CIVME Council Members

Africa and Middle East/North Africa

Australia/New Zealand

Asia

Europe

Latin America/Caribbean

US/Canada*

* Ross University, St. George’s University, and St. Matthews University included in US/Canada Region

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Council Member Biographies:

Baillie, Sarah

Sarah graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Bristol and worked in clinical practice for 20 years. She retrained following an injury and gained a PhD in computer science. Her research involved developing and validating simulators that use virtual reality haptic (touch feedback) technology.

Sarah recently led a major curriculum review at Bristol Veterinary School. This involved adopting an outcomes-based approach with improved relevance and integration, a greater emphasis on student-centered learning and modernization of assessment and introducing a comprehensive program of quality assurance. Sarah is passionate about clinical skills teaching and was responsible for opening the clinical skills center at Bristol and integrating associated teaching and assessment throughout the curriculum. She has designed many models (low- and high-fidelity) and supporting learning resources and works with veterinarians in low- and middle-income countries to introduce new approaches in clinical skills teaching.

Over the last 15 years Sarah has developed a portfolio of research in areas of education as diverse as computer simulation, clinical skills, work-based learning, business skills, reflection and insight, transition to employment, evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), case-based learning, flipped classroom and mental wellbeing.

Sarah is now an Emeritus Professor with the University of Bristol and is fortunate to be able to dedicate more time to veterinary education research and collaborations around the world. She is also involved in accreditation, curriculum review, educational quality assurance and faculty development.

Her work has been recognized through being awarded the Times Higher Education’s Most Innovative Teacher of the Year, she is a National Teaching Fellow and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She enjoys doing public engagement activities including demonstrations at the Science Museum, London and being involved in the BBC Christmas Lectures.

Channon, Sarah

Sarah is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Anatomy, and Associate Dean in Undergraduate Teaching and Learning at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), UK. She is a comparative anatomist, originally undertaking a BSc in Equine Science at the University of Bristol (2004), and a PhD in Locomotor Anatomy and Biomechanics at RVC (2007).  Following this, she joined the University of Liverpool as a Lecturer in Veterinary Preclinical Science before returning to the RVC in her current role. 

Sarah is an innovative teaching-focused academic, teaching first and second year undergraduates on the BVetMed, and co-leading the Accelerated BVetMed programme.  She has led team education projects which have won national and international teaching innovation awards including the University of London Centre for Online and Distance Education Roger Mills prize for innovation in teaching and learning, and the Anatomical Society Education Innovation prize.

Sarah holds an MSc in Veterinary Education (2014) and carries out educational research with her main pedagogical research interests including group and teamworking behaviours, and developing and evaluating anatomy teaching methods for optimal learning and enhancing non-knowledge based skills (e.g. spatial ability, palpation, communication). Sarah is interested in determining what relevant anatomical knowledge/ skillsets are required in the professional workplace and applying this to teaching practices. Consequently, she has developed and published a core anatomy syllabus for Veterinary Medicine which is being utilised by a number of veterinary schools for curriculum development.

Sarah is a member of the Anatomical Society of GB and NI, where she serves as deputy chair of the Education Committee. Her work with this committee involves leading a subgroup focused on providing workshops and training opportunities for members, supporting best practice in anatomy education, and increasing member awareness of emerging issues and technologies.

Fejzic, Nihad

Professor Nihad Fejzic is an animal health and epidemiology specialist with particular experience in terrestrial and aquatic disease surveillance and control, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, management of veterinary services and quality assurance in higher education. His area of expertise includes data analysis, system analysis, WTO, OIE and EU sanitary and phytosanitary measures and legislative framework and regulation of international trade of animal products.

Nihad had studied veterinary medicine at University of Sarajevo (1986 – 1991) and hold PhD (2002) in animal health economics from same University. He had worked as an assistant of Minister for agriculture in cantonal government (1996), deputy director of State veterinary office under Ministry of foreign trade end economics relations of BiH (2003 – 2007) and director of Agency for development of higher education and quality assurance of BiH under Council of Minister of BiH (2008-2011). He was a dean of Veterinary faculty of University of Sarajevo (2012 – 2020). Currently, he is a professor of veterinary epidemiology, animal health economics and zoonoses and director of Center for interdisciplinary study at University of Sarajevo where One health interdisciplinary master study is operating.

