I'm from Scotland, and I qualified from Edinburgh in 1985. After spending my post-graduation year working in Africa, studying cattle ticks in Swaziland,  I  worked in mixed practice in the Scottish Borders for four years. I then married, and headed off backpacking for over a year through Asia and the Pacific. After this, I landed firmly in Ireland with my wife Joyce, where I became a partner in a five-vet companion animal practice. I completed my Certificate in Veterinary Radiology in 1995, and soon after I developed an interest in working in the media.

I started by writing a weekly column (for no fee) in my local newspaper, and doing a vet spot on my local radio station. I found myself enjoying this aspect of veterinary work, and a simple rule came into play: "if you put energy into something, it grows". I now write for around a dozen newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Telegraph in the UK, and I have a weekly slot on Irish breakfast television. I'm still a vet in practice, but my clinical day starts at 2.30pm - I spend the mornings doing my media stuff. As you can imagine, my partners are helpful, flexible and understanding!

My aim is not to promote myself (although like all vets in the media, I clearly enjoy the attention) but rather to try to project a clear, positive, pro-animal message on behalf of our profession. Through this website, I hope to be able to connect more with vets on the ground, so that I'm able to highlight issues that are as topical and relevant as possible.