The Simon Award, sponsored for the 2023 awards by Vet Instrumentation, is for contributions to the advancement of all small animal surgery in its widest context, including but not limited to, soft tissue surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics and surgical aspects of neurology, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging and exotics (NTCA).
Simon, was a Golden Retriever owned by Mr J. Thomas, a blind telephone operator, that also became blind and had his sight restored by surgery, thus enabling him to resume his full duties as a guide dog. Mr Thomas, in appreciation of the work and surgical skill which had made this possible, inaugurated and made this award at the 1962 annual Congress.
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2023 Winner – Dr Philipp Mayhew BVM&S MRCVS DipACVS
Dr Philipp Mayhew (BVM&S ’96; The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Medicine) has pioneered adapting minimally invasive surgical techniques to specific differences in canine and feline anatomy and physiology. He also developed novel techniques that avoid the need for open abdominal or thoracic surgery. He is experienced in many other aspects of soft tissue surgery of dogs and cats and has contributed this clinical knowledge extensively to authoritative texts widely used by practicing veterinarians and trainees. This includes contributions to five BSAVA Manuals.