Emily Craven ‘went above and beyond her call of duty’
Farm animal practitioner Emily Craven has been presented with a top award for her work around lameness in cattle and for going ‘above and beyond’ to support a local veterinary practice.
Emily was one of three finalists nominated for the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) Young Vet of the Year Award 2019, securing first place. She was presented with the award at the BVA Gala dinner on Thursday (14 November) following a busy first day at London Vet Show.
Nominated for her passion for animal welfare and enthusiasm for farm practice, Emily was described by her nominator as ‘infectious’ and went above and beyond her call of duty.
On receiving the award, Emily said: “I’m completely shocked and overwhelmed. To be nominated was a shock, let alone being a finalist and winner. I am so grateful to my two teams, West point Chelmsford and Oakwood Veterinary Group as everything I have ever done is for the clients and the team.
“The whole experience has been overwhelming and it’s an honour to be mentioned in the same category as the other two finalists. Thank you to Zoetis, BVA and everyone who has supported my career thus far- I feel incredibly lucky for this vote of confidence, makes a change from a night on call!”
A neighbouring veterinary practice reached out for help at a real time of need and Emily offered more than an extra pair of hands. In a display of dedication to the practice, she advised on TB testing, helped with routine calls and inspired the whole team.
Emily juggled two jobs over the five-month period, leading her nominator to say that she ‘raised the team’s spirits to no end at a time when they were really up against it’, whilst showing ‘enthusiasm, dedication, tenacity and integrity’.
Emily has also led work on lameness in dairy cows and sat on the clinical board at Westpoint in Chelmsford. There she also taught interns to ensure the message is carried across to new farm vets entering the profession. She was even described as having given up on holidays to assist on Westpoint training courses across the UK.
BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “I am delighted to present this award to Emily, who has shown dedication and passion for mobility in cattle and gone above and beyond when helping her local practice, at a time of need.
“This award is aimed to highlight the outstanding everyday difference young vets make to the veterinary profession and Emily is certainly a deserved winner. I am sure that colleagues and the teams at BVA and Zoetis will join me in congratulating the finalists and our overall winner for their great work.”
The BVA Young Vet of the Year Award 2019 pays recognition to recent graduates who have gone above and beyond their role and who are making a difference within their community or the veterinary profession generally.
Image (C) BVA.
RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence. 
