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Biography
Vicky qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science in 2010, having previously completed an intercalated BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College in 2008. She spent three years working in mixed practice, encompassing companion animal and farm animal medicine, before embarking on a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVetMed) at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
The DVetMed programme combined clinical work at Twycross Zoo, teaching of final-year veterinary students on clinical rotation, and original research. Vicky's doctoral thesis, "Getting to the heart of the matter: an investigation into great ape mortality and cardiovascular disease," was a multifaceted project incorporating epidemiological analysis of disease patterns in zoo-housed great apes, anaesthesia, clinical cardiac assessment, and detailed pathological examination of the heart.
Following completion of her doctorate, Vicky worked as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Animal and Veterinary Nursing Science at Nottingham Trent University. Whilst there, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP). In 2022, she returned to the University of Nottingham as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Exotic Animal Medicine.
Vicky is now a Clinical Associate Professor in Exotic Animal Medicine, Exotics Embedded Module Convenor, and Acting Exotics Clinical Sub-Dean. In these roles, she oversees the design, delivery, and strategic development of the undergraduate exotics curriculum across Years 1-5 of the BVM/BVS programme. Vicky is Rotation Lead for the Suffolk Exotic Vets Clinical Rotation.
In her role as Careers Link for the School, Vicky works closely with the Faculty Careers and Employability Service and oversees careers and employability support and provision for veterinary students.
Vicky is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and a member of the UK Exotics Educators Working Group. She is also recognised for her work in veterinary communication, public engagement, and science-based content creation, and is a strong advocate for effective, evidence-based animal health communication.
Expertise Summary
Dr Vicky Strong expertise spans:
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Primary Care Veterinary Practice, with experience in companion and farm animal practice.
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Exotic Animal Medicine, with experience in zoological and wildlife health.
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Veterinary Education and Clinical Teaching, including undergraduate teaching across all years of the BVM/BVS programme.
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Curriculum Design and Leadership, overseeing the development and delivery of the exotics curriculum (Years 1-5).
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Zoological and Comparative Research, with expertise in great ape mortality and cardiovascular disease.
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Careers Guidance and Employability, working closely with relevant stakeholders to support veterinary students on their transition into work.
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Veterinary Communication and Public Engagement, with a focus on effective, evidence-based animal health communication
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Sector Engagement, as a member of the UK Exotics Educators Working Group.
Teaching Summary
Vicky Strong's teaching spans Years 1-5 of the undergraduate BVM/BVS programme. It is focused on exotic animal medicine, and the use of comparative medicine and transferable skills to effectively… read more
Research Summary
Dr Vicky Strong remains active in research projects relating to great ape health and welfare. She is also involved in research to help shape undergraduate education in exotic animal medicine.
Vicky Strong's teaching spans Years 1-5 of the undergraduate BVM/BVS programme. It is focused on exotic animal medicine, and the use of comparative medicine and transferable skills to effectively approach and manage unfamiliar species in practice. Year 1 to 3 sessions and topics include mostly exotic animal husbandry and welfare, anatomy and physiology across the body systems, and triage and clinical assessment of exotic pets and wildlife.
In the final year, Vicky's teaching on the Zoo and Exotics Skills Rotation is on history taking and clinical examination of exotic pets, as well as cliinical case management of zoo animals.
Past Research
Dr Vicky Strong's early research focussed on great ape mortality and cardiovascular disease, and her doctoral thesis represented a multifaceted project incorporating epidemiological analysis of disease patterns in zoo-housed great apes, anaesthesia, clinical cardiac assessment, and detailed pathological examination of the heart.
Future Research
Vicky hopes to do additional research around employability in the undergraduate curriculum, and the support and transition of veterinary graduates into the workplace.