Dr Niall Connell will take up his new role in July
RCVS Council members have elected Dr Niall Connell as junior vice-president for 2018-19 and confirmed Amanda Boag as president for the same year.
Niall was elected at a meeting of the RCVS Council on Thursday (8 March) where a number of other appointments were also confirmed. These include Amanda as president, professor Stephen May as senior vice-president, Dr Kit Sturgess as treasurer, Professor Susan Dawson as chair of education committee and Dr Kate Richards as chair of standards committee.
After qualifying from the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982, Niall began his career working in mixed practice in Fife. In 1984 he joined Glasgow East PDSA PetHospital as a senior veterinary surgeon where he remained for 15 years.
Whilst at the PDSA, Niall became an honorary lecturer and examiner at Glasgow vet school. He retired from clinical practice in 2009 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and now works as a clinical & professional skills Instructor at Glasgow vet school.
In asking for votes from RCVS Council members, Niall said: “I am passionate about highlighting RCVS’ work, achievements and ethos in person and on several social media platforms to maximise engagement with our professions and with undergraduates. I have an excellent relationship with RCVS staff which is very important. I relish the prospect of working with my fellow Council members, College staff and our professional colleagues in the field for the best outcomes.
“The College is immersed in many important projects such as Vet/VN Futures, Mind Matters, graduate outcomes, career pathways and One Health, as well as Brexit, global positioning and the Veterinary Surgeons Act. I would devote all my time and energy to being RCVS Vice-President/President.”
Niall, Amanda and the other team members will take up their new roles at RCVS Day in July.
Image (C) RCVS
The sale of products containing microbeads is now banned across England and Scotland, Defra has confirmed. 
