After a psychology degree and then a PhD studying the sounds produced by the ears of various vertebrates, from frogs to humans, Martin did basic and clinical research in tertiary-care medical-school ENT Departments in the USA. On switching to veterinary medicine, he worked in mixed practice for 15 years. He is now a Clinical Director of Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital and an Advanced Practitioner in small animal medicine. Martin does small-animal work, including medicine referrals, runs a radioiodine unit treating hyperthyroid cats, does first-opinion and referral exotic-pet practice, and zoo work.