Professor Robin Lee BVSc, PhD, DVR, HonDiplECVDI, MRCVS
An Appreciation
Robin born 25-10-1940: died 18-4-2020
Robin was a son of the manse spending his early life in the greater Manchester area where his father was a Methodist minister. After graduation from Liverpool University (1964) he retazined as an anatomy lecturer before moving to Glasgow in 1966. Although interested in orthopaedics surgery he gravitated to radiology. In 1976 the RCVS launched an initiative to create their first specialisms: radiology & anaesthesia and Robin became one of the very early Diplomates in Radiology.
It was recognised that whilst this engendered the growth in the availability of specialists to serve veterinary practice, it failed to develop the quality of radiology in a practice environment. Consequently, the certificate in veterinary radiology (CertVR) was created. Robin recognised the need to develop a taught course in radiological physics geared to the certificate. The course developed by Robin proved to be very popular, which at its peak attracted up to 40 attendees annually and resulted in 274 CertVR holders, including many from Europe. Robin was involved in the evolution of both awards and was a long standing examiner in both RCVS DVR and CertVR examinations. The former acted as a template for the early European College Diploma examinations. Robin was a founding member of the BVRA and fostered European links that led to the formation EAVDI, which was the precursor to the European College of Veterinary Radiology. Robin was a recipient of the Douglas & Williamson award and was also made an honorary diplomate of the College in recognition of his contribution to the development of radiology.
Radiology is often hampered by not knowing what the radiological features actually represent at a gross or histological level, Robin, in his PhD thesis, on LCP disease provided that insight into the histology of the disease that could be mapped to the radiological features. He helped develop innovative techniques for localising brain and spinal cord lesions, e.g. cavernous sinus venography.
In 1989, Robin made the decision to move to the administrative side of Glasgow University and became the Clerk of the Veterinary Faculty until his retiral in 1994. However, he did not let the grass grow under his feet and undertook teaching roles in the Americas: Ross University in St Kitts over a three-year period in the mid-1990s and subsequent teaching at St George’s University in Grenada and the University of Kansas.
Whilst radiology might be considered an intellectual interpretative pursuit, Robin maintained his interest in working with his hands. He built and sailed a boat on the waters of Loch Lomond. Rumours that the garage had to be partially dismantled to allow egress of the boat were never substantiated. Following the untimely death of Liz his first wife, he married Alison and migrated to the north of Scotland near Dingwall to become a Sassenach. Not content with relaxing, Robin & Alison bought a derelict cottage in Aultbea in the North-West Highlands and proceeded to renovate this- a true restoration man.
Robin was struck down with a severe stroke, followed by the rapid development of vascular dementia. Robin is survived by his wife Alison, two children from his first marriage and two step children. Robin was a kind and generous man and it was a pleasure and privilege to know him.
Professors Martin Sullivan
