Dr. William Hawker Appointed as Assistant Professor in OVC Small Animal Surgery Service

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has appointed William Hawker, BVSC, MANZCVS, DVSc, as Assistant Professor in Small Animal Surgery in the Department of Clinical Studies.

Hawker brings exemplary skills in the clinical practice of small animal surgery and will work alongside a team of board-certified surgeons and specialists in medicine, anesthesiology, nutrition and cardiology to provide instruction to veterinary students, interns, residents and graduate students. In addition to teaching activities, he will continue to advance OVC’s robust research program and provide care to patients in the OVC Health Sciences Centre.

“I was aware of OVC’s reputation and contributions to veterinary medicine long before I began my internship in 2019,” says Hawker. “To be contributing to such a renowned institution alongside so many skilled clinicians and researchers is a great honour.”

Hawker obtained a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney in 2012. He worked in a remote rural mixed animal practice on the Australian coast for several years, where he gained a broad range of surgical experience.  After completing memberships in small animal surgery with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, he travelled to Canada to begin a rotating internship at OVC in 2019. He was accepted into OVC’s surgical residency program in 2020 and completed his Doctor of Veterinary Science in May 2024.

Hawker’s DVSc research examined the effect of locking-head inserts on the biomechanical properties of orthopedic implants. His work holds translational value and aims to impact the clinical application of orthopedic implants in both veterinary and human healthcare.

“Our team is thrilled to welcome Dr. Hawker to this position,” says Dr. Chris Riley, Chair of OVC’s Department of Clinical Studies. “He is an exceptional small animal surgeon, an excellent communicator, and a skilled mentor who will undoubtedly enhance the learning experience for future generations of veterinarians, while also broadening OVC’s research in the area of orthopedic medicine.”