Nihad was national coordinator and international consultant for several FAO, OIA, IAEA and EU projects focusing on animal health, food safety, capacity building and professional development. Currently, he works as FAO international consultant on epidemiology and surveillance in Asia and Africa and as national coordinator of IAEA ZODIAC project. At international level, he is President of Association of Veterinary Faculties in Mediterranean region (REEV-MED) formed under umbrella of International organization for Animal Health (OIE) and a member of Scientific Council of EU COST action.

Fuentealba, Carmen

Carmen Fuentealba DVM, MSc, (F)AMEE, PhD is currently the Founding Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Long Island University. Dr. Fuentealba received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Universidad Austral de Chile (Valdivia, Chile), a Master of Science in Animal Pathology from Universidad de Chile (Santiago, Chile) and earned a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from The University of Liverpool, UK. She completed a residency in Anatomic Pathology at Texas A&M University. In 2018 she became a Fellow of the Association of Medical Educators of Europe (AMEE). As an educator, she has developed expertise in program development, curriculum development and assessment, and promotion of internationalization strategies. She served as the inaugural Director of Research and Innovation in Veterinary Medical Education and Associate Dean for Outcomes Assessment at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) until 2017. 

 Dr. Fuentealba is an award-winning educator and a member of the Board of Directors of AMEE’s ASPIRE initiative, a program that promotes outstanding performance and recognizes international excellence in medical, dental, and veterinary schools. She participated in the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Foresight Project: “Envisioning the Future of Veterinary Medical Education”, was a member of the AAVMC Strategic Planning Steering Committee and has served as a mentor in the AVMA’s Future Leaders Program. She is a member of the New York Veterinary Medicinal Society where she serves as co-chair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee. She was the AVMA liaison to the Pan-American Veterinary Association (PANVET) for two terms and now serves as a secretary and member of PANVET’s Board of Directors.

González, Carlos

Dr. Carlos González is currently Professor of Andrés Bello University and  Director of the School of Veterinary Medicine of the Andrés Bello University. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Sciences and a professional degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Chile and later completed a specialization program in Histopathology and Cytopathology in the Department of Experimental Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile. He was awarded a scholarship by the British Council and Andes Foundation, to enroll at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. There, he obtained a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree with a mention in immunopathology and later obtained the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with mention in immunopathology. After he returned and until 2007, he worked in the Department of Animal Pathology at the University of Chile, actively participating in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research and diagnostic service, in the area of ​​Animal Pathology. At the same time, he has actively contributed to the development of diagnostic pathology in support of clinical activity, founding Citovet, the first private laboratory specialized in veterinary diagnostic pathology.  He also collaborates with state and private organizations in the area of ​​Forensic Veterinary Pathology. He is a member of the postgraduate committee of the veterinary sciences area of ​​the CNA (National Accreditation Commission), Past President of AFEVET (Association of Accredited Veterinary Medicine Faculties and Schools of Chile) and presently is Alternate Representative for Latin America & The Caribbean at the Council of International Medical Education (CIVME) of The American Association of Veterinary Medical Collegues (AAVMC).

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH INTEREST

He began working on the development of hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies for the phenotyping and detection of macrophages, to later focus on the area of ​​immunohistochemistry and computationally assisted morphometry. His area of ​​research has focused mainly on Comparative Pathology studies. He has been mainly dedicated to the study of immunopathological aspects of inflammatory diseases and cancer, using experimental and clinical models. He has participated in several FONDECYT research projects, as principal investigator, co-investigator and collaborator. He also participates in other extramural and internal UNAB projects.

