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Brigitte Reusch, lecturer in Rabbit Medicine and Surgery
Brigitte Reusch is the first lecturer appointed in Europe to focus on rabbit medicine and surgery. She took up the role at Edinburgh University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in December 2008. Brigitte was born in South Africa and has lived in the UK for 18 years.
"I lecture to veterinary students but I spend the majority of my time with rabbits. I see rabbits which have been referred to the hospital from local vets as well as those that come straight here," she says.
Brigitte decided to specialise in rabbits when she was a student. "I studied at The Royal Veterinary College at the University of London. When I was in my last year, I decided to specialise in rabbits because despite them being common pets, rabbit medicine was not part of our undergraduate teaching at that time. It's a niche area that I wanted to expand, to offer rabbits and their owners the best service possible.
"After qualifying I helped set up the rabbit clinic at Bristol University and have seen rabbits as a major part of my caseload over the last six years. In December 2008 I was delighted to be appointed as the first lecturer in Rabbit Medicine and Surgery in Europe, at the University of Edinburgh."
Edinburgh is one of many places where Brigitte has lived in. "I've moved around a lot. I've lived in Manchester, Nottingham, London and Germany," she says. "Compared to other places I've lived in, Edinburgh has a mix of being a city and having the countryside on your doorstep. It's wonderful, I love the city."
Brigitte had good first impressions of Edinburgh. "I thought it was absolutely gorgeous. It's an exciting place to live; it's very vibrant and multi-cultural.
"I was very impressed with the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School as well. I have an exciting team to work with and it's a great working environment," says Brigitte.
Having a lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery means that Scotland is leading the way in veterinary studies. "Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK so we'll see more cases at the hospital," she says. "We're in a unique position in the way we're able to expand. We provide more lectures on exotic animals at Edinburgh, than other universities offer to their students.
"People have mixed responses when I tell them I am a rabbit expert," she says. "Those who have owned rabbits are excited and feel that it's an area of expertise that needs expansion. Other people find it surprising.
"It's a dream come true to be the first lecturer dedicated to rabbit medicine and surgery. Rabbits are my favourite species and we need to improve our veterinary care for them.
"I want to continue expanding the clinic so that it's a service for all of Scotland and Northern England. I also want to ensure all vet students are confident in investigating and treating rabbit illnesses.
"I want to enjoy Edinburgh as well. London is almost too busy and too big but you can walk around in Edinburgh. The quality of life is better. Bristol is a lovely place but Edinburgh has more to offer, such as the festivals. It's my favourite place."
Related links
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
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