Trevor James Heath, born 4 January 1937, graduated with first class honours from the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science (BVSc 1960). In 1973 he was appointed Professor and Dean of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland, a position he held until 1980. He then held a Chair in Veterinary Anatomy until 1998. During this period he was Deputy President of the University of Queensland Academic Board, and Chair of the Postgraduate Studies Committee. He was appointed an Emeritus Professor of the University of Queensland in 1999 and served as an academic consultant to Kings College. He set up the world's first longitudinal study of veterinary students, which has provided unique insights into career longevity and change in the veterinary profession.