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RCVS elects new junior vice president
Dr Christopher (Kit) Sturgess has served on council as an elected member since 2013.

Dr Kit Sturgess to assume role from 2020-21

The RCVS has announced that Dr Christopher (Kit) Sturgess has been appointed as the new junior vice president of the College for 2020 to 2021.

As an RCVS-recognised specialist in small animal medicine, Dr Strugess has been working as an internist in private referral practice since 2003. As well as being a member of a range of RCVS committees and project groups, he is currently chair of the RCVS Finances & Resources Committee and has been RCVS treasurer since 2017.

Dr Sturgess is also chair of the Small Animal Veterinary Association and a trustee of both Cats Protection and the Wildheart Trust.

Commenting on his election, Dr Sturgess said: "It was a great honour to be elected as the next junior vice president by my fellow council members. I feel that I can make a positive contribution to the work that the RCVS is already undertaking in ensuring the veterinary team remains healthy and respected.

“In particular I am keen to look at how the RCVS can help find solutions to our workforce issues – improving retention as well as encouraging and facilitating vets and nurses back into the profession."

In addition to the appointment of Dr Sturgess as junior vice president, Dr Mandisa Greene was confirmed as president for 2020 to 2021 and current president, Dr Niall Connell, was confirmed as senior vice president for this period.

Professor Susan Dawson was also voted in as RCVS treasurer. Prof Dawson is currently professor and head of school at the University of Liverpool and is chair of the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative. She will formally begin her new role on Friday 10 July during Royal College Day.

Prof Dawson said: “I have been a proud member of the veterinary profession since 1983 and am delighted to be on RCVS Council where, along with our colleagues in Belgravia House, we get the opportunity to make a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Council and am very grateful for being given the opportunity to take on the role of treasurer.

“With all the things happening in the veterinary professions and beyond, it is an exciting time to take on the treasurer role and I will do my very best to do as good a job as previous treasurers.”

Image (c) RCVS.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.