Dr Chris Tufnell calls on profession to wear badge with pride
The new president of the RCVS has called upon veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to be proud of their profession and to feel great that they are committed to the welfare of animals in their care.
In his maiden speech, Dr Chris Tufnell said: "Sadly we often hear that there are vets and nurses who live in fear of the RCVS. This is something of which I am personally ashamed.
"Being particularly mindful of the role and fear anxiety play in mental health, I will do everything I can to replace this fear... I will encourage all hardworking vets and nurses, whichever field they are in, to wear their [MRCVS] 'badge' with pride. Feel good about what you do, feel great about what you do."
Dr Tufnell, an elected member of Council since 2009, graduated with a veterinary degree from the University of Glasgow at the age of 30, having first attained a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Science from the University of Newcastle.
Following graduation, Chris worked in a mixed practice in Herefordshire before purchasing an equine and companion animal practice in West Berkshire, which currently employs five veterinary surgeons and five support staff.
Dr Tufnell became the College's new president at RCVS day on July 15. His first official duty upon receiving the presidential chain of office from President Dr Bradley Viner was to welcome the new Junior Vice President Professor Stephen May.
During the day, new members of RCVS and VN Councils were also welcomed.
Two new members of Council - Melissa Donald and Lucie Goodwin - invited to take up their seats and their four-year terms on Council. The re-elected members, Christopher Barker, Amanda Boag, Kut Sturgess and Stephen May were also confirmed for their four-year terms.
For VN Council, the newly elected members Rachael Marshall and Matthew Rendle were formally welcomed to their four-year terms by Liz Cox chair of VN Council.
Image (C) RCVS
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
