London Vet Specialists in Belsize Park has announced that oncologist Richard Elders MVB, CertSAM, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA (Onc), Msc (Clin Onc) has joined its team of referral specialists.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Richard started out in first opinion practice after completing an internship at the University of Glasgow.

While studying medicine, Richard researched mast cell tumours in dogs, which led to an MSc in clinical Oncology. He went on to complete a PhD on mast cell tumours at the Royal Veterinary College in 2008.

Richard works with referral oncology patients and clients two days a week at LVS and currently spends the rest of his working week as an oncology consultant for IDEXX Laboratories.

From February, Richard will also be working at Southfield Veterinary Specialists in Laindon, Essex, thereby allowing him to refer oncology patients for radiation therapy at Southfields when necessary.

Richard said: "Having never been comfortable with operating myself, working with a team of this calibre and experience in a welcoming environment within central London was very attractive. It has been a very fulfilling role for me, especially as both our team and the scope of the services we can offer continue to expand.

"Given the high standard of care offered by local vets in the area, the patients referred to LVS are often very challenging. Together with our clients’ high expectations, the service is definitely not run-of-the-mill but all the more rewarding because of that. 

"I’m looking forward to bringing my experience in both research and clinical spheres to LVS." 

Richard’s main professional interests are mast cell tumours, novel diagnostics and immunotherapeutics, but he is experienced in all aspects of veterinary oncology and can also offer advice about internal medicine cases. 

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