After nearly 30 years of working inside our laboratory walls, last week we said farewell to one of our longest-standing pathologists who has started her next adventure called retirement.
Janice Thompson graduated with a BVSc. (Distinction) from Massey University in 1975, spent three years in general mixed animal practice before heading back to Massey to undertake post-graduate study in the field of clinical pathology. She graduated with a PhD in 1983.
Whilst raising a young family, Janice worked part time both as a research officer in the clinical science department at Massey and also as a locum in various small animal practices. She joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Batchelar Animal Health Laboratory in Palmerston North in 1990 as a clinical pathologist, and has remained within our laboratory (now Gribbles Veterinary) since.
Janice has made a huge impact on animal production and her knowledge of clinical pathology has assisted veterinarians working with all species. She has taught other clinical pathologists, veterinary students and veterinarians about clinical pathology through one on one teaching, tutorials at Massey University and contributions to veterinary journals, VetScript and newsletters.
Her enthusiasm is infectious as she pursues the intricacies of cases and unravels them.
Although we are all going to miss Janice, we are happy to see her hang up her coat and start an exciting new chapter of her life.