Lord Soulsby receiving the Queen’s Medal from the (then) President of the RCVS, Professor Stuart Reid, at RCVS Day 2015.

Honoured for 'truly exceptional' career

Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, the first veterinary surgeon to be made a Life Peer of the House of Lords, has been awarded the Queen's Medal by the RCVS.

The former president of both the RCVS and the Royal Society of Medicine was awarded the honour during RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting and Awards Day. It is the most prestigious honour the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon and is reserved for those whose distinguished careers and outstanding lifetime achievements deserve wider recognition.

In introducing Lord Soulsby, professor Stuart Reid said: “Lord Soulsby has had a truly exceptional career, which in several respects is unique in its achievements, not least bridging the worlds of medical and veterinary science.
 
“He has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of veterinary science to society and is admired not only for his intellect, hard work and breadth of interests, but also his endearing personality.”
 
He added: “His publications, research, international awards, fellowships, visiting professorships and prizes all testify to his global impact and reputation, but perhaps his greatest gift has been the stimulation and support he has given to hundreds of veterinary surgeons to aim for their highest goals.”

Accepting the award, Lord Soulsby thanked professor the Lord Trees for nominating him and paid tribute to his late wife Annette and all those colleagues and fellow veterinary surgeons who supported him through his career.

He said: "Looking back on my career, membership of the RCVS has carried me to many countries in the world and all the work I enjoyed, and I hope that I have been able to progress veterinary medicine and 'one health' in all of those places."

Image (C) RCVS