معرفی
Ruth van der Leij is a Lecturer in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University. She specializes in Shelter Medicine, focusing on the veterinary care of commercially kept companion animals, particularly those in animal shelters. With extensive experience in both clinical veterinary practice and academic research, she has been instrumental in developing Shelter Medicine as a recognized veterinary specialty in the Netherlands since 2009.
Dr. van der Leij holds a biology degree from the University of Groningen (1988) and a veterinary degree (2007). Before becoming a veterinarian, she worked for 12 years in Dutch and American animal welfare organizations, providing her with practical experience that informs her academic work. Her career bridges clinical practice and academia, with one day per week dedicated to academic work while maintaining clinical practice.
Her research primarily focuses on improving animal welfare in shelters through disease prevention strategies, stress reduction techniques, and evidence-based management practices. Key areas include infection control protocols, environmental enrichment (particularly the use of hiding boxes for cats), vaccination strategies, and the impact of shelter design on animal health. Her work emphasizes a population health approach rather than individual animal care, addressing unique challenges in shelter environments where disease transmission risks are higher.
Dr. van der Leij's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on practical solutions for shelter medicine challenges, with significant contributions to understanding stress in shelter cats, outbreak management of infectious diseases, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal shelters. Her research often involves collaboration with multiple institutions and shelters across the Netherlands.
Her notable recognition includes:
- Moyra Stava-Morena Prize (2012) for initiating and developing the field of Shelter Medicine
Dr. van der Leij serves as Chairman of the Shelter Medicine Foundation and is a Member of the Board of Experts for the Animal Nutrition Foundation. She has been involved in significant research projects including "Research on COVID-19 in pets" (2020-2021) as an executor. Her work bridges veterinary science, animal welfare, and public health, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical applications in animal shelters.
She is actively involved in developing educational frameworks for Shelter Medicine, including international learning outcomes for veterinary students. Her leadership in establishing Shelter Medicine as a recognized specialty has created new pathways for veterinary professionals interested in animal shelter work and population health management.
