Professor Robert Wrigley BVSc, DVR, MS, Dipl ACVR, Dipl ECVDI
Robert Wrigley graduated from the University of Sydney in 1977 with a BVSc and Honours II. He was awarded the Diploma of Veterinary Radiology from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (UK) in 1981, and obtained a Master of Science from the Department of Radiology and Radiation Biology at Colorado State University in 1982.
In 1982 he also became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, and in 1997 became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. These international specialist qualifications are unique and are equivalent to professional doctorates awarded on 3 continents, placing Robert amongst the best qualified veterinary diagnostic imagers in the World.
In 1980 Robert joined the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University (CSU) as a diagnostic radiologist and since then had worked extensively in all aspects of diagnostic imaging. Within the academic community he was internationally respected as an outstanding clinical radiologist and a leader in ultrasonography. In 1999 he became Professor of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in this Department.
Robert was the recipient of the prestigious excellence in teaching award from the Phi Zeta Honour Society (1984). He also held several international honorary professorships and fellowships in prestigious universities around the world.
Research and Publications
After 30 years experience Robert Wrigley had distinguished himself as an international leader in the field of veterinary diagnostic imaging and an outstanding clinical radiologist. He had been responsible for the optimization of a range of imaging setups and creating unique digital image processing algorithms for radiographic imaging of veterinary patients at the James L Voss Veterinary Teaching facility at Colorado State University.
His research interests include development of optimal veterinary digital imaging presets for computed radiography systems and all aspects of diagnostic imaging of small animals and horses.
Robert had an impressive publications record. He published more than 90 scientific papers on veterinary imaging. He also contributed to 13 book chapters and is a joint author on the book titled “Small Animal Radiological Differential Diagnosis”. He presented the results of his research at many respected national and international scientific conferences.
Robert had also been successful in obtaining a number (n=24) of research grants at Colorado State University over the last 25 years with a total funding of over US$ 3.5 million.
Teaching
Robert Wrigley had extensive teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His formal teaching career included
teaching (and coordinating) Radiology and Ultrasound modules including interpretation of to Veterinary students at Colorado State University. During his career he also taught Junior Practicum: Radiology; Senior Practicum: Imaging; Principles – Diagnostic Imaging; Principles of Imaging Interpretations I and II; Equine Medicine and Surgery I; Equine Medicine and Surgery: Thoracic Imaging; Clinical Imaging Interpretation; Neurosurgery; Radiographic Techniques; Radiographic Interpretation; Small Animal Medicine and Surgery : Neuroradiology; Diseases of the Nervous System; Diseases of the Reproductive tract; Equine Lameness; Introduction to Disease II (Radiography); Perspective – Comparative Medicine II; Large Animal Clinical Block: Radiology; Elective Block: Ultrasound; and Nephrology / Urology.
In terms of continuing professional education he presented over 110 short courses to the veterinary profession since the early 1980’s.
Professor Wrigley has directly supervised 31 postgraduate master (Masters) degree students in the Departments of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences and Clinical Sciences.
Management and Administration
Robert Wrigley had been a past chairman of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. He was currently a member of the Australasian Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging; the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association; the International Veterinary Radiology Association (IVRA) Board; and he was the North American representation on the IVRA Board.
University of Sydney
1972-1977
Robert joined the Faculty from high schooling in Blayney. He was a member of a remarkable year of veterinarians, including Professors Bill Pomory (Massey) and Peter Windsor (Sydney), plus highly regarded luminaries who have contributed much to veterinary teaching at Sydney University, including Dr’s Derek Spielman, Philip Widders, Robert Johnson, Mike Cannon, Jim and Marilyn Gill and several others who have contributed much to the profession including Ruth and Howard Thompson and Glen Beath to name just a few.
As a student Robert was known for being academically strong and conscientious and his passion for radiology emerged early in his clinical training and he immediately excelled at this. Robert was always polite, helpful, if reserved, and he was well regarded by his peers. He held strong and well informed views and was active in debating these, even as a student. He showed an early interest in applying new technology and applied his keen and inquiring mind to veterinary practice. He is fondly remembered by his peers for being quiet, but with a ready smile and a good sense of humour.
2007-2010
Robert was appointed as Australia’s first full Professor of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging in July 2007. He was immediately pitched into the teaching activities of undergraduate BVSc students, optimising the performance of new imaging equipment and running the diagnostic imaging units in both Teaching Hospitals in Sydney and Camden. There were some fairly spectacular difficulties at the outset with equipment, new facilities, and teaching materials which he rapidly overcame. He established an imaging team with a presence on both campuses providing an excellent and growing clinical service that was appreciated by Hospital staff, clients and students. He established a Residency Program with residents on both campuses, designed to meet the Australian shortage of veterinary imaging specialists and a first for the Faculty.
Professor Wrigley contributed greatly to the academic and professional life of both the Hospitals and the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues and friends. Robert is highly regarded for the remarkable progress in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Clinical Services achieved under his leadership. He will be remembered with great fondness by his colleagues for his commitment to excellence, his fascination with all aspects of diagnostic imaging, his quiet, understated manner and kindness in support of his colleagues and students.
Leo Jeffcott, Rosanne Taylor, Karon Hoffman, Peter Windsor, Derek Spielman
15 November 2010