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Surgeon appointed to lead new Vet School

Professor Gail Anderson, the inaugural Head of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's School of Veterinary Science.
Photo by ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Queensland.
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Friday, 21 December 2007

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide has appointed orthopaedic researcher and specialist vet surgeon Professor Gail Anderson as Head of its new .

Professor Anderson is currently Professor of Companion Animal Surgery at the and Hospital Director of UQ's Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinic.

Professor Anderson gained her Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours from the , has a Master of Science (Comparative Orthopaedics) from and a PhD (Bone Cell Biology) from the . She holds the distinction of being the first ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n woman to attain Diplomate status from the .

A past president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society, Professor Anderson has a strong research record, with interests in orthopaedics/bone remodelling, and biotechnology to improve the integration of prostheses in bone. Her research benefits both veterinary and human patients.

"Professor Anderson is an ideal appointment to head the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's - and the State's - first School of Veterinary Science," says the Vice-Chancellor and President, .

"Her emphasis on and understanding of research will place our Vet School in good stead for the future. In order to serve the needs of South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and its industries, research will play a major role and will help to set our school apart."

The new Vet School, based at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's , will have its first intake of 40 students in 2008. Entry to the new school has been popular, with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ so far receiving 168 first-preference applications for the 40 places. Adelaide's , which consists of an and a postgraduate clinical program, will include large animal production, aquaculture, biosecurity and equine studies.

Professor Anderson says the new Vet School provides an exciting opportunity to broaden the potential for the veterinary profession in South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and beyond.

"My vision for veterinary medicine is somewhat different to the more traditional view," Professor Anderson says.

"Mine is a more holistic approach emphasising the relationship between veterinary and human medicine - exploring the benefits for both humans and animals. There are common disease mechanisms demanding input from both veterinarians and human health professionals. This team work is essential if we are to prevent further animal-to-human disease risks such as mad cow disease and bird flu.

"In addition, South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ offers alternative opportunities for veterinarians, including involvement in the vital and expanding aquaculture industry," Professor Anderson says.

Professor Iain Reid will continue as Acting Head of School until Professor Anderson takes up her appointment in May 2008.

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