Get to Know Matteo Rossanese: Embracing Growth and Navigating Challenges as a Veterinary Surgeon
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Dr Matteo Rossanese is a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College and co-head of soft tissue surgery. He is the current ECVS residency director. He is a recognised RCVS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and he’s joining us at the London Vet Show this year!
In this interview, Dr Matteo Rossanese shares insights into his career, from his early passion for animals and medicine to his recent milestones, including publishing the ‘Manual of Small Animal Surgical Emergencies’. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, Matteo’s reflections and guidance are sure to encourage and inspire.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary?
A: I’ve always had a bit of passion for both medicine and animals, so starting a career in veterinary felt like a natural path for me. I discovered a particular interest in surgery during my time at university. The ability to resolve problems and achieve quick, positive results is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy surgery because it's a fast-paced field that evolves and offers new challenges and opportunities for learning. I really enjoy the dynamic nature of this work.
Q: Reflecting on your career thus far, what achievements or milestones are you most proud of and why?
A: This is actually a good opportunity for me to look back and appreciate what I’ve achieved. One major milestone, which might seem strange to some, is finding a residency specialising in small animal surgery. It was a very long and challenging process, so realising that I could pursue my dream was very important to me. Another big achievement for me was receiving my diploma and being granted the European Veterinary Specialist status.
The last two achievements that I'm proud of are both recent. First, I successfully performed my first mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass in a dog. This was a very rewarding moment, made possible thanks to the support of an incredible team and a mentor. Secondly, I recently held my first published textbook on surgical emergencies in my hands, which was a very proud moment for me.
Q: What advice do you have for attendees who want to maximise their learning experience and get the most out of the Wet Labs you'll be presenting at the London Vet Show?
A: I love giving practical training to veterinarians, and my advice is to engage actively during the sessions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions - there’s no such thing as a bad question! My lectures will be hands-on, and I want you to not only understand the procedures but also feel confident in performing them. Make the most of the practical exercises provided, as practice is key to building confidence and skills.
Also, I encourage attendees to network with your peers, share experiences, and learn from each other. I’m also open to follow-up questions after the session, so feel free to reach out with any further questions or for additional advice as you apply what you’ve learned.
Q: Could you provide an overview of the topics you will be discussing during your clinical sessions at the London Vet Show?
A: Of course! I’ll be covering three main topics during my sessions. First, I’ll focus on practical tips and tricks for managing patients suffering from the Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). I’ll include insights into preoperative and postoperative care, which can be more challenging than the surgery itself. I’ll also update attendees on recent literature and advancements in this area.
The second session will involve Traumatic Diaphragmatic Ruptures and Hernias in Dogs and Cats. I’m excited to be joined by Lydia Hjalmarsson, one of our anaesthetists, who will cover anaesthesia-related tips and tricks. We’ll address proper management of these patients from both surgical and anaesthetic perspectives and discuss strategies for managing and avoiding complications.
Finally, I’ll be speaking on Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). I’ll be joined by my colleague and friend, Stefano Cortellini, Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care and Associate Professor at the Royal Veterinary College. We’ll provide updates on current best practices for managing GDV, including stabilisation strategies and optimal timing for surgery. While some aspects of surgery haven’t changed much over the past 10-20 years, we’ll explore new approaches and decision-making that can enhance patient outcomes.
Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you like to give to individuals who are at the start of their veterinary career?
A: My key piece of advice is to build your mental strength and resilience. Veterinary medicine is not an easy career, and it comes with its unique challenges. You’ll face many difficult moments, but with the right approach, you can learn and grow from them. Dedication, hard work, a positive attitude, and a supportive network of peers and mentors are the way to achieve your goals.
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