Goran, Gheorghe

Dr. Goran graduated in 1999 as a veterinarian from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. He completed his post-graduate studies in Veterinary Pharmacy in 2000 and obtained an MSc Diploma in Veterinary Clinics and Pharmacy in 2002. In 2007, he defended his PhD thesis in Veterinary Medicine, focusing specifically on the pharmacotoxicology of copper products in sheep. During his PhD, he was awarded a Scholarship by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish Agricultural University, Department of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, Skara – Sweden.

Following his graduation, Dr. Goran commenced his career in the field of veterinary and food toxicology at the FVM. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Food Toxicology.

Dr. Goran’s research interests have primarily centered around the use of pets’ hair as a marker of heavy metal pollution and the use of phytoextracts to counteract reactive oxygen species in animals and animal-origin food. He has also been involved in research on the modeling of heavy metals in the food chain, their impact on animals, and the effects of products obtained from them on consumers.

Since 2019, Dr. Goran has developed a keen interest in veterinary education, particularly in the field of publishing and communicating results on online learning resources for practicing evidence-based veterinary medicine. He is currently involved in a CIVME-funded project focusing on professional skills, in collaboration with partners from Western and Eastern Europe, the USA, and Asia. In addition, he is part of an initiative (‘EduVet Hub’) that aims to expand educational research within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest and eventually with partners across Europe. Over the past five years, Dr. Goran has built a significant portfolio of research in various areas of education, including evidence-based veterinary medicine, communication skills not only within the faculty and among students but also with clients, professional skills, the evaluation of career interests of first-year veterinary students using the Holland code assessment, and peer-to-peer activities to foster collaboration and improve learning in veterinary programs. A comprehensive list of his publications, scientific papers published or presented, and research projects can be found in: GV Goran – About me – List of papers.

Dr. Goran serves on several committees within the FVM, including the committee for quality assurance and evaluation in veterinary education, the education committee of the Faculty Council, and the committee for FVM curriculum evaluation and survey. He played a crucial role as a coordinator on behalf of the FVM for addressing deficiencies during the EAEVE re-visitation in November 2023. Since 2016, he has been actively involved in every national quality evaluation of the faculty for Romanian and foreign language (English and French) study programs. He has also been engaged in international student recruitment and support, serving as the coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine French study program. Dr. Goran is the Vice-Dean for Scientific Research, Innovation, and Technological Transfer for the 2024-2029 term.

Ismail, Zuhair Bani
Dr. Zuhair Bani Ismail is a distinguished professor specializing in large animal surgery, currently serving as the Vice Dean of Quality Assurance and Accreditation at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). With a robust educational background, including a BVM&S from JUST and advanced training at Purdue University, Dr. Bani Ismail is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. His career spans over two decades, during which he has held key academic and administrative roles, including Director of the Veterinary Health Center and Head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at JUST, as well as Professor at St. Matthew’s University.

Dr. Bani Ismail’s expertise lies in food animal medicine, particularly in diagnosing and treating large animal diseases. His research interests include joint diseases in large animals, camel medicine, and medical product development. He has made significant contributions to veterinary education, research, and clinical practice, with numerous publications in refereed journals and a commitment to mentoring students and professionals in the veterinary field.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Bani Ismail has been an active consultant for various international and national organizations, providing expert opinions on animal health, welfare, and production. His work has earned him multiple awards and honors, including membership in several prestigious veterinary and scientific societies. Dr. Bani Ismail is dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine and education, with a strong focus on improving animal health and public service.

Janicke, Heidi

Dr Janicke qualified from the Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Germany in 1996 with a veterinary degree and was then accepted for an Internship  in Equine Surgery at Cambridge University, UK after which she successfully completed a PhD in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the same university.

Dr Janicke then went on to complete a Residency in Large Animal Surgery at University College Dublin, Ireland followed by gaining her board certification with the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2006. To gain some ‘real world’ experience she then worked as an equine surgeon and general equine practitioner in the Midlands and Essex, before returning to academia at Writtle University College, UK where she was in charge of developing an MSc in Equine Science course and course director of multiple undergraduate courses.

