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

BVA appoints new president
Farm vet James Russell will lead the BVA for 2020/21.

James Russell plans to prioritise 'keeping vets healthy' in his presidential year.

Staffordshire-based farm vet James Russell has been announced as president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for 2020/21.

Mr Russell takes on the role following 17 years working in mixed practice, during which he was the director of a large veterinary practice in Ashbourne and later became an independent veterinary consultant.

In his term as junior vice president, Mr Russell helped to develop and launch a comprehensive new policy position on bovine tuberculosis. The updated document considers new and emerging evidence, setting out a holistic roadmap to control and bring an end to this challenging animal health issue.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Mr Russell led much of the farm, large animal and rural veterinary guidance for members. He is also involved with Vetlife and, in January 2020, joined the Vetlife board.

In his role as president of the BVA, Mr Russell plans to take forward the BVA's Good Workplace position through supporting calls for a more positive and inclusive working experience.

He said: “I feel humbled and thrilled to be entering into my presidential year at this crucial time for our profession. My year as Junior Vice President has definitely not reflected the advert – be prepared to be away from home quite a bit, but don’t worry the events make up for it – but it has been a privilege and a steep learning curve.

“When the COVID pandemic hit, as an association we were able to draw on the breadth and depth of experience within our small team to respond with agility and accuracy to often very challenging situations.”

He continued: “Reducing the leaks in the bucket of our profession and helping others to find fulfilment in their work are massively important to me, especially as we recognise the new and amplified mental health challenges facing the profession as we adapt to new ways of working. It is this which has reinforced my desire to make ‘keeping vets healthy’ the theme that I hope to apply to all my thinking and work this year.”

Welcoming Mr Russell to the role, outgoing president Daniella Dos Santos reflected on ‘a year like no other’, adding that BVA would continue to be there for everyone in the veterinary community during the challenging and uncertain times ahead.

Daniella, who will continue on the BVA Officer team as senior vice president, 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.”

During the virtual handover session on Thursday (17 September), Winchester-based zoo and wildlife veterinary surgeon, Dr Justine Shotton was elected junior vice president. He will join James and Daniella on BVA's Officer team for 2020/21.

Image (C) 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.