Bristol vet student wins first ever award for dog health research

Emily Milodowski with her award

Press release issued: 13 March 2013

A Vet School student from the University of Bristol has won a prestigious award in recognition of her work to improve the health and wellbeing of dogs.

Emily Milodowski, a third year intercalating vet undergraduate, was presented with the Student Inspiration Award at the first ever International Canine Health Awardsat Crufts last weekend [9 March].

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust International Canine Health Awards, the largest veterinary awards in Europe and supported by Vernon and Shirley Hill, recognise vets, scientists and veterinary students who are carrying out innovative research that specifically aims to improve dog health and in turn are helping to transform our understanding of human diseases.

Emily won the award for her research on the prevalence and distribution of bacteria called Campylobacter in the canine intestine, which may help human health, and for her plans for future work. Emily was awarded £10,000 for her next research project on wound healing in dogs.

Emily Milodowski, speaking about her award, said: “Winning this fantastic award means a huge amount to me. It is a great opportunity for taking my own ideas and engaging in further research that I hope will help advance the clinical profession.

“I really enjoy conducting clinically relevant research, and I have received great support and direction from Professor Ed Hall, Dr Tristan Cogan, and Ed Friend, both in this award and in my other projects so far.”

The Awards were judged by a panel of influential representatives from the veterinary profession and the world of scientific research. Dr Alan Kelly, Dean Emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, chaired the committee that selected the International Prize winner and Mike Townsend, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, ran the panel that selected the Lifetime Achievement Award and Student Inspiration Award.

The Student Inspiration Award is presented to an extraordinary British veterinary school student who demonstrates the potential to significantly advance the frontiers of veterinary medicine and research in the field of dogs.

The judges were particularly impressed by Emily’s approach to her course, and to veterinary research, as well as her desire to help bridge the gap between the clinical and research aspects of the veterinary profession.

Further information

About the Kennel Club Charitable Trust

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust invests money into supporting research facilities and veterinary medicine universities and organisations. In 2009, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust committed £1.2 million in funds over five years to the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to help investigate 25 inherited diseases. The Kennel Club Charitable Trusts has invested almost £4 million into projects and research that will help to improve dog health. (It has also provided more than £2 million to train support dogs, and to help with the rescue and rehoming of dogs.)

About Vernon Hill

Vernon Hill is the founder and chairman of Metro Bank, the UK’s first new High Street bank in more than 100 years. The revolutionary bank currently has 16 stores across London and the Home Counties, with plans to expand to 200 by 2020. Vernon Hill was also the founder and chairman of Commerce Bank, America’s most convenient bank. Vernon and Shirley Hill, and Sir Duffield, their Yorkshire Terrier, have a deep commitment to the veterinary community including: • Sponsorship of The University of Pennsylvania World Veterinary Award • Sponsorship of The Hill Pavilion at The University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School • Vernon is Chairman of Petplan America • Ongoing support of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home