During this period she developed her interest in veterinary education further and gained a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy leading to her developing the undergraduate courses to be more student-led, which gained her the first Student-Led Teaching Award in Innovative Teaching at the college.

Following this she moved to the School of Veterinary Medicine at Nottingham University, where she was in charge of further developing and expanding the Clinical Skills Centre as well running courses throughout the third and fourth years. During this time she achieved Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Currently she is at St George’s University where she is course director for Large Animal Surgery and the Evidence-based medicine domain of the Professional Development course. She is heavily involved in developing the new systems based curriculum and is Assessment Lead for the project team.

Jillings, Eloise

Eloise Jillings is Associate Dean – Admission and Students at the Massey University School of Veterinary Science in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She graduated as a veterinarian from Massey University in 2001, and worked in small animal practice before completing a residency in clinical pathology. Over her time working in the university her research interests have grown from clinical pathology to veterinary education related topics, particularly regarding admission and inclusivity. She is also a member of the AAVMC Admission and Recruitment committee.  Eloise has pioneered changes to veterinary student selection in New Zealand to introduce evidence-based methods of non-academic performance assessment into a previously academic-only selection process. This formed the foundation of her doctoral studies. Eloise is Māori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) descent. She is responsible for the implementation of a wrap-around equity pathway for Māori and Pacific students to facilitate their improved representation in the New Zealand veterinary profession. In her current role, Eloise is actively involved in veterinary programme management and curriculum development.

Medina, Noraine

Dr. Noraine P. Medina is a professor at the Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippines, and formerly served as Dean of the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine. She has demonstrated exemplary leadership in veterinary education, research, and animal welfare advocacy, both nationally and across the Asian region.

During her tenure as Dean, Dr. Medina concurrently served as Vice President of the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS) and led its Veterinary Education Enhancement Group. In this capacity, she facilitated numerous professional development initiatives, including regional webinars and training sessions aimed at strengthening veterinary education and administration. She has been a strong advocate for the ethical advancement of veterinary instruction, promoting the adoption of animal models as alternatives to the use of live animals in teaching.

Dr. Medina was appointed as the National Key Driver for the “Advanced Concepts on Animal Welfare,” a program that has played a significant role in integrating animal welfare education into the curricula of veterinary schools in the Philippines and promoting its adoption across Asia. In recognition of her impactful extension work in this area, she was named the inaugural recipient of the Animal Welfare Award by the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations. She has also been honored as the Outstanding Veterinarian in the Academe by the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association and as an Outstanding Faculty (Level II) by CLSU.

In addition to her academic leadership and advocacy, Dr. Medina is an active researcher affiliated with the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases. Her research focuses on the molecular surveillance of emerging transboundary diseases, contributing to regional efforts in animal health and biosecurity. She is also engaged in training programs that build the capacity of local government veterinarians, equipping them with the skills necessary for disease surveillance and diagnostics.

Mondadori, Rafael

Dr. Rafael Gianella Mondadori is a highly accomplished Professor at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL) in Brazil, holding the esteemed position of Professor Titular and recognized as a CNPq Research Productivity Fellow. With a career dedicated to advancing veterinary education and research, Dr. Mondadori has a wealth of experience in animal reproduction, biotechnology, and veterinary curriculum development.

Dr. Mondadori’s academic journey includes a DVM from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), followed by an MSc in Veterinary Medicine, and a PhD in Biological Sciences (Molecular Biology) from the Universidade de Brasília (UnB). He further expanded his expertise through a visiting professor at McGill University in Canada, focusing on animal reproduction.

A passionate educator, Dr. Mondadori is deeply involved in teaching histology and mentoring graduate students at UFPEL. He has a strong interest in active learning methodologies and has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation. Dr. Mondadori’s commitment to veterinary education extends beyond the classroom. He served on the Comissão Nacional de Educação de Medicina Veterinária (CNEMV) of the Conselho Federal de Medicina Veterinária (CFMV) for many years, including as President, and has been a key figure in shaping veterinary education standards in Brazil.

