A voice for vets finding their feet in practice
"Looking at a problem from a range of perspectives is a good starting point from which to work towards a consensus."
Hannah Jordan, one of 11 candidates in this year's RCVS Council elections, says she hopes to offer a voice to "young, generalist vets who are still very much finding their feet in practice".
Having graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, Hannah is currently working in Professor the Lord Trees' office as parliamentary veterinary intern.
Should she be elected to the council, one of her key hopes is to increase acceptance of mental health issues as well as uptake of support services.
"It would be marvellous if the RCVS could stand up for, or support veterinary rights (working hours etc) in some way, similar to the equivalent French organisation," she told MRCVSonline.
"The work that has been done so far on the Mind Matters initiative is a great step toward helping those that suffer from mental health issues and stress, and improving their acceptance among the public and the veterinary profession."
In addition to this, Hannah said she would like to improve input and involvement in the RCVS among members of the profession.
"The more communication, consultation and input there is from the profession, the greater the chance the RCVS has of getting things right," she said, adding that trust between members of the profession and the college could be improved with greater transparency around the retention fee income and RCVS spending, as well as "a clear distinction between the regulatory function of the college and the Royal College of learned professionals element."
Commenting on how the college can avoid coming under fire from the profession in future, Hannah said: "Whilst every decision is never going to please everybody, especially as the profession diversifies (the debate about the use of the courtesy title 'Dr' emphasises this), I think that communication, consultation and scenario planning is likely to aid better decision making…
"Looking at a problem from a range of perspectives is a good starting point from which to work towards a consensus."
To read our full interview with Hannah, see vetcommunity.com.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
