Huge congratulations to our brilliant colleagues Alison Hayes, Associate Teaching Professor and Principal Oncologist, and Laura Owen, Associate Professor in Small Animal Surgery at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, part of the University of Cambridge Vet School, who have both been awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Being named an RCVS Fellow represents the absolute pinnacle of veterinary achievement – recognising exceptional contributions to the profession, pioneering expertise, and an unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary standards.
Dr Alison Hayes is a Specialist in Small Animal Oncology and ECVIM residency supervisor. She chairs the Mental Health & Wellbeing Oversight and Quality Improvement & Clinical Governance groups and is passionate about teaching, learning culture, communication, human factors and systems thinking.
Alison received her Fellowship award for embedding human factors and adverse event reporting across our hospital, driving positive cultural change and extending the training to undergraduate and postgraduate students. These approaches promote patient safety, client care and colleague wellbeing, both within the Department and across the wider profession, with our final-year students having unique access to industry-leading adverse event reporting tools which they can implement once in practice.
Dr Laura Owen is a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, received her Fellowship award for her contributions to improving clinical outcomes through innovation in minimally invasive surgery, reconstructive wound management, and the treatment of brachycephalic airway disease, alongside a long-standing commitment to teaching and mentoring veterinary surgeons.
By combining research, clinical practice and education, Laura has aimed to ensure advances in surgery translate into tangible benefits for patients and practitioners alike.
The University of Cambridge Vet School is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of research, education and patient care. Having two of our colleagues recognised with this prestigious Fellowship highlights the world-class talent and clinical excellence that makes Cambridge one of the top vet schools in the world.
We look forward to seeing them receive their award at the November ceremony in London.
