Dr. Nick Jeffery recognized with 2023 AVMA Clinical Research Award

Dr. Jeffery's key achievements include foundational research on spinal cord injury in dogs, the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, and the direction of impactful clinical trials. He was instrumental in defining MRI based features of injury, which are still utilized currently to aid in diagnosis and delivery of local therapies. His most recent research has centered on data analysis, particularly quantifying the variability and individuality in functional testing outcomes in animals with spinal cord injury to optimally replicate laboratory studies and to use this information to ensure rigorous translation of intervention effects between species.

His work has resulted in over 200 peer-reviewed publications, many of which have significantly influenced veterinary and biomedical practices worldwide. Dr. Jeffery’s influential textbook, Handbook of Small Animal Spinal Surgery, has become a critical resource for students and practitioners alike.

In addition to his research, Dr. Jeffery has shown a strong commitment to education and mentorship. He has mentored 18 PhD students and numerous neurology residents, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in academia and industry. His contributions as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Small Animal Practice have provided invaluable guidance to aspiring researchers and clinicians in the field. He is also a founding member of the Canine Spinal Cord Injury Consortium, a group of veterinarians with specific interest in spinal cord injury who have agreed to work together to investigate how to improve therapy for these types of injuries in dogs and how they can be used as a model for human medicine.

Dr. Jeffery, a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and Neurology and a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, began his career in London with the opening of the city's first private small animal specialty practice. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, a postdoctoral fellowship from University College London, and a master’s degree in clinical trials design from the University of London. Dr. Jeffery joined the faculty at Texas A&M University in 2016 after serving at the University of Cambridge and the University of Iowa.

“Because research – especially clinical research – is dependent on coordinated team effort, this award also honors my collaborators, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with me over the decades for their contributions in time and effort to our shared research projects,” Dr. Jeffery said. “Although often frustrating to carry out, clinical research is central to improving the care we provide for our animal patients.”

To view Dr. Jeffery’s acceptance video, click here or visit https://vimeo.com/843301414/ae26f48ba1.

To learn more about the AVMA Clinical Research Award and past recipients, visit www.avma.org/awards.

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippoavma [dot] org.