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Dr Susan Paterson

MA VetMB DVD DipECVD FRCVS
Dr Susan Paterson

Biography

Sue Paterson qualified from Cambridge in 1984. After a period in mixed practice in Devon, she completed her Certificate and went on to achieve both British and European Diplomas in Veterinary Dermatology. She has been an RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology for more than 20 years and was recently elected a Fellow of the RCVS in recognition of her meritorious contributions to clinical practice.

She is the Veterinary Director of Veterinary Dermatological Ltd and Virtual Vet Derms, a veterinary telemedicine company. 

She has authored seven textbooks, written numerous peer-reviewed articles, and contributed chapters to both small animal and equine textbooks. An internationally recognised speaker, she has lectured extensively around the world, delivering presentations in more than 60 countries.

Sue is a Past President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology. She currently serves as President of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology, Chair of Trustees at the Animal Charity Pharmacy, and Trustee of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Sue is also a keen long-distance walker and enjoys exploring the Cumbrian fells, where she lives with her husband and dogs.

Council Member category

  • Elected: 2014 - 2026

Committee membership

  • Advancement of the Professions Committee
  • Education Committee (Observer)
  • Finance and Resources Committee
  • Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee (Chair)
  • Federation of Veterinarians of Europe
  • Council Culture Working Group (Chair)
  • Fellowship Science Advisory Panel
  • Post-nominals Subcommittee (Chair)
  • VetGDP and CPD Compliance Subcommittee (Chair)
  • Hardwick Street Refurbishment Group
  • Legislative Change Working Group
  • Routine Veterinary Practice Subcommittee
  • RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees

Declaration of interests

Directorships
  • Veterinary Dermatologicals - Veterinary Director

Veterinary Dermatologicals Ltd is a manufacturer of a range of veterinary dermatology supplements, shampoos, ear cleaners and soaps which are supplied to the general public and veterinary surgeons.

  • Virtual Vet Derms Ltd. (subsidiary of Veterinary Dermatologists) - Veterinary Director

Virtual Vet Derms Ltd. is a subsidiary of Veterinary Dermatologicals Ltd. which contracts RCVS Veterinary Specialists and Advanced Practitioners to provide paid specialist telemedicine advice either as general advice to members of the public or as specific advice to veterinary professions to help in the clinical management of their patients. 

Relevant financial interests, eg shareholdings, bonds and derivatives
  • Veterinary Dermatological/Virtual Vet Derms - major shareholder
  • Contego Animal Health - shareholder
Consultancies
  • BOVA Animal Health - Consultant
  • Ad hoc consultancy to other pharmaceutical firms - Nextmune, CEVA, MSD, Dechra, Vetoquinol, Elanco
Appointments to other bodies
  • Trustee, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (October 2020)
  • Chair of Trustees, The Animal Charity Pharmacy (November 2024)
  • Board member, Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board (August 2025)
Membership of other veterinary or allied organisations
  • Association of Charity Vets - Member
  • Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - Chair, Animal Health and Welfare Committee
  • BVA - Member
  • British Veterinary Bee Association - Member
  • BSAVA - Past President and member of BSAVA Council
  • British Dermatology Study Group - Member
  • European College of Veterinary Dermatology - Member and Past President
  • Westmorland and Kendal Beekeeping Association - Member
  • World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) - President
Employment

Previous employment has been at the PDSA in Manchester, a large animal practice in Devon and a private referral practice at the Animal Medical Centre in Manchester. Director and owner of Rutland House Referral Hospital until 2017.

Currently employed by Veterinary Dermatologicals Ltd.

Visiting Lecturer at University of Central Lancashire and University of Aberystwyth

Qualifications (other than veterinary qualifications listed in the Register)

Dip ECVD

Interests relating to immediate family or close friendsNone
Other relevant informationNone