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Improve International awards Louise O'Dwyer Scholarship 2022
"I hope to be able to continue Louise's legacy by inspiring other veterinary nurses to follow their own aspirations at any stage of their career" - Claire Thomas.

Claire Thomas RVN 'honoured and excited' for the opportunity. 

The winner of the Louise O'Dwyer Scholarship for 2022 has been announced as Claire Thomas RVN.

Claire, who works at Dick White Referrals, will study Emergency and Critical Care, and will be awarded a Nurse Certificate (NCert) by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).

The scholarship is given in memory of Louise O'Dwyer, a much-loved and highly respected and awarded veterinary nurse, who died in 2019. 

Louise was passionate about Emergency and Critical Care (ECC), and lectured on the topic at courses and congresses around the world, as well as on Improve International's ISVPS NCert ECC training course. 

With over twenty years' experience in general practice, Claire made the decision to become an ECC nurse and follow her passion to care for critically ill patients.

Dr Charlotte French, of Improve International, said: “We are delighted to award the Louise O’Dwyer Scholarship to Claire and excited to see her bring her passion and ambition to our ISVPS NCert Emergency and Critical Care training programme. 

“We believe she will excel in this discipline and inspire other vet nurses to advance their own skills and confidence in this vital area of veterinary medicine. Many congratulations.”

Claire commented on her successful application: “I am truly honoured and excited to have been chosen for the Louise O’Dwyer Legacy Scholarship for 2022. Thank you to Louise’s family and Improve International for this amazing opportunity. 

“Louise was an inspirational nurse who always promoted autonomy within the profession and encouraged nurses to follow their own interests in a specialist field. I hope to be able to continue Louise’s legacy by inspiring other nurses to follow their own aspirations at any stage of their career.

“I hope to use this scholarship to further my knowledge and develop practical skills to enhance my role as an ECC nurse and provide the best clinical care to critically ill patients.”

 

Image (C) Improve International

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.