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There is the saying “good things come in threes”, which is certainly true for our three new Diplomates – Stefanie, Veerle and Luca. We introduced Stefanie and Veerle in recent blogs, and today sees the turn of Luca Ferasin DVM PhD CertVC PGCert(HE) DipECVIM-CA (Cardiology) GPCert(B&PS) FRCVS, European & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology.

We are very excited to welcome Luca, Cardiology Diplomate, to Team Ralph as we expand our Cardiology Service and offering to our referring community. Let’s find out more about Luca and his wealth of experience…

From left to right: Luca, Stefanie and Veerle

Luca has been a cardiologist for more than 20 years and was recently awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for his Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. Luca graduated with honours in 1992 from the University of Bologna. After 3 years of research in endocrinology at the BBSRC Institute in Cambridge, he was awarded his PhD in 1996. Following 3 years as Assistant Professor at Padua University, Luca moved to Bristol University, where he taught cardiorespiratory medicine of the dog and cat for 7 years. In 2005-2007, he was Associate Professor in Cardiology at the University of Minnesota.

Luca with Senior ECC Nurse Laura and Willow

He returned to the UK in 2008 to work in various referral institutions, as well as offering a telemedicine service and post-graduate teaching. He obtained the RCVS Certificate in Cardiology in 2001, the Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education in 2002, the ECVIM Diploma (Cardiology) in 2004 and a Certificate in Business & Professional Studies in 2011.

Luca has also vastly contributed to veterinary literature, with articles, abstracts, and book chapters, including the chapter on coughing in the latest edition of Ettinger’s Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He also acted as Chairman of the ECVIM Examination Committee and was a member of the RCVS Examination Board and the BSAVA Congress Committee.

Luca is a regular speaker worldwide. His main professional interests include feline cardiology, exercise physiology, as well as investigation and management of syncope and coughing.

In his spare time, Luca enjoys running, cycling, swimming…and playing with his two young boys Dante and Mattia. He also likes art cinema, Italian cooking and wine tasting.

Luca and Luna

Luca joins Heidi Ferasin as we expand our Cardiology offering to our referring vet community. This specialist-led Cardiology Service is available for routine and emergency appointments. The service provides investigation and management for all types of congenital and acquired canine and feline heart diseases. Find out more about the service here.

Luca and Heidi are available for questions and advice from members of the vet community. Drop them an email on [email protected] or call 01628 308330.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our latest news. Stay tuned for more stories from the hospital.

Take care,

Team Ralph