Dr. Mondadori’s engagement with international veterinary education is extensive, demonstrating his dedication to global collaboration and quality assurance in veterinary training. He also served as President of the Consejo Panamericano de Educación de las Ciencias Veterinarias (COPEVET), further highlighting his leadership in veterinary education across the Americas.

Dr. Mondadori’s research interests center on animal reproductive physiology and biotechnology, with a focus on improving reproductive efficiency in livestock. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in research projects aimed at developing innovative strategies for estrous cycle control and ovulation in cattle and sheep.

Ryu, Pan Dong

Pan Dong is a professor of veterinary pharmacology at College of Veterinary Medicine Seoul National University (CVM SNU). He got his veterinary licence (1979) in Seoul and served for Korean Army for 2 years as First Lieutenant. He obtained his master’s degree in CVM SNU (1983), and PhD degree in Veterinary Physiology (Pharmacology) in Iowa State University (1989). After two years of postdoctoral training in the U.S.A., he joined CVM SNU as lecturer in 1991.

Since 1991, he has worked for advancement of veterinary education as teacher in veterinary pharmacology (1991~), Dean of CVM SNU (2011~2015), and presidents of Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (2014~2015), Korean Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (2013~2015) and Korean Society of Veterinary Medical Education (2013~2015). Pan Dong has also served as a member of OIE Ad hoc Group on Veterinary Education (2015~2016), Co-Chair of Vision 2050 Committee of World Veterinary Conference for WVA Declaration of Incheon (2016-2017; and guest editor for a special issue of Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (2019~2020).

Currently he works for Accreditation Board of Veterinary Education in Korea (2015~) as a member of Board of Directors, and for development of a national model of day-one-competencies as Chair of Education Committee, Korean Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (2015~). He is also working for Journal of Veterinary Science (2016~) and Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2018~) as Editor-in-Chief. In research, he published 170 research papers on neuronal transmission in the hypothalamus and worked as Director of BK21 Program (2006~2011), a national graduate research program. His current research interest is understanding the structure and function of the primo vascular system, a novel tissue known as anatomical substance of the meridian.

Samkange, Alaster

Dr. Alaster Samkange is a practicing veterinarian, Senior Lecturer, and Head of the Production Animal Clinical Studies Department at the University of Namibia’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master of Science, and a PhD in Veterinary Tropical Diseases from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Dr. Samkange began his veterinary career as a resident veterinarian at the University of Zimbabwe Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1995 to 1997, where he worked with both companion and food animals and contributed to the clinical training of veterinary students. From 1997 to 2016, he served in state veterinary practice with the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Namibia. He joined the University of Namibia’s School of Veterinary Medicine as a Senior Lecturer in August 2016 and became Head of the Production Animal Clinical Studies Department in 2017.

His doctoral research focuses on Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Dr. Samkange is a dedicated veterinary educator who actively participates in several collaborative veterinary education research projects. He has published more than 40 research papers.

Sato, Koichi

 I accomplished several significant results in advancing veterinary education across Japan and Asia.

1. As chairman of the Committee for the Improvement of Veterinary Education in Japan, I oversaw the compilation of the “Model Core Curriculum for Veterinary Education” (2019). This core curriculum serves as the foundation for basic veterinary education across all universities in Japan, and many veterinary core textbooks have been written in alignment with it. The third revision I supervised is in progress and scheduled for publication in 2026.

2. As the Dean of the Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, I have led the vet school to obtain the first EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) educational accreditation in Asia. Under my leadership, we improved the educational curriculum, renovated facilities, and established a quality assurance and sustainable education system to achieve this accomplishment. We then received full visitation and accreditation in June 2019.

3. As the chair of FAVA’s subcommittee on veterinary education, we developed specific strategies for improving veterinary education in Asia based on the FAVA strategic plan.

