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BVA Young Vet of the Year 2024 unveiled

The BVA Young Vet of the Year 2024 was awarded at the New BVA dinner to spotlight the UK’s outstanding veterinary professionals

David Charles has been named BVA Young Vet of the Year for 2024. The accolade was announced at last week’s first BVA Awards Dinner at the five-star London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf. The evening, which included a drinks reception sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte, celebrated the achievements of exceptional vets and veterinary teams across four awards.

The awards presented were:

  • BVA’s Young Vet of the Year 2024, supported by Zoetis
  • BVA Wellbeing Awards 2024, supported by MSD Animal Health UK
  • BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award) 
  • BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal)

British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whether working in small animal, equine or farm practices, or in a wide range of non-clinical roles, vets make a vital contribution to society. The BVA Awards is an opportunity to showcase the very best of their achievements, from our committed early career vets and teams going the extra mile to support wellbeing, through to practitioners with long and outstanding careers with lasting impact. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but on behalf of the whole profession.” 

BVA’s Young Vet of the Year 2024: Dr David Charles, MRCVS

BVA’s Young Vet of the Year award celebrates inspirational vets in the first stages of their professional career. David Charles (Figure 1) demonstrated enthusiasm, an outstanding range of commitment and support for the farming community, and resilience during challenging times to secure the title.

Figure (1) David Charles with BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux and Oya Canbas of Zoetis

A 2019 Bristol University graduate, David worked in mixed practice before joining Scarsdale Vets’ farm animal team in early 2020 where he developed a passion for small ruminant work and completed his CertAVP (Sheep). He went on to relaunch the ‘flock health club’ and secured funding for new advanced breeding services to support sheep farms across the Midlands. After sustaining significant injuries in a serious car accident, he was forced to step down from clinical work but went on to set up his veterinary consultancy, offering CPD training for vets and students working with The Webinar Vet and Vet Times. This year, he joined NoBACZ Healthcare as their International Business Development Manager, where he works to bring their innovative and sustainable products into the livestock health markets globally. He continues to offer sheep advisory services to farmers and teach students, and recently supported APHA as an OV during the current BTV-3 outbreak.

On being named the winner, David said: “I was stunned to even be nominated for this prestigious award, let alone win it! I am absolutely delighted and humbled at the same time. My career has been a real journey of ups and downs so far, but I’ve overcome the challenges in my way and have had the chance to undertake and create several different opportunities since having to step away from full-time clinical work. I hope to do this award justice and to inspire other young vets who may also be going through difficult times to rise to the challenge and embrace the varied opportunities our profession offers. Congratulations to my fellow finalists too.”

The judging panel included:  BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux; Linda Belton, RCVS President and director of the George Veterinary Group; Colin Penny, Medical Affairs Manager for Ruminant POM V at Zoetis; and last year’s Young Vet of the Year Dr Henry Lamb.

On behalf of the judges, BVA President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “A big congratulations to David. He has faced significant challenges in the past few years: although he has stepped back from his much-loved clinical work, his proactiveness and resilience to explore alternative ways to use his experience and passion for the veterinary profession is really inspiring. His enthusiasm and determination to succeed demonstrates what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.”

BVA Wellbeing Awards 2024

BVA’s Wellbeing Awards, sponsored by MSD Animal Health, recognise veterinary workplaces which have embraced the ethos of BVA’s Good Veterinary Workplaces initiative: inclusive workplaces with positive cultures where staff feel valued, empowered, rewarded, and where health and wellbeing are prioritised.

This year’s BVA Wellbeing Award winners are:

Small/medium practice (up to 25 employees) winners: Axe Valley Large Animal Vets, Cheddar in Somerset

Axe Valley Large Animal Vets impressed the judges with its genuine effort to alleviate stress and encourage a friendly and happy atmosphere. Ensuring good mental health is a top priority, with a nominated mental health ambassador and team mental health training. Staff are involved with suggesting and implementing change. Personal lives are respected and there are several office dogs!  

Large practice (over 25 employees) winners: Old Golf House Vets, Thetford, Norfolk

Old Golf House Vets stood out for its dedication to achieving and maintaining a positive culture in the workplace. The practice prioritises the individual needs of its staff members, with flexible working available as well as opportunities to share knowledge, talk about their interests and develop their skillset. Staff are encouraged to speak up and get involved with implementing change. Achievements are celebrated and personal lives are encouraged and respected. Breaks, social activities and nominating colleagues for “random awards of greatness” are strongly encouraged and celebrated on the team’s “pawsitivity board”.  

Non-clinical workplace winners: The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) – School of Veterinary Medicine, Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) – School of Veterinary Medicine vet school team secured the award thanks to its focus on wellbeing, dedication to providing a “psychologically safe” culture and commitment to caring for colleague mental health. Good wellbeing is a priority at the school, which set up Wellbeing Wednesdays – afternoons with no teaching – as protected times for colleagues to engage in fun and educational activities to support their wellbeing. Colleagues are encouraged to share ideas, photos and good news as well organise social events within and outside the workplace. A digital suggestion box also allows colleagues to make anonymous suggestions, while Lunch and Learns enable colleagues to share their knowledge and passions, and flexible working supports their personal lives and individual circumstances.

BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said about this year’s award winners: “Our careers form a large part of our lives, so it is essential that team members feel heard, valued and happy in their workplaces. Good wellbeing also benefits workplaces as teams are more likely to remain in posts where they are happy and supported. It’s fantastic to see that workplace culture and support has really moved on over the years and wellbeing prioritised in so many workplaces. The winning workplaces are truly exceptional: they stood out for going the extra mile to support their teams and should be proud of making good wellbeing a priority.”

BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award): Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust

The BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award) is given for contributions to veterinary science or for services to the profession, judged as being of a calibre commanding international or interprofessional recognition.  Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, receives the award for the extensive contributions she has made to pet health and welfare and One Health. Through her work at the Dogs Trust, the Links Group and other sector groups, she has improved the lives of dogs, veterinary professionals and animal owners while her articles, speeches and public affairs campaigns have also been incredibly impactful in raising awareness of key issues affecting the animal welfare and the veterinary profession.

BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal): Eddie Clutton, Clinical Director of the Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals (Roslin Institute)

The BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) recognises outstanding contributions that have helped advance veterinary science. This year, it is awarded to Eddie Clutton for the distinctive contributions he has made to the field of veterinary anaesthesia, recognising his exceptional contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine and science. 

BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Our profession is full of incredible people but some really do stand out for the amazing work they have done and their commitment to the sector. Throughout their careers both Eddie and Paula have made a huge impact to the lives of countless animals and to the profession itself. They continue to make a difference today and we are very proud to acknowledge their dedication. Thank you both for all you do and congratulations, you are both most worthy recipients of these awards.”

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