Long-serving vet retires

After 27 years of teaching many of today’s practising vets, St Lucia vet lecturer Dr Richard Sutton is retiring to the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Sutton has spent most of his career teaching veterinary pathology to more than 2500 students since joining UQ in 1979.

Being in pathology has meant Dr Sutton has worked in the diagnostic services involving necropsy and surgical biopsy work for the UQ’s Small Animal Clinic and Veterinary Teaching Hospital as well as clients outside the University.

He was Deputy Dean of UQ’s School of Veterinary Science from 1985 to 1990 and earned three commendations in UQ’s Excellence in Teaching awards from 1995-97.

His son, Peter Sutton, won an Excellence in Teaching Award this year.

Dr Sutton, known as Dick to friends and students, said he was most proud of being a student mentor.

He said he was involved in many veterinary research projects over the years but was particularly satisfied with his contributions to the canine heartworm disease research in the 1980s led by UQ’s Professor Rick Atwell.

Dr Sutton was diagnosed with lymphoma in September and has been receiving treatment since.

His last official day at work is December 30, his 65th birthday.

Media: Dr Sutton (07 3365 2341, r.sutton@uq.edu.au) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (3365 2619)