Epilepsy in Veterinary and Human Healthcare
This week we catch up with Dr Jos Bongers, a veterinary neurologist from Glasgow Vet School, and Professor Sameer Zuberi, a paediatric neurologist at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. They discuss their career paths, the similarities and differences between human and veterinary neurology, and the impact of epilepsy on welfare of both animals and children.
We consider a variety of different topics including seizure classification and video diagnostics, similarities between human and veterinary neurology, welfare and quality of life, treatment of epilepsy and clinical trials, one medicine, and future breakthroughs in the treatment of epilepsy.
The discussion underscores the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, technological innovation (especially video and AI), and a holistic approach to welfare in both human and veterinary contexts. Jos and Sameer hope for faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments, particularly in resource-limited settings, and highlight the shared motivation to improve lives across species.
Biographies
Professor Sameer Zuberi MB ChB (Ed), MD, FRCP(Ed), FRCPCH
Professor Sameer Zuberi is a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and Honorary Professor in the School of Health & Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, leading the Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and undertook postgraduate paediatric and neurology training in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sydney. He is Clinical Lead of the Scottish National Genetic Epilepsy Service, Trustee of Health Innovation Scotland and Neurodevelopment Theme Lead of the Epilepsy Research Institute UK. He is immediate Past President of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, vice President of the European Brain Council (advocating for better brain health globally) and President-Elect of the British Paediatric Neurology Association.
He has been active in the International League Against Epilepsy, serving on many Task Forces, and was Chair of the Commission on Classification & Terminology 2013-17. His research group have a broad focus in childhood epilepsies including genetics, epidemiology, outcomes, trials & precision therapies and global health. In recent years he has developed and researched innovative technologies including smartphone video and AI for diagnosis & management, and devices to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. He has published more than 150 academic papers and many book chapters.
Sameer’s family includes a cat and a cocker spaniel. He is excited about collaborating with veterinary neurologists and owners in a project to improve classification of seizures in dogs using smartphone video.
Dr Jos Bongers MSc MVM DipECVN MRCVS
Jos is a veterinary neurologist with a primary focus on developing and expanding the Glasgow Seizure Clinic to improve diagnosis and treatment for pets with epilepsy and to strengthen support networks for their carers. She has also recently begun a PhD that examines the use of home video recordings for determining seizure semiology in dogs, guided by methods used in human medicine. She intends for this project to promote closer links between human and veterinary neurology and to deepen understanding of epilepsy across species. More information on the Seizure Clinic can be found via: https://petseizureclinic.co.uk/.
Other information
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Dr Mary Fraser BVMS MRes PhD CertVD MAcadMEd MIoD PGCHE FHEA FRSB FRCVS
Mary has had a varied career, starting out in mixed practice, then focussing on veterinary dermatology, veterinary nursing, medical education, animal welfare, owner support and clinical decision making. She was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2017 for Meritorious Contributions to Practice and is a past Chair of the RCVS Fellowship Science Advisory Panel.
Working both as a clinician and academic, Mary has a PhD in immunological aspects of canine atopic dermatitis and the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology, worked in referral practice, and also set up her own first opinion/referral small animal practice in rural Perthshire.
In between this, she had the opportunity to work in veterinary nursing at both FE and HE levels becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Member of the Academy of Medical Educators, and alongside Simon Girling, setting up the Advanced Programme in Veterinary Nursing of Exotics a postgraduate training programme for veterinary nurses that has now been running for over 20 years and trained over 1000 vet nurses.
She is a accomplished researcher and author, with over 100 published articles, book chapters, books and papers. Areas of work include veterinary dermatology, medical education, preparing students for practice, the challenges of clinical decision making, providing better support in practice for clients with sight loss, and the application of evidence based medicine in practice.
During her time as a vet…
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Professor Sameer Zuberi is a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and Honorary Professor in the School of Health & Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, leading the Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and undertook postgraduate paediatric and neurology training in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sydney. He is Clinical Lead of the Scottish National Genetic Epilepsy Service, Trustee of Health Innovation Scotland and Neurodevelopment Theme Lead of the Epilepsy Research Institute UK. He is immediate Past President of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, vice President of the European Brain Council (advocating for better brain health globally) and President-Elect of the British Paediatric Neurology Association.
He has been active in the International League Against Epilepsy, serving on many Task Forces, and was Chair of the Commission on Classification & Terminology 2013-17. His research group have a broad focus in childhood epilepsies including genetics, epidemiology, outcomes, trials & precision therapies and global health. In recent years he has developed and researched innovative technologies including smartphone video and AI for diagnosis & management, and devices to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. He has published more than 150 academic papers and many book chapters.
Sameer’s family includes a cat and a cocker spaniel. He is excited about collaborating with veterinary neurologists and owners in a project to improve classification of seizures i… Read More
Jos is a veterinary neurologist with a primary focus on developing and expanding the Glasgow Seizure Clinic to improve diagnosis and treatment for pets with epilepsy and to strengthen support networks for their carers. She has also recently begun a PhD that examines the use of home video recordings for determining seizure semiology in dogs, guided by methods used in human medicine. She intends for this project to promote closer links between human and veterinary neurology and to deepen understanding of epilepsy across species. More information on the Seizure Clinic can be found via: https://petseizureclinic.co.uk/.