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WSAVA welcomes new president
Dr Ellen van Nierop.

Dr Ellen van Nierop will lead the association's global community. 

Small animal clinician Dr Ellen van Nierop, who practises in Quito, Ecuador, has been named president of the WSAVA.

Originally from the Netherlands, Dr Nierop was elected president at the WSAVA World Congress (29-31 October) in Lima, Peru. She will be supported by Dr Jim Berry from Canada, who was elected WSAVA vice president. 

Ellen said: “I am honoured to serve the veterinary profession as WSAVA President and will ensure that we continue to strengthen and grow our global veterinary community in order to build a better future for both our current members and those still to come.”

"As a practising clinician, I find the WSAVA’s educational resources invaluable and, as a member of the Executive Board, I have seen at first hand the hugely positive influence the association is having in terms of raising standards of companion animal veterinary care around the world."

A graduate of Ghent University in Belgium, Ellen runs a small animal clinic with her husband, who is also a vet. She first joined the WSAVA Executive Board in 2013 and has been the Ecuadorian representative of the WSAVA for AMVEPE since 2009. 

Other new roles on the WSAVA executive board include Dr Oscar Umaña from Costa Rica as honorary treasurer and Dr Jerzy Gawor from Poland as Board Member.

Image (C) WSAVA.

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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

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.