By his own admission, the title Dr Allan Gunn has now been given is so "impressive", he can hardly think of himself that way.
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After examination from peers, the Charles Sturt University academic has been made a fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The international honour recognises Dr Gunn's enormous contribution to clinical practices in Australia, China, the United Kingdom and his homeland Zimbabwe.
"It's humbling to be told I could be a fellow," Dr Gunn said.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the award ceremony was hosted virtually from the United Kingdom. Owing to timezone changes, Dr Gunn had to join the ceremony at 4am.
"When I was at the ceremony, it dawned on me that I'm now one of these fellows," he said.
"I still don't feel like I am among these learned colleagues. The oldest fellowship of veterinary sciences says that I'm worth listening to, that's humbling."
Graduating in 1993, Dr Gunn worked mostly with cattle until he relocated to academia in Wagga in 2012.
Working across nations throughout his career, Dr Gunn has realised the language of animals bypasses cultural differences.
"What you do varies slightly [depending on where you are], but all animals are similar," he said.
"The diseases are different. There are tropical diseases in Zimbabwe [for example] but otherwise, it's fairly similar, the principles are the same."
The fellowship honour, Dr Gunn said, recognises not only his work but the support of his colleagues the world over.
Even in the application process, which took about a year, Dr Gunn said, he received enormous support from his peers and family at Charles Sturt University and beyond.
"So many wonderful people have been there," he said.
"I pinch myself to think I was a farm boy from Zimbabwe now I'm a fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. It is a testament to my parents and all they have done."
In particular, Dr Gunn wanted to dedicate his success to his mentor, Associate Professor Dave Hanlon who assisted greatly in the application process.
"Not long after he wrote the letter of support for me, he died in a car crash in America, that was at the beginning of this year," he said.
"He and all my colleagues have been so supportive."