Past WSAVA President awarded Honorary Doctorate
Emeritus Professor Colin Burrows.
Past WSAVA President Colin Burrows has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in recognition of his service to the global veterinary profession.
Dr Burrows, who was president of the WSAVA between 2013 and 2016, was celebrated during an online graduation ceremony in July. During the ceremony, Dr Burrows thanked the RVC for the honour and congratulated this year's cohort of graduates.
“It used to be all about the animal, but now it is about animals, people and the environment. It is all about One Health,” he said. “As you review each stage of your career, ask yourself – did I make a difference? - because that is what being a vet is really all about.”
Burrows is an alumnus of the RVCand received a PhD in comparative medical sciences from the University of Pennsylvania in 1980. A board-certified veterinary internist, he specialised in the study of canine and feline gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic disease.
Dr Burrows was also program coordinator of the North American Veterinary Conference between 1984 and 2002, becoming its chief executive that year. He later became Emeritus editor in chief of Clinician’s Brief, the WSAVA’s official practice journal, and editor in chief of its global edition.
He is also a passionate supporter of education for both veterinary students and veterinary practitioners - particularly those in countries in which companion animal practice is still emerging.
“Dr Burrows has made an immeasurable contribution to the WSAVA, as he has to the many veterinary associations he has freely given his time to during his distinguished career,” commented current WSAVA President, Dr Siraya Chunekamrai. “We count ourselves very lucky and congratulate him on this well-deserved honorary doctorate.”
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
