Vet receives first ever RCVS Queen's Medal
The Queen's Medal is the highest award that can be received by a veterinary surgeon.
Her Majesty the Queen has presented a Belfast-based veterinary surgeon with the first ever RCVS Queen's Medal. It the highest award that can be received by a vet and recognises outstanding contributions to the profession.
Des Thompson OBE received his award in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 8.
He said: "It was a complete honour and a wonderful experience to be received by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace today, and I’m thrilled to have been awarded the RCVS Queen’s Medal.
"Her Majesty was interested to hear about Northern Ireland, and the fact that I’ve been practising there since I qualified."
The ceremony was also attended by RCVS president Stuart Reid, past president Colonel Neil Smith and RCVS registrar Gordon Hockey.
Mr Thompson received two separate nominations for the medal, both of which praised him for his work helping other members of the profession. In his work for the Young Vet Network in Northern Ireland and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, he has particularly helped young vets embarking upon their careers.
The nominations also highlighted the decades Mr Thompson has spent actively involved in veterinary politics. He has been president of the RCVS, BSAVA, Society for Practising Veterinary Surgeons, Northern Ireland Veterinary Association and many other organisations.
The Queen's Medal was introduced last year with the approval of Her Majesty, who is patron of the RCVS.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
