Benito de la Puerta

CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS

RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

After qualifying from the University of Madrid in 1997, Benito was awarded a three year clinical scholarship at the same university, with particular emphasis on anaesthesia and critical care. In 2002 Benito undertook an internship at the Royal Veterinary College. After a period in general practice, he returned to the RVC to complete a three year residency in Small Animal Surgery. The residency included extensive training in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.

Benito has been working as a full time surgeon at NDSR since October 2008, becoming a European recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2010 and an RCVS recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2011.

Benito has been invited to speak at both national and international veterinary meetings and is very interested in the training of general practitioners. He actively participates in the training of Spanish veterinarians, teaching in Spain on a regular basis.  He has also published multiple veterinary articles in national and international journals. Benito has particular interest in surgical oncology and thoracic surgery, as well as arthroscopy and joint surgery.

Nicola Kulendra

BVetMed CertVDI DipECVS MRCVS

EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

Nicola graduated from The Royal Veterinary College in 2006 and worked for 12 months in general practice. She returned to the RVC in 2007 as Junior Clinical Training Scholar (intern). After a year in practice in Caterham she obtained the position of Senior Clinical Training Scholar (Resident) in Small Animal Surgery in 2009.

Nicola passed the board certifying examination of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) in 2013 and is now a EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery. Nicola joined NDSR in 2018. She completed a clinical masters programme (MVetMed) and obtained her certificate in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (CertVDI) in 2011.

Her main areas of interest include ureteric obstruction, portosystemic shunts and oncologic (cancer) surgery.

Nicola is also our Environmental Champion and has driven our policy to achieve our Investors in the Environment Green accreditation.

Dr Gemma Holloway

CertAVP(GSAS) PgCertSAS BVSc MRCVS

ECVS Resident in Small Animal Surgery
Advanced Practioner in Small Animal Surgery

Gemma graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009 and spent 7 years in general small animal practice. During this time she became acting clinical director of a group of practices in Surrey and gained the GPcertSAS postgraduate qualification in surgery.

In 2016 she joined a referral practice in the North West of England, completing the RCVS certificate in small animal surgery and becoming an RCVS Advanced Practioner in Small Animal Surgery, as well as gaining accreditation as a Biomedtrix Universal Hip Replacement surgeon. In 2019 she started an ECVS residency and is currently working towards her diploma. Gemma enjoys both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery and has particular interests in joint replacement, reconstructive surgery and spinal procedures.

Terry Emmerson

MA VetMB CertSAS DipECVS FRCVS

RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery

After graduating from Cambridge University 1994, Terry completed an internship and a 3 year residency in Small Animal Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College. After leaving the Royal Veterinary College, he co-founded North Downs Specialist Referrals.

Terry became a recognised European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 1999 and a recognised RCVS Specialist in 2006. He has been Examiner and Chief Examiner for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Small Animal Surgery as well as a member of the RCVS Surgery Board.  He is currently a Trustee of the British College of Veterinary Specialists.

Terry recently contributed to the BSAVA manual of Surgical Principles and lectures regularly on surgical topics. He has vast experience of all aspects of surgery, but has particular interest in cancer surgery and is a member of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology (VSSO).

Terry was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice (MCCP) in 2016.