Dr Simpson is a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges od Veterinary Internal Medicine, and a past president of the comparative gastroenterology society.

Dr Kenneth Simpson selected for work in gastroenterology.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has announced Dr Kenneth Simpson as the recipient of the 2022 WSAVA Award for Scientific Achievement.

Presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of small animal medicine, the Award for Scientific Achievement will be presented to Dr Simpson in recognition of his contributions, with particular recognition of his work in internal medicine and veterinary gastroenterology.

Discussing his award, Dr Simpson said: “When I was growing up in Scotland, my uncle Gordon -- an exceptional veterinarian and farmer -- waited patiently while I learned to recognize sick from healthy sheep, and instilled in me the intimate connection between the environment, husbandry and health. 

“His belief that I would make a good vet set me on a journey as rich as anyone could wish for. To those who have mentored me as a clinician and a scientist, and worked with me in the hospital and laboratory, I thank you for your inspiration, encouragement and camaraderie.”

Graduating from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 1984, and then again from the University of Leicester with a PhD in Gastroenterology in 1988, Dr Simpson then undertook work in small animal medicine in the USA.

Following this, he returned to the UK to work as a lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), and in 1995 he joined the Faculty of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Cornell University, New York, where he still resides.

Throughout his career, Dr Simpson has evaluated the interplay between genetic susceptibility, the microbiome, the host environment and the host immune system – which played a significant role in his research team's discovery of an adherent-invasive E. coli and its role in granulomatous colitis of boxers and French bulldogs.  

“As a successful veterinary clinician-scientist, Dr Simpson has addressed many important fundamental and clinical questions related to canine and feline gastroenterology,” said Dr Frédéric Gaschen, Co-Chair of the WSAVA Scientific Committee.

“He has also contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in human gastroenterology. His achievements are impressive and his publications record spans practice-relevant clinical studies to focused basic research investigations. 

“In many ways, Dr Simpson has demonstrated that he is an exceptional member of our community.”

The 2022 WSAVA Award for Scientific Achievement will be presented to Dr Simpson during the WSAVA World Congress, which takes place this year in Lima, Peru from 29 – 31 October. During the Congress, a WSAVA Award Lecture will be presented by Dr Simpson.  

Image (C) WSAVA