by Professor Josh Slater, Acting Head of Veterinary School, University of Melbourne.

Introduction by Professor Michael Herrtage, DVM Programme Director, UNIC School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cardiac surgery is an evolving field offering solutions to infants, children and adults with acquired and congenital heart problems. About 80 years ago the pioneers of the field discovered how to repair the heart without damaging it resulting to millions of lives saved. Recent advancements in technology and techniques lead to less invasive and more innovative treatments, which solve difficult problems and tackle complex cases.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Josh Slater graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1985 and spent 4 years in equine practice before moving to a residency in equine medicine at the University of Cambridge. He completed a PhD in equine infectious diseases in 1994 and was a lecturer, then senior lecturer in equine medicine at Cambridge during which he held a Wellcome Trust research fellowship.

He moved to the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2005 as professor of equine clinical studies and clinical director of the equine referral hospital. His research is in equine infectious diseases, in particular strangles and equine herpesviruses and he has a wide range of interests in equine medicine. He is a past president of the British Equine Veterinary Association, the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations. He was biosecurity advisor for the 2008 Equestrian Olympic Games, the London 2012 Equestrian Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games 2014. He is a co-director of the British Animal Rescue Trauma Association (UK), is chairman of the Horse Trust (UK) and secretary to the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation. Josh took up his position as Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Head of Department Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Melbourne Veterinary School at the end of 2018.