Mars Veterinary Health has appointed Small Animal Medicine Specialist, Ian Battersby, BVSc DSAM DipECVIM FRCVS, as its global Responsible Pharmaceutical Stewardship Lead. 

In his new role, Ian will guide the development of interventions, strategies, process changes and campaigns to improve responsible pharmaceutical usage across Mars Veterinary Health’s 2,500+ global veterinary clinics.

Ian was previously Head of Internal Medicine at Hertfordshire-based Davies Veterinary Specialists and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) subject matter expert on the clinical board of Linnaeus.

Mars says that this new role is one of several actions it is taking to promote pharmaceutical stewardship and combat antimicrobial resistance, include the implementation of a formal responsible pharmaceutical stewardship programme across all its veterinary clinics globally during the next several years.

Ian said: “As one of the leading providers of veterinary care in the world, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead the way toward a more sustainable profession.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a critical One Health issue, and I look forward to continue working with colleagues across more than 2,500 clinics to support responsible antibiotic prescribing.

"Energy and interest in this area is growing profession-wide, demonstrating a reassuring recognition of how we can make meaningful improvements for people, pets, and the planet long into the future.”

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