Oncology

James Elliott

BVM&S CertSAM DipECVIM-CA (Oncology) MRCVS

European Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

James graduated from the University of Edinburgh and initially worked in small animal practice in England. During that time his interest in oncology and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer grew, and he subsequently completed a one year internship and residency in small animal oncology at the University of Liverpool. Here he underwent extensive training in the disciplines of medical oncology and radiotherapy. James holds the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) Diploma in Small Animal Oncology and is a recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Oncology. He also holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.

Subsequent to his training, James became a lecturer in oncology at the University of Liverpool where, in addition to running busy clinics seeing cancer patients, he was also responsible for teaching undergraduate students, postgraduates undergoing oncology training, and members of the nursing team.

In 2013, James joined Willows where he is helping to develop the oncology service in this world-class multi-disciplinary hospital.

James is a member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and the European Society of Veterinary Oncology. He regularly lectures to vets on oncology topics and has published on various subjects in the veterinary literature, including blood biomarkers in certain cancers, chemotherapy for canine lymphoma and canine oral mast cell tumours.

James takes great interest in seeing animals with all types of cancer and blood disorders, and particularly enjoys the close interaction he has with Willows' surgical, medical and imaging Specialists, in working to ensure that he delivers the best care for all his patients. He enjoys working hard with owners and their pets to achieve the best possible outcome, whilst maintaining the best possible quality of life for the much loved animals under his care.

In his spare time James enjoys getting out and about in the countryside, music and travelling.

Stephen Baines

MA VetMB PhD CertVR CertSAS DipECVS DipClinOnc MRCVS

RCVS and European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Oncology

Stephen qualified from Cambridge University in 1990.  He held an internship position at North Carolina State University and then spent a year in general practice before taking up a Residency in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Liverpool, where he gained the RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Surgery.  In 2000, he completed a PhD in canine tumour biology at the University of Cambridge followed by a period as Lecturer in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery.  In 2004, he moved to the Royal Veterinary College, as Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery and also Head of Surgery. 

Stephen is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and an RCVS Specialist in both Small Animal Surgery and Veterinary Oncology. He has recently completed a Master of Science degree in Comparative Clinical Oncology at the University of Birmingham.  Stephen is a member of the ECVS Programme Committee, the BSAVA Scientific Committee and has also been Chairman of Examiners for the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery.  He is currently a member of the editorial board of The Veterinary Record and In Practice.

Stephen has published over 45 papers in the peer-reviewed literature and has given over 75 presentations at national and international meetings.  He has written over 30 continuing education articles and a dozen book chapters.  He is the co-editor of the BSAVA Manual of Surgical Principles.  He is a regular lecturer at national and international meetings and an enthusiastic speaker at regional and national CPD meetings. He has received clinical research prizes from ECVS, BSAVA and the RVC.

Stephen's clinical interests include all aspects of clinical oncology, wound management and reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive surgery, particularly thoracoscopy.  His clinical research interests involve tumour cell biology, biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and therapy and novel therapeutic agents for treating cancer in small animals - this research has been supported by BSAVA Petsavers, the PetPlan Charitable Trust and RCVS Trust.

Stephen and family own three Domestic shorthaired cats, Valentino (Teeny), Benedick (Benny) and Beatrice (Bea).  Teeny is a retired blood donor who has helped to save many lives and Benny will step up to fill his shoes.  Bea alas is too small.

When not at work, Stephen swims, cycles and runs regularly and one day soon will finally do the triathlon that he has been putting off so far.

The building and facilities at Willows are excellent, but what makes the difference is the outstanding team of clinicians and staff who are all committed to delivering clinical excellence.  Stephen is very enthusiastic about working in the practice and helping to ensure that the quality of care we provide really is the best.