b'PROFILETREVOR WHITBREADTrevor Whitbread BSc BVSc DipECVP MRCVS is a anatomical pathologist at NationWide Laboratories. He has a special interest in dermatopathology and is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathology as well as a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Trevor describes the intellectual stimulation that keeps him motivated and how involvement with others on a specialist path helps to maintain job satisfaction.I completed an Applied Biology Degreebeing presented with a problemthe at Bath University before taking acaseand dealing with that problem in veterinary degree at the University ofa short time, and hopefully successfully, Liverpool. I joined a mixed practice inbefore moving on to the next problem.Leicester, but decided I wanted to teachIn addition, many times a week I am still and subsequently obtained a position asseeing lesions which I have not seen a lecturer in veterinary pathology at thebefore, even after nearly 40 years as a University of Liverpool. diagnostic pathologist. Seeing these new Fulfilment is achieved bylesions may entail a literature research, discussion with other pathologists and gaining experience to becomeoften working from first principles. I still very good at what you do, thefind this intellectually stimulatingit continues to engage my interest.continual learning through What is the biggest challenge to staying CPD, and providing an excellentpassionate in your veterinary career service to your clients. youve overcome, and how did you approach it? I then went Bloxham Laboratories inWhen you begin a career, you may find Devon (which eventually evolved into50 or 60% of cases to be challenging Axiom Laboratories) tasked with settingand therefore intellectually stimulating, up a diagnostic histopathology andbut of course, as you acquire more cytology department in the laboratory. experience and knowledge, that In 1985 I set up Abbey Veterinarypercentage drastically decreases to only Services, a specialist diagnostica few percent. So, a major challenge is histopathology and cytology laboratoryto maintain interest based on just a few where I still work.I also establishedpercent of cases. Abbey Clinical Pathology, which wasAnother challenge I have found is a more general laboratory, and in 2015dealing with management as part of a both laboratories became part oflarge organisation. NationWide Laboratories.What advice can you share with others In 2024 I have been awarded the RCVSembarking on similar paths about finding Fellowship for Meritorious Contributionsfulfilment in their veterinary career? to the Profession. The role of veterinary surgeon must What is it about your work that enthusesbe amongst the most intellectually you and brings you satisfaction? demanding of any job. The desire for I consider pathology to be the scienceintellectual stimulation needs feeding behind clinical work and find thisconstantly and if you are able to do this, intellectually stimulating.Reporting onthere is continual fulfilment through your the samples submitted each day meanswork. www.inspiredvet.co.uk9'