Vets

Luc Van Dijck DVM MRCVS - Vet After graduating in June 1991 from the State University of Ghent (Belgium) and spending a few months as a locum in Belgium in general practice, I decided to try my luck abroad and England seemed to be the obvious choice as it offered the best career opportunities for a young graduate.

During my training I developed a special interest in all aspects of Small Animal surgery and Equine medicine, but I still wanted to start in mixed practice to gain experience in a wide variety of aspects of Veterinary Medicine.

In February 1992 I started as an assistant for Mr William McNish BVM MRCVS and became a member of this practice. Under Bill’s guidance I was allowed to develop my clinical skills in Small Animal, Equine and Farm Animal Medicine.

When Bill McNish retired in 1996 I decided to take the plunge by taking over the practice and becoming principal. Since then a lot of work and capital has been invested in modernising and improving our facilities. During this period the decision to abandon Farm Animal work was made with some regret. However as clients rightly expect ever improving standards of care for their pets it is a natural development that more and more practices go through a process of specialisation.

My special interests remain Small Animal soft tissue and Orthopaedic surgery and general Equine Medicine.

I currently have 4 pets of my own – two dogs (Buttons and Lodger) and two cats (Alfie and Annie). My hobbies include gardening and woodworking and unfortunately less and less sport.

Liesbet Lester - Vet I was born in the Limburg district of Belgium. When I was 5 years old my family moved to the outskirts of Antwerp, where I grew up. I developed an early interest in animals and decided to become a vet. Training took 6 years, first at the University of Antwerp where I gained a Diploma of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a diploma of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the State University of Ghent. I then returned to the State University of Antwerp for another year gaining a Diploma of Master of Biotechnology. Before starting in general practice I spent a further year gaining a Post Graduate in Experimental Veterinary Medicine at the State University of Liege.

By this time I had decided to concentrate on small animals and, at the same time, look for a position in England. In July 1989 I joined my first practice in Southampton. The following year I moved to the Wigan area, where I have been ever since. During this time I have always endeavoured to continue learning about new medicines and new procedures. I am also very keen on alternative treatments and at the beginning of 2001 attended a seminar on Acupuncture for animals. I have been able to use this now on several cases with a good success rate. It is my intention to develop this further.

Over the last 11 years, apart from being absorbed in the treatment of sick and injured animals, I also met and married my husband Steve and we now have 2 lovely children. I enjoy swimming, walking, cycling and, if I had the time, horseriding.