Tligui, Noursaid

Professor Noursaid Tligui graduated (DVM) from the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV Hassan II), Rabat, Morocco in 1982 and obtained his PhD in veterinary pathology at the University of Minnesota, Veterinary College (USA) in 1992. He is currently Director of Mohammed VI School of Veterinary Medicine at Mohammed VI University of Science and Health. 

In addition to his academic responsibilities in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology field, Dr. Tligui has held several positions at national and international levels dealing with veterinary education and animal health. He was dean of the veterinary school at the IAV Hassan II for three terms (2003-2006, 2006-2010 and 2017-2020), General Secretary (2013-2015) and Deputy Director of Studies and Academic Affairs (2022-2024) in the same establishment. He was also involved as an expert of the Ministry of Agriculture in Morocco in several issues dealing with animal health and food safety. Professor Tligui was vice-president of the National Order of Veterinarians of Morocco for two terms (2009-2013 and 2017-2021) and actually member of this Order. 

At the international level, in 2012, Dr. Tligui and late professor André Laurent Parodi founded the Network of Veterinary Education Establishments of the Mediterranean countries (REEV-Med) with the main objective to improve veterinary education in the Mediterranean area. He was president of this network for two terms (2012-2014 and 2014-2016) and actually, he is vice president of this network. He served also in 2010 as FAO consultant on the harmonization of veterinary medicine training curriculum in the Maghreb countries and as consultant of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to strengthen the training and expertise capacities in an African veterinary school. He is also a jury member of the aggregation title in the specialty of Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (C.A.M.E.S). 

Pr. Tligui is actually member of the French Veterinary Academy. And he is president of the African Association of Veterinary Education Establishments (2A2E-V) whose objectives are the harmonization of the veterinary curriculum in Africa and the establishment of continental quality assurance in veterinary education training and research.  

Wijayawardhane, Nayana

Dr. Nayana received her BVSc degree in 2000 with a second class (upper division). She proceeded to USA to study for the doctoral degree in Auburn University, USA in 2004. During her post graduate degree, she was awarded as the Outstanding Graduate Student of School of Pharmacy in 2005 and Outstanding Graduate Student of Auburn University in 2006. She was also nominated for the Dean’s List, Auburn University and received the Honor award of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor society in 2007. 

She joined the academic staff as a Senior Lecturer in June 2007 in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya and got promoted to the post of Professor in Veterinary Clinical Sciences in September 2020. She is passionate in teaching clinical skills and communication skills using simulators and live animals in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Dr. Nayana has also developed and implemented a Clinical Skills Book to assess the students’ clinical competencies and communication competence. She was instrumental in implementing the Clinical Skills Laboratory at her department, which has facilitated learning clinical skills in the early years of the BVSc degree programme. She used many low- and high-fidelity models which were produced using locally available low cost material and supporting learning resources.

She led the recently completed BVSc curriculum revision under the OIE Veterinary Education Twinning Partnership with Massey University, New Zealand. Adoption of an outcome-based educational framework has allowed the incorporation of tools such as problem-based learning and student-centered pedagogies and assessments. Extending the duration of the program from 4 academic years to 5 has expanded the scope for clinical learning, particularly in terms of student exposure to livestock veterinary services.

She served as the faculty representative for the Senate, Senate Academic Development and Planning Committee and Senate Admissions Committee while serving as a member for many other university level, faculty level and interfaculty level committees. In 2017, she was appointed as the Head, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science and served in the position till July 2020.She also serves as a University Grants Commission appointed Programme Reviewer for National Universities in Sri Lanka.

She is the Alternate Member for Asia in the Council on International Veterinary Medical Education operated by the American Association for Veterinary Medical Colleges. Dr. Nayana, currently holds the position of Chair- Veterinary Education Research- Working Group, Asian Association of Veterinary Schools (AAVS). She also serves as an adjunct senior lecturer, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand since 2019. She worked as a Visiting Academic Scholar at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, United Kingdom from 2022-2023. She is currently collaborating with Royal Vet College, London, and CVS group UK in developing a Veterinary Nursing study programme for Sri Lanka. Dr. Nayana is a Fellow in College of Veterinary Surgeons in Sri Lanka. She serves as an Editorial Board Member to the RCVS’s Veterinary Evidence Journal. Her current research interest is on Internal Medicine and veterinary education.

