Neurology

Simona graduated from the University of Milan, Italy. She developed an interest in neurology during her studies, having rescued a cat with head trauma that became epileptic. After graduation, Simona won a neurology internship at the University of Athens, Georgia, United States. Then, she moved to the University of Hannover, Germany, to complete a neurology residency. As a result, Simona gained the Diploma of the European College of Veterinary Neurology (DipECVN) in 2005. Also, she completed a PhD on Neuronal Dysplasia as a cause of refractory seizures in dogs and cats.

Simona has worked in UK referral practices as a Neurology Specialist since 2005. She has a passion for teaching and has taught Foundation and Higher Education Students since 2011. She has published numerous articles and book chapters, and she has also lectured in several national and international congresses.

Robert graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 2017. He spent the next two years working in a busy first opinion practice in Somerset treating a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, partaking in an intense emergency rota.

During this time, he spent a portion of his days off visiting a local neurology specialist to gain insight into the discipline. The enthusiasm and support given here was enough to get him hooked on pursuing a career in veterinary neurology. To this end, in 2019 he undertook a rotating internship to gain further experience working closely with specialists in multiple fields.

Robert joined Willows in early 2020, staying on as a clinician following completion of the ECVN residency training program in 2023. Robert holds a particular interest in the diagnostic utility of MRI, with peer reviewed publications in this area.

During his spare time Robert can often be found competing on a squash court or walking his energetic Working Cocker Spaniels, Islay and Conker.

Francesca graduated from the University of Perugia (Italy) in 2016 with a thesis on thoracolumbar disc herniation in dogs.

Following her graduation, she worked in the busy family veterinary practice in Perugia and she moved to the U.K. in 2017 to complete a rotating internship program at Vale Referrals, in Gloucestershire.

She then returned to general practice as a locum Veterinary Surgeon before joining Willows in July 2019 as a rotating intern.

To further advance her career within the neurology field Francesca undertook a Neurology internship at Fitzpatrick Referrals in July 2020. She then returned to Willows as a Resident in Neurology and Neurosurgery in January 2021.

In her spare time, Francesca enjoys running and exploring the British countryside.

Tom studied Veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham, achieving two degrees BVMedSci(hons) and BVM BVS(hons) MRCVS during his time there.

Since graduating, Tom has worked in a busy small animal hosptial in Dudley where he gained great exposure to surgery and emergency cases. Tom has a keen interest in Neurology and orthopaedics, and is hoping to pursue this interest following his rotating internship at Willows.

In his spare time Tom is in a band and enjoys playing regular gigs around the Nottingham area.

Alba graduated from the University of León in Spain in 2017. After working in Madrid at an emergency out-of-hours clinic she moved to the UK in 2018 where she worked for two years in first opinion practices in Leicestershire.

Alba completed a rotating internship at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, followed by Neurology internships at both Hamilton Specialist Referrals and Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona and during this time also published two neurological case reports in a British journal, before commencing her residency here at Willows in 2024.

Her passion for Neurology started when she adopted her little cross chihuahua, named Lia,  who suffers from a movement disorder. She also shares her life with her two crazy domestic short hair cats named Selva and África.

In her spare time, Alba enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and family, going to concerts and she particularly enjoys going to karaoke.

Michelle studied Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin, also earning an intercalated degree in Comparative Pathology from the Royal Veterinary College during her studies. Following graduation from UCD in 2020, Michelle undertook a small animal internship at Veterinary Specialists Ireland and then spent an enjoyable 18 months in a busy first opinion practice in Galway, Ireland.

Driven by her interest and passion for Neurology, Michelle completed a 12-month Neurology Internship at Northwest Veterinary Specialists. She subsequently worked for several months in an emergency out-of-hours hospital in Dublin before commencing her Neurology Residency here at Willows in 2024.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys playing hockey and spending quality time with friends, family and her gorgeous Domestic Shorthair Jeanie.

Peter graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2022 and began working in a general practice in Southampton. He then completed a rotating internship at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists before joining Willows as a Neurology Intern.

Peter has always had a keen interest in Neurology and is actively involved in clinical studies that extend beyond this specialty.

In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Venus and Vega, who have been his companions since vet school. He is an avid climber and occasionally competes in local bouldering competitions. Additionally, he loves gardening, cooking, and taking care of his aquarium.