Veterinary administrator named vice president of international veterinary group

Colin Burrows, B.Vet.Med., Ph.D., chairman of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of small animal clinical sciences, has been named vice president of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

In that capacity, he will serve in a key leadership role puts him in line for presidency of the international group in 2013.

Burrows was chosen for the role of his expertise and experience in association leadership with an international component, as well as for his demonstrated managerial and strategic skills, public relations and marketing skills, and contact with international industry partners, according to WSAVA spokesperson Walt Ingwersen.

“The WSAVA is thrilled to have Dr. Burrows join the executive board,” said Jolle Kirpensteijn, a professor of soft tissue surgery at Utrecht University and WSAVA president. “His leadership skills and never-ending outreach to the international veterinary community fits exactly into the strategic view of the WSAVA. His efforts will help the organization build its brand globally.”

An internal medicine specialist, Burrows has been a member of the UF veterinary faculty since 1980. He has headed the small animal clinical sciences department since 1996 and also served as chief of staff of UF’s Small Animal Hospital until 2010.

Burrows’ specialty is canine and feline gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic disease. His research has focused on canine gastrointestinal motility in health and disease, and on the relationship between diet and gastrointestinal disease.

In 1992 he was honored for his international contributions to this field by receiving the Woodrow Award from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association. In 1996, he received the WSAVA’s Award for Scientific Achievement.

The WSAVA also honored Burrows with its Award for Service to the Profession in 2006. The American Veterinary Medical Association awarded him its 12th International Veterinary Congress prize for his contributions to international veterinary medicine in 2008.

Burrows has delivered continuing education presentations in more than 50 countries and is an honorary member of both the Austrian and Russian Small Animal Veterinary associations. He has been program coordinator of the North American Veterinary Conference since 1984, and currently serves as the NAVC’s executive director.

“I am honored to have been elected,” Burrows said. “The WSAVA is a multifaceted organization committed to improving the health of pets worldwide. I know I am going to be busy.”