Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Alan Gordon elected president of BVA NI Branch
Mr Gordon graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and worked in mixed practice in North Antrim before moving to Ballynure in 1981.

Vet pledges to be a “strong voice for vets” in Northern Ireland 

Ballynure-based vet Alan Gordon has been made president of the BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch, replacing Jean Wales who sadly passed away last year.

Mr Gordon, who has worked in mixed practice for nearly 40 years, was elected president at the branch AGM in County Antrim on Thursday (15 February).

BVA president John Fishwick said he was “delighted” to welcome him as the new branch president.

“The work of BVA’s Branches is invaluable in representing the veterinary profession right across the UK, and many of the country’s animal health and welfare successes could not have been achieved without veterinary input and involvement. As we head towards Brexit, it is vital that the veterinary voice is heard on border - and other issues that are unique to Northern Ireland within the UK.”

BVA Northern Ireland Branch contributes local knowledge and expertise to the BVA’s wider lobbying and representative activities. It has recently worked on a range of issues, including responding to consultations on the challenges Brexit poses to the veterinary profession and food sector in Northern Ireland.

Mr Fishwick also paid tribute to former president Jean Wales, who made “an extremely valuable contribution to the BVA Northern Ireland Branch during her sadly brief time as president”. She passed away in post in June 2017.

Mr Gordon graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and worked in mixed practice in North Antrim before moving to Ballynure in 1981. He joined the Clare Vet Group, where he was a partner and director until 2016 and continues to be a consultant.

He has a special interest in small animal dentistry and dairy cattle fertility and has been involved in mentoring new assistants and school pupils who are keen to pursue a veterinary education. He also forges strong relationships with the local community through talks given to those in the small animal and farm sectors.  

Commenting on his election, he said: “I am honoured to be elected as president of BVA Northern Ireland Branch and look forward to give back to the profession that has supported me for so long.

“I believe my extensive and varied clinical experience and previous veterinary representative roles stand me in good stead to whole-heartedly champion the issues that matter most to the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with the BVA Branch team and veterinary colleagues throughout Northern Ireland to provide a strong voice for vets.”

Image courtesy of BVA
 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.