The AMTRA MAH (Marketing Authorisation Holder)
examination is the industry’s own training and qualification scheme. The
syllabus and training is provided by AMTRA in liaison with NOAH’s
Education Committee. It is a requirement for all NOAH member company
representatives promoting POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines and also
for non-member companies in the NOAH Compendium to take the examination
and be entered on the AMTRA Register. It is a very high level
academically recognised qualification and holders are ideally placed to
provide high quality advice to veterinarians, SQPs, pharmacists and
other users of animal medicines.
(1)TOP STUDENTS’ BIOGRAPHIES
AMTRA Examination March 17/18 2008
1st David Roberts – Pfizer Animal Health (OVERALL 3rd PLACE FOR
2008)
I am employed as the Veterinary Relations Manager for the Pig and
Poultry Business Unit of Pfizer Animal Health, with responsibilities for
the whole of the United Kingdom and also Southern Ireland.
I graduated as a Veterinarian in 1989 from the University of Pretoria
(Onderstepoort) in South Africa, where I was subsequently employed as a
lecturer for 7 years. Thereafter I worked in practice in South Africa,
Turkey and England before joining Pfizer Animal Health 2 years ago.
My interests include collecting classic motorcycles and breeding
thoroughbred horses.
2nd Ricard Garvao – Novartis Animal Health
My role in Novartis is Key Account Manager for the East region, in
the companion animal business. My territory covers from Kent up to York
and Hull.
I am originally from Portugal and have lived in the UK since 2001,
living now St Albans in Hertfordshire, with excellent links to London
and the north-east of the country, where I spend a great deal of my work
time.
I am a veterinary surgeon and have worked in different government and
industry positions for the last few years. I am currently completing my
MBA at Warwick University and my interests are playing sports (football
and squash) and travelling when I have the opportunity.
AMTRA Examination April 17/18 2008
1st Caroline Brokington – Merial Animal Health (OVERALL WINNER
FOR 2008)
I am currently working for Merial Animal Health as a Territory
Manager, covering south, mid and west Wales, I joined Merial in June
2007.
After graduating with a first class degree in Equine Science from
Hartpury College I worked in Italy, returning to the UK in 2002 to work
as a Microbiology Technician for Ortho Clinical Diagnostics in Cardiff.
My career in veterinary sales began in 2004 when I joined Animalcare as
a Sales Representative.
Outside of Merial I keep myself active by going to the gym and enjoy
outdoor pursuits, I also like eating out and reading.
2nd Clare Edmunds – Merial Animal Health
I am currently a territory manager for Merial Animal Health in the
companion animal team and my territory is the three counties
(Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire) and Gwent.
I graduated from the University of Bath with a Masters Degree in
Chemistry in 2004. I then travelled some of the US, and lived and worked
in Australia for a year, before starting my career as a territory
manager in the veterinary industry in Jan 2006 and in May 2007 I joined
Merial.
In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, keeping fit by going to the
gym and travelling.
AMTRA Examination June 2/3 2008
1st Andrea Bradley – Janssen
I have worked for Janssen since July 2007, looking after the south of
London and the south east. My role, along with territory management,
involves a lot of in-house education for practices which I thoroughly
enjoy, having technical debates about DJD, weight loss, otitis and
dermatitis. I take pride in making the information I relay relevant and
memorable, and use my creativity to enhance it.
I live in Greenwich which is my favourite part of London, overlooking
Canary Wharf and the Royal Park. My cat and dog, Bongo and Leia, keep me
company along with two dear friends. I am always busy outside of work as
well, going to see live music, dancing, seeing friends & family and
generally making the most of things. My hobbies also include massage and
Reiki, go-karting and watching motorbike racing.
2nd Ian Wood – Novartis
My role within Novartis Animal Health UK is a Territory Manager for
the Companion Animal Business. Working in partnership and supporting the
clinical & business needs of vet practices within the M62 Corridor
between Manchester and Leeds.
A few of these practices have both farm & companion animal clients,
most are 100% companion animal, some are owned by national corporate
groups, others are regional groups, many are single practices or
practices with a branch or two.
I joined Novartis Animal Health just two years ago. My career pathway
has always been in sales & marketing, prior to Novartis I worked for
many years with NHS staff, mainly surgeons & specialist nurses.
I have a passion for improving the health & quality of life of both
patients and animals.
I am a family man, married with three children my main hobby is
walking in the countryside, I am fortunate that we live close to the
Peak District National Park.
AMTRA Examination June 24/25 2008
1st Stephen Booth – Merial Animal Health
After completing a degree in Human Anatomy at Glasgow University I
joined Leo Animal Health as a Sales Representative in April 1999, under
the close scrutiny of Mr. Sam Black. 8 years later I joined Merial
Animal Health as a Territory Manager and now cover a territory of
veterinary practices encompassing Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and
Doncaster. I find the position extremely enjoyable, one which poses many
challenges within the commercial markets in which Merial operates.
Outside work I enjoy reading, dog walking and maintaining a classic
MG.
2nd Mike Overend - Huvepharma
I am currently employed as Marketing Manager for Huvepharma in the UK
and Ireland. Huvepharma have recently launched a new range of authorised
veterinary products into the UK and Ireland and I have the task of
developing the market here for them.
I am a graduate (and postgraduate) of the University of Newcastle
upon Tyne where I studied Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition. My
PhD is in Ruminant Nutrition. My first job (1979) was as a nutritionist
with Colborn Nutrition Ltd (which subsequently became Roche and then
latterly DSM) before joining NuTec in 1990 where I held various
positions, both technical and commercial. My most recent company, prior
to joining Huvepharma in October last year, was Forum Products Ltd who I
joined in 2001 as Technical Sales Manager for both the nutrition and
veterinary products divisions.
I live in a small village near to Matlock in Derbyshire with my wife,
Julie. We have three children who have now all left home to follow their
own careers. My outside interests include hill walking, gardening and
DIY. I am also Secretary for Matlock rugby club who play in Midlands
Division 2.
AMTRA Examination June 26/27 2008
1st Lynne Gollop – Novartis
My role with Novartis is Account Manager, having recently changed
from being Farm Account Manager. My role involves promoting our products
to farmers, training SQPs and working with vets and SQPs to promote best
practice and use of the products. My area includes central southern
England and East Anglia. Previously I worked as an SQP for Scats
Countrystores, achieving the top student award for the SQP Amtra exam in
the year that I took it. Before working for Scats I worked as a self
employed livestock person in Wiltshire.
My interests are my family: I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren,
and also my love of the countryside and wildlife.
2nd Helen Langham - Novartis
Helen qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon from the Royal Veterinary
College in 2003. After 4 years working in first opinion small animal
practice in Oxfordshire and on the South Coast, she took the decision to
use her degree in a different way, joining the Novartis Companion Animal
Business in early 2007. Helen obtained the MAH qualification while
working as an Account Manager and has since gone on to become
Professional Services Vet for the Southern UK; in this capacity she now
helps teach other AMTRA students within Novartis.
Helen now lives in London and leads a busy and enjoyable life
travelling throughout the south. In her spare time she participates in
many sports, those involving snow and water being particular favourites,
and spends time in the company of family and friends.
AMTRA Examination September 2008
1st Gregory Allin – Elanco (OVERALL 2nd FOR 2008)
I have been working as a Key Account Manager for Elanco for just over
2 and a half years. I work in a team dedicated to the Poultry Division
of the company and as such deal with the poultry integrators, vets and
nutritionists throughout the UK. Although I had a sales background, I
had no experience of agriculture before taking on this role and I find
the industry very diverse, exciting and technically challenging- it
keeps me constantly busy!
Undertaking the AMTRA MAH course really helped me increase my overall
knowledge of animal disease and physiology and the experience I gained
during my studies helps me in my role daily. I live in Hampshire -
fairly close to the Elanco office - and when not working I enjoy going
to the gym, watching football and spending time with friends and family.
2nd Sarah Abbott - Animalcare
I am a veterinary representative for Animalcare covering London
(north of the river), Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Essex. I qualified as
a VN in January 1990 and worked in and managed various small animal
practices until November 2004 when I joined Animalcare.
My passion in life (other than my job!) is Ceroc dancing - a fusion
of modern jive and Salsa which I enjoy 2-3 nights a week and most
weekends.
