BVA Officers Handover and Awards event: New BVA President James Russell pledges to prioritise ‘keeping vets healthy’ in his presidential year
Daniella Dos Santos today (17 September) concluded her year as British Veterinary Association (BVA) President with her final Presidential Address at BVA’s virtual Officers Handover and Awards event.
In her speech, as well as welcoming her successors, Daniella reflected on ‘a year like no other’ and said that BVA would continue to be there for everyone in the veterinary community during the challenging and uncertain times ahead.
She said: “There isn’t a book on how to lead during a pandemic, let alone doing it during an election year, a transition period, or when the regulation of your profession is being re-evaluated.
“This year has been unpredictable and unlike any other, but at every step of the way I have been absolutely honoured to serve you as BVA’s President and could not be prouder to be part of our incredible profession.”
Daniella will continue on the BVA Officer team as Senior Vice President.
During the Officer Handover session, Staffordshire-based farm vet James Russell was elected BVA President for 2020/21. Winchester-based zoo and wildlife veterinary surgeon, Dr Justine Shotton was elected Junior Vice President and will join James and Daniella on BVA's Officer team for 2020/21.
Vets receive awards in celebration of achievements
Three awards were made to vets across the profession at BVA’s virtual awards event. These included BVA awards for outstanding contributions to veterinary science and services to the profession in the UK, and contributions to BVA Council.
- The Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal for work of outstanding merit, considered to be BVA’s most esteemed scientific award and to encourage the advancement of veterinary science, was awarded to Professor Martin Green in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cattle health.
- The Chiron Award, presented by BVA for outstanding contributions to veterinary science or to the profession, judged in either case as being of a standard commanding international or inter-professional recognition, was awarded to Dr Rosie Allister in recognition of the special contribution she has made in the field of mental health and wellbeing support across the veterinary community.
- The Bleby Cup was awarded to Hull-based vet, Jim Morris in recognition of his outstanding contribution to BVA Council, the Association’s key debating chamber and decision-making body, particularly in relation to championing the voice of practising vets in high-profile areas such as Brexit.