Zaki, Sanaa

Associate Professor Sanaa Zaki positions her research in the One Health framework, engaging in two major streams; Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Education. In comparative medicine, her research concentrates on osteoarthritis (OA) pain and the use of animal models to understand pain mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. In veterinary education her focus is on graduate employability and resilience.

A/Prof Zaki is a qualified veterinarian with specialist training in veterinary anaesthesia and ANZCVSc membership. She was awarded a PhD from the University of Sydney in 2017 for her exploration of the mechanisms of osteoarthritis pain, where she investigated disease phenotype and pain relationships in murine models of arthritis. During her PhD, she was awarded an Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Young Investigators Scholarship, This Scholarship funded Sanaa to conduct research at the Laboratory for Translational Research in Osteoarthritis at Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, in collaboration with Professor Malfait, a leading researcher in osteoarthritis pain. After completing her PhD, Sanaa established the Translational Orthopaedic Pain Investigation Centre (TOPIC), a collaborative initiative of the Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratories and the Sydney School of Veterinary Science. As co-director, Sanaa has continued to investigate the complex pathophysiological pathways that contribute to the development of OA pain, as a means of unlocking new therapies to treat this complex disease.

A/Prof Zaki is recognised for her expertise in pain behaviour testing in mouse models of knee OA and is an Honorary Associate of the Kolling Institute of Medical Research (FHM). She has numerous research collaborations with leading experts in the field of musculoskeletal disease and chronic pain.

A/Prof Zaki is the Clinical Residency Program Director and also coordinates the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Orientation Program. Sanaa teaches Professional Practice to DVM students. Professional Practice is a broad discipline that encompasses the foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes for being an effective veterinary professional. Key themes include ethics, legislation and professional conduct; emotional intelligence and leadership; communication and cultural competence; one health and the human-animal bond; practice management; career management and self-care. Her teaching is research-informed, and she has developed an innovative Professional Practice curriculum that is supported by her own research into veterinary education and graduate employability.

Zarco, Luis

Dr. Luis Zarco studied Veterinary Medicine at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), followed by a Ph.D. in endocrinology at the University of California, Davis (1985). During the last 35 years Dr. Zarco has been a Professor at UNAM´s College of Veterinary Medicine. He teaches research methodology to veterinary students, and endocrinology and physiology of reproduction to post-graduate students. He carries out both basic and applied research on reproductive endocrinology. Luis Zarco has published more than 80 scientific papers on reproductive endocrinology and physiology of several animal species. 
 
Dr. Luis Zarco has a demonstrated interest in the advancement of veterinary education and in international collaboration in the field.  He was Dean of the Veterinary College of UNAM from 1997 to 2005. He was President of the Mexican Association of Veterinary Medical Schools (1998-2000), President of  the National Council of Veterinary Education of Mexico (2003-2006), as well as president of the Pan-American Federation of Veterinary Schools (2002-2004), which affiliates the national associations of veterinary schools from Latin-American  countries.  

At the personal level, the strong commitment of Dr. Zarco to quality veterinary education was recognized when he was awarded the “National University Award” (Mexico, 1998) for best teaching in Natural Sciences.  Dr. Zarco has attended and participated as a speaker in a large number of PanAmerican and World meetings on veterinary education, and has published  papers on veterinary education on the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education and on the OIE´s Scientific and Technical Review.  
Luis Zarco is in a good position to understand the role of veterinary education in the development of the veterinary profession, since he has held  leadership positions in national and international professional organizations. He served as President of the Mexican Veterinary Federation (20072008). Later, from 2010 to 2014 he was President of the Panamerican Veterinary Association (PANVET), which is the organism that congregates the National Veterinary Associations of the American Continent. Also, Dr. Zarco served  (2008-2010) as the Councilor from Latin America to the World Veterinary Association (WVA).