to more traditional veterinary practice work. Nowadays, I’ve noticed that many students are focusing on making as much money as possible, whereas I believe that a big part of working with animals and caregivers is the passion and building relationships with clients.

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