Dr Cairns graduated from the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1971. After working in the UK, he moved to South Africa, where he established a companion animal practice in KwaZulu-Natal. What began as a single-veterinarian clinic grew into a six-veterinarian practice with a 24-hour hospital facility. Although now retired, Dr Cairns continues to be involved within the profession by mentoring newly qualified graduates, doing veterinary facility inspections in South Africa and involvement with a welfare groupwork and voluntary service.
Throughout his career, Dr Cairns has contributed extensively to the veterinary profession, both in South Africa and internationally. He has held leadership positions in the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) and the National Veterinary Group (NVCG), representing South Africa at WSAVA Congresses. In 2006, he joined the WSAVA Continuing Education Committee, supporting 12 countries in Southern Africa by arranging CE lectures. These activities also played a key role in laying the groundwork for the AFSCAN Project. While initially conducted in person, during the COVID-19 pandemic Dr Cairns adapted these programs into webinars, ensuring ongoing access to education.
His leadership was also instrumental in organizing the 2014 WSAVA World Congress in Cape Town, where he helped extend pro bono lectures to neighboring countries, furthering WSAVA’s mission of advancing global veterinary education. For his outstanding contributions, he received the WSAVA Global Meritorious Service Award in 2014.
In recent years, Dr Cairns has served as a member of the WSAVA Leadership and Nomination Committee, a vital body ensuring fair and transparent processes in the association’s governance. His commitment to strengthening the WSAVA community has left a lasting legacy of professionalism, collaboration, and mentorship.
In recognizing Dr Cairns’ contributions, Dr Jim Berry, WSAVA President, wrote: “This award recognizes exceptional service to the association and its global mission. Your dedication and commitment to the WSAVA’s work, as well as your remarkable efforts to enhance veterinary medicine worldwide, have not only strengthened our community but have also left a lasting positive impact. This award is a reflection of your invaluable contributions, leadership, and unwavering support of the WSAVA’s vision.”
Reflecting on this recognition, Dr Cairns said: “In accepting this, I feel I need to write a personal thank you to Jim Berry and the Board for awarding me the President’s Award. It is indeed a prestigious recognition for assisting in promoting the veterinary profession in South Africa and around many countries in Africa and, despite a few stressful events, it was a task I really enjoyed. I met so many great people who have remained friends, and that alone was worth the effort.”
The WSAVA warmly congratulates Dr Lawson Cairns on this well-deserved honor, recognizing his decades of service, leadership, and commitment to advancing veterinary care across Africa and beyond.