Merial funds dermatology position

In an Australian-first, drug company Merial Australia has sponsored a four-year residency in dermatology at Murdoch Veterinary Hospital's Dermatology Clinic.

No other university offers a dermatology residency training programme accredited by the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (ACVSc).

Murdoch University's Dr Mandy Burrows, who will be supervising the position, is the only veterinary dermatologist based in a university veterinary teaching hospital and referral clinic.

Professor John Yovich, Executive Dean of Murdoch's Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, said, "The Merial Residency in Dermatology will benefit the general public, Murdoch University and Western Australian veterinarians".

"It will enable us to expand and upgrade our services which will mean less waiting time for appointments, and expand our dermatology teaching resources and case material for veterinary students.

"With diminishing government support, a specialist training position such as this within the Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences would not be viable without contributions from industry.

"Merial have seen the importance of such a position to aid in the promotion and care of dermatologic problems, which are affecting a great number of the small animal population".

Merial Australia's Director of Small Animal Business, Dr Roger Wakelin, said: "In sponsoring this residency, Merial is conscious of the benefits it will bring to all of those who use our products – pets, their owners and veterinarians. We also see the residency as a great example of the excellence in veterinary medicine to be found in Western Australia".

Merial, jointly owned by Merck and Co. Inc. and Rhone Poulenc SA, is the world's leading animal health company. Its products include the IVOMECc range for sheep and cattle and FRONTLINEc and HEARTGUARDc for cats and dogs.

Dr Sharon Bryden, who has considerable experience in both small and large animal veterinary practice in Australia and overseas, has taken up the Veterinary Dermatology Position.