No Ties
Hi I am Keith and I am the NoTies part of NoTiesNoHeels.com
Actually, “No Ties” is more symbolic than a reality because I have never worn a tie to work in my life, which I count as a bonus.
I was born in Durban, South Africa and raised in the rolling green hills of the Natal midlands.
After school I went to university and qualified as a veterinarian. Two and a bit years later, after completing my national service, I headed out to explore the world.
During that journey I met my wife Dianne, a New Zealander. Thirty-six odd years later, we are once again traveling the world together.
Of course a lot has happened in those intervening 30 plus years. Two wonderful children were added to our family. A number of job changes, buying and selling of houses and cars happened. We educated the kids and continued to educate ourselves.
We went on trips. We burnt the midnight oil.
In short, life happened and we got on with living it……and watching All Black vs Springbok rugby test matches was especially interesting in our household 🙂
Epi What?
After a spell in private practice and the poultry industry, I found my true niche in the veterinary world – epidemiology.
Epidemiologists have been in the public spotlight since the emergence of Covid-19. However, they have been working behind the scenes for years, tackling disease issues from all sides.
And I count myself lucky to have been working in that field as the (logical) concept of One Health has gained traction. After all, scientists estimate that 6 out of every 10 known infectious diseases in people originated in animals. In addition, it is thought that 75% of all new or emerging infectious diseases in people (including Covid-19) will come from animals.
Not only that, but the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global health threat affecting humans, animals and the environment and can only be tackled from a One Health perspective.
It’s been a fascinating and challenging journey that has introduced me to a lot of clever and dedicated people working in different corners of the world. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the development of the One Health concept at grass roots as well as at national and international policy levels.
A New Journey
And of course, this new journey is not too different!
The subject matter might be slightly different but we are traveling the world, meeting interesting people and discovering new things almost every day.
Long may it continue!
Lets go!
On y va!
Andiamo!
