I graduated from Texas A&M in 1970 and completed my surgical training at Kansas State University in 1973. After becoming board-certified in 1977, I worked as a staff surgeon at Louisiana State University and Oklahoma State University until 1984. For the past 30 years, I have served as a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Texas A&M University. I am a recognised leader in veterinary orthopaedics and am frequently an invited speaker at national and international veterinary conferences. I have developed techniques commonly used for treatment of bone and joint disorders in dogs and am a co-author of the industry-defining textbook, Small Animal Arthroscopy. My clinical research interests focus on minimally invasive surgery for joint disorders and for fracture treatment. 

I always had an interest in mechanics so it was a natural marriage between mechanics and orthopaedics. I enjoy the advances in technology allowing minimally invasive joint disease (arthroscopy) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). I have always had a keen interest in solving clinical problems via basic and clinical research.

The future of veterinary medicine and speciality practice is bright. Advances in technology and new treatment modalities enable us to help pets and their families more effectively. I am a little worried about corporate entities (investment groups) acquiring general and speciality practice. I fear that since these groups must make a substantial profit for their investors, lower and middle-class families will find prices for our services beyond their reach. I think the profession needs to advertise and market pet health insurance more effectively in the US, similar to what you have in the UK.

I have always admired Noel for what he has accomplished; being able to participate and learn from experts he has gathered will be a special event for me. 

I hope delegates will learn techniques and concepts that they will be able to implement in their practices when they return home.  I also hope to meet new colleagues and make new life-long friends.