January 2023

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Christophe Desbois, our esteemed colleague and friend from the French Veterinary School of Alfort. Christophe was one of the first academic faculty in Veterinary Anaesthesia in France and we all have fond memories of him, as a lecturer, as a colleague and, most of all, as a lovely individual. From our first steps in veterinary anaesthesia as student (Delphine), intern (Gwen) or young anaesthesia lecturers until more recent interactions as academics, Christophe has undoubtedly marked our professional journeys with both his passion for anaesthesia and his kindness.

Christophe participated in the development of veterinary anesthesia and analgesia in France, he was involved in the creation of the French association 4A-Vet and the so-called pain scale. His teaching skills and willingness to transmit his knowledge were an example for us.

Among all the aspects of teaching and practicing veterinary anaesthesia, Christophe was very passionate about ventilation modes and monitoring. He was a pioneer in designing software programs to collect and transform data and use them for didactic purposes. His creativity was limitless and an inspiration for us.

Christophe leaves two daughters, his partner, his sister and his niece, our thoughts are with them at this very sad time. Veterinary anaesthesia has lost one of its most passionate advocates, he will be sorely missed.

Gwenola Touzot-Jourde, Delphine Holopherne-Doran, Stéphane Junot

February 2019

With great sadness the AVA informs members of the death of Dr Kate Borer-Weir. Her colleagues and friends at the RVC have written a poignant eulogy, which can be read here

April 2017

Dr Griet Haitjema & Dr Polly Taylor write in memory of Dr Peter Gray DipACVAA who passed away last year. To read their memories and tributes please click here

March 2017

Dr Lesley J. Smith, President of ACVAA writes in memory of Dr. John Thurmon

As many of you may know, Dr. John Thurmon passed away the week of March 20, 2017 from congestive heart failure. He was a remarkable person in many ways and had a longstanding devotion to the ACVAA. Over 45 years ago (1971) he was honored by his peers to be selected chair of the Ad Hoc Committee responsible for establishing the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists (ACVA). He was one of seven ACVA Charter diplomats. He had a distinguished career of over 30 years at the University of Illinois-College of Veterinary Medicine where he published extensively and emphasized the incorporation of advanced academic training within Anesthesia Residency programs. He was proud to be the research advisor for over 25 anesthesia residents and graduate students during his career. Many of these diplomates are now in private practice or hold faculty positions in academic institutions across North America and the rest of the world. Dr. Thurmon was also an early and significant supporter of the ACVAA Foundation, and suggested the establishment of a Resident Research Award to be granted by the Foundation, supplying seed money that he continued to contribute to over the years. In the early 1990s Dr. Thurmon accepted the task of becoming Editor-in-Chief of the 3rd edition of “Lumb and Jones Veterinary Anesthesia”. As a multi-species anesthesia and analgesia textbook, he viewed this work as a critical component in maintaining the legitimacy of veterinary anesthesiology as a specialty within the wider veterinary community. Indeed, Dr. Thurmon’s contributions to veterinary anesthesiology were consequential and significant.

January 2016

We are saddened to have been informed of the recent death of Dr Bill Clark. Dr Clark was an AVA member until 2000, based in Australia.