Emily Craven won the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award in 2019.

Farm vet Emily Craven calls on others to nominate for the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award. 

BVA Young Vet of the Year Award winner Emily Craven has called on the profession to nominate dedicated young vets for the honour after the positive impact the prize has had on her career.

Farm vet Emily received the award for her passion for animal welfare, particularly lameness and mobility in cattle, and for going above and beyond as she balanced a full-time role while also helping at a local practice during its time of need. 

Since winning the award, Emily has continued to grow as a farm vet, started a Masters degree in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law at the University of Edinburgh, and joined the BVA's Policy Committee.

When she first learned she had won, Emily said she was "completely shocked and overwhelmed," adding that she felt "incredibly lucky for this vote of confidence." After almost three years, she is still appreciative of the boost the award gave her and is convinced it had a favourable effect on her career. 

She said: “When I found out I had been nominated for this award back in 2019, I was absolutely stunned – and even more so when I won! This award has opened so many doors and gave my early career and my confidence such a boost.”

Emily, who is autistic, added: “Before winning this award, I would have struggled to open up about my Autism or my anxiety but since then I have been a lot more open in the hope it may help or inspire someone else who may be struggling. It is so important to celebrate the achievements, hard work and dedication of young vets, particularly at the start of their careers.

“Nominating someone who really has gone the extra mile could really make a difference to a young vet, so, if you know someone who is worthy of that recognition, then please do make sure you nominate them for this award, it really would mean the world to them.”

The Young Vet of the Year Award recognises and celebrates vets in the early stages of their career. The award is given for many reasons, including providing outstanding and consistent patient care, showing great support for clients and colleagues, or going above and beyond the call of duty. 

The award also celebrates vets who have championed causes in the sector, where their dedication has had a substantial influence, and where they have inspired others in the veterinary community. 

Nominations for the 2022 award are now open to RCVS registered members and those in the first eight years of their careers. Applications can be from those working within any veterinary sphere, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics. 

BVA president Justine Shotton said: “Life may be settling back into a ‘new normal’ after a difficult few years but we know that vets have had to cope with – and are still coping with – workforce issues related to Covid, Brexit and also a surge in pet ownership. 
 
“Veterinary professionals across the UK have all worked incredibly hard to ensure to ensure that animals and their carers receive excellent care. We are proud to have this opportunity to celebrate the dedication of these inspiring vets and urge anyone who knows a young vet who has really made a difference to nominate them for this award.”

The award winner will be announced in November at the London Vet Show BVA Gala Dinner and will receive £1,000 prize money, a year of free BVA membership, a mentoring opportunity with Zoetis and career development opportunities such as becoming a BVA ambassador. 

The Young Vet of the Year Award is open to self-entry and nominations until Monday, 29 August 2022. For more information, visit bva.co.uk

Image (C